Capstone Project Overview, Part 1, and Rubric
Your task for Part 1 of the capstone project is to select a topic that you would like to work on. It’s very important that you select a topic that you personally feel passionate about and that’s relevant to your lives for this research. You will be provided with a list of 3 controversial topics for you to choose from - all three from contemporary debates with pro- and con- arguments for both sides. For this assignment, you will review the resources for all three topics carefully before deciding on which topic you would like to work on for your capstone project. Please note: once you selected and committed to a topic, you will not be able to change it later, so choose wisely!
Capstone Project Part 1 PHIL 110 Part 1 of the Capstone Project Part 1 of the Capstone Project Your task for Part 1 of the Capstone Project is to select a topic and justify your choice in the Discussion Forum by discussing the main problem or issue. It’s important to choose a topic about which you feel strongly and that is personally relevant. Below you will find a list of three controversial topics to choose from. All three topics are contemporary and include both pro and con arguments. Please review the resources for all three topics carefully before deciding on your Capstone Project topic. Please note: once you select and commit to a topic, you will be unable to change it later, so choose wisely! Choose one of the following topics: Topic 1 -- Gun Violence Topic 2 -- Illegal Immigration Topic 3 -- #MeToo movement: resource 1, resource 2 1. After you’ve read through the resources and have chosen your topic, write 2-3 paragraphs in which you justify the reasons for choosing that topic, answering the following questions: • Why did you select it? • Can you clarify or re-state the main points as you initially understand them? In other words, what is the issue at stake or problem? • What are some of the components of that issue or problem? Try reconstructing a simple argument or two that you identified from the reading. Post your 2-3 paragraphs to the designated Discussion Forum. Then, read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts, following the instructions below. Instructions for Peer Feedback When writing responses to your peers: • Find similarities and differences between their observations and your own; • Compare your position to theirs on your selected topic; and • Pose at least one critical question that might deepen their (and your own) thinking about this issue https://gun-control.procon.org/ https://immigration.procon.org/ https://www.nytimes.com/series/metoo-moment https://metoomvmt.org/resources Part 1 of the Capstone Project Instructions for Peer Feedback Capstone Project Overview PHIL 110 Overview of the Capstone Project Overview of the Capstone Project The Capstone Project will be completed in stages with due dates throughout, and at the end of the course. You will have an opportunity to select a contemporary topic, find a proposed solution, and creatively express your argumentative position in your medium of choice: a tweet, dialogue, or images/ charts. Your project’s successful completion will demonstrate your understanding and application of key critical thinking concepts we have learned this session. You will have choices to make, including the topic that you will work on and the medium in which you will be submitting your work. The Capstone Project includes four parts: Part 1 – Topic Selection: your task is to select a topic (Gun Violence, Illegal Immigration, or #MeToo movement) and justify your choice in the Discussion Forum by discussing the main problem or issue. Due following Unit 3. Part 2 – Proposed Solution: you will continue researching and developing your understanding of issues related to your selected topic in a Discussion Forum. Due following Unit 6. Part 3 - Draft of Project and Peer Feedback: in your draft, you will argue for a chosen position related to your topic, following a 7-step critical thinking process. You will provide substantive feedback to your classmates on their projects in a Discussion Forum. Due following Unit 9. Part 4 – Final Capstone Project: you will have an opportunity to creatively express your argumentative position in a medium of your choice (a tweet, dialogue, or images/charts). In addition, you are asked to reconstruct your argument using the concepts learned in class. The completed, edited, and polished version of your Capstone Project will be shared with your peers in a Discussion Forum. Due by end of the session. You will receive feedback from your peers and instructor for Parts 1-3 of the project. You are encouraged to review and apply this feedback to improve your project. Learning Objectives Your completed Capstone Project will demonstrate the following learning objectives: • Use critical thinking skills to assess information, solve problems, and make decisions • Identify, reconstruct and appraise different argument types that appear in print/non-print media • Evaluate inductive and deductive inferences using the concepts of validity, soundness, reliability, strength and cogency • Construct and evaluate oral and written arguments emphasizing clarity and reason. • Research: Locate, synthesize, and evaluate narrative and numerical information in print, electronic, and live formats. Overview of the Capstone Project Learning Objectives PHIL 110 Capstone Project Rubrics 1 Grading Rubric for Capstone Project Part 1 Criterion Percentage Followed instructions to select a topic. 4% At least one paragraph offers a reason for the selection. 16% At least one paragraph clarifies or re-states the problem. 16% At least one paragraph lists the key components of the problem. 22% At least one paragraph presents an initial argumentative position, including (1) the main claim (the conclusion) and (2) the reasons that support the main claim (the premises). 28% Clearly written, thoughtful answer. 4% Responses to other students pose at least one critical question regarding the topic. 6% Posted on time. 4% 100% Part 2 Criterion Percentage Clearly states at least one solution with reasons justifying choice. 8% Discusses how solution attempts to address the problem. 22% Identifies evidence that would help evaluate the effectiveness of the solution. 28% In responding to other students, mentions similarities and/or differences to their solution. 16% PHIL 110 Capstone Project Rubrics 2 Criterion Percentage In responding to other students, comments on their evidence and/or offers additional perspectives. 16% Clear, error free writing, well-composed answer. 5% Posted on time. 5% 100% Part 3 Criterion Percentage Follows the seven-step critical thinking process in full detail. 10% Proposes an argument that offers a solution related to the topic, including a main claim (conclusion) and supporting evidential statements (premises). 26% Evaluates the argument in terms of (1) its evidential support, (2) the logical connectness (relevance) of the evidence to the conclusion, and (3) the argument’s validity (if it is presented as a deduction) or the argument’s cogency (if it is presented as an induction) 26% Discusses possible objections (rebuttals) to the argument, including any potential fallacies that the argument might commit. 14% In responding to other students, comments begin with a positive statement. 6% In responding to other students, comments provide constructive feedback. 8% Clear, error free writing, appropriate citations. 5% Posted on time. 5% PHIL 110 Capstone Project Rubrics 3 Part 4: Final Capstone Project Criterion Percentage Follows instructions 5% Expresses an argument in a tweet, a dialogue or set of images 10% Extended argument presentation/reconstruction 20% Extended argument evaluation 20% Visual representation 15% NACE reflection on career readiness 20% Proper citations 5% Level of literacy 5% 100% Grading Rubric for Capstone Project Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4: Final Capstone Project