CS 4001
HW: Analyzing the Argument of an Article
| Due: | Thursday, September 3rd |
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| Format: | Double spaced, 12 pt font |
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| Grading criteria: |
- Completeness
- Writing
- Insight into content issues
- Insight into form (writing) issues
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Pick a short article (approximately 500 to 2000 words long) available online that takes a strong position on a controversial issue about computing and society. Anything with any kind of computer chip in it counts as "computing."
Some suggestions for article topics include:
- Should violent video games be banned, or their sale restricted to minors?
- Should cell phone use be banned in cars?
- Is the proposed DOPA law restricting kids' access to social networking sites a good idea?
- Any topic about computing and society of your choice
Answer these questions about the article:
- Who is the author? What is the
place of publication? What do those things tell you about the point of
view of the article?
- What facts underlie the argument of the article? How are those
facts documented? Are any of the things presented as facts disputable?
- What values, beliefs, and assumptions are implicit
in the article?
- To really understand the issues better, what facts would you like to
know/know more about?
- How does the author use language to help make the point?
- What might someone on the other side of the controversy argue? List three key points.
Please write this as one coherent essay that addresses all these points (not a set of answers
to individual questions.) Use correct, clear English in writing your answers. Style counts.
Hand in a paper copy of the article with your homework. Include the URL where you found the article on your assignment. If you use an article you found in a print publication, please include a copy with your homework.
Come to class prepared to discuss your article.