ENG 112: Argumentative Research paper Prompt: Should ChatGPT be...

ENG 112: Argumentative Research paper

Purpose:

·        The purpose of this assignment is to develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the potential benefits and drawbacks of using an AI language model like ChatGPT as a tool for college composition. 

·        Through conducting their own field research using ChatGPT and gathering evidence from credible sources, students will evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT as a writing aid and consider its impact on student learning, writing skills, and academic performance.

·        This assignment aims to develop research and essay formatting skills, specifically in the areas of evaluating sources and using MLA. By requiring at least five sources, including one scholarly source, and by mandating MLA formatting, students will practice evaluating the credibility and relevance of sources, as well as properly citing those sources in a research paper.

·        Students will develop a clear and convincing argument that upholds their thesis about the use of ChatGPT in college composition. They will use rhetorical strategies, such as ethos, logos, and pathos, to effectively persuade their audience of the merits of their position. Students will further develop their argumentation and rhetorical skills, which are essential for academic writing and beyond.

·        Students will use their own writing process to craft a well-written research paper that effectively communicates their findings and argument to their intended audience.

Tasks:

·        Secondary Research: 

o   Use the internet and databases to conduct research on the benefits and drawbacks of using an AI language model like ChatGPT in college writing courses. Gather evidence from at least five credible sources, including one scholarly source, to support your analysis. 

o   We will use class time to locate and search appropriate databases accessible in the NOVA library. The assignment allows students to use both internet search engines and databases to find material, so we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. 

o   In class, we will also discuss and identify scholarly and popular sources. You want to be confident that you understand the difference between them, in case you are asked to use only scholarly sources in the future. This assignment allows you to use both scholarly and popular sources. 

o   We will evaluate popular sources for credibility and bias. Since disinformation and "fake news" run rampant on the internet and social media, we will practice evaluating sources and reading laterally. Critical thinking and consideration to source material is important both for your academic work and in your everyday life.

·        Field Research:

o   Use ChatGPT as a writing tool to complete a rhetorical analysis essay. Use the same topic used for the  first essay in the class. Report back on the experience, reflecting on its effectiveness as a writing aid and how the final essay compared to the original work.

o   Reflect on your personal experience using ChatGPT and discuss its effectiveness as a writing aid. Did it enhance your writing skills and academic performance, or did it hinder your writing process in any way? Explain your findings.

o   Students will either write and conduct a survey about AI in the classroom or write and conduct a personal interview with a college student or an educator discussing the implications of the program.

·        Drafting and Revision: 

o   Students will use academic essay organization patterns. They will organize the paper around a  precise thesis statement that takes a clear position on the prompt, and the essay should have clear support with body paragraphs. We will take it step-by-step.

o   Provide examples of successful implementations or challenges faced when using ChatGPT in writing instruction. Support your position with evidence from the research.

o   We have discussed the power of rhetoric in class, and students will now apply these tools in their own work. Students will make deliberate and effective use of persuasive strategies discussed in class. Consider how to effectively persuade the audience.

o   We will use class time for both peer review and individual student conferences to revise the drafts of the essay.