JOURNAL:

Course Reflection

Reflect on what you have learned in this course and answer the questions below:

• How might following a structured approach to creating sound and strong arguments impact your life?
• How have you begun to use logic as a tool for improving your everyday life?
• What are your future goals for changing your critical thinking
  and reasoning skills as a result of what you have learned in this
  course?

THE JOURNAL IS TOTALLY SEPARATE FROM THE FINAL PROJECT

Final Project

In your written component of the Final Project, you will
analyze an argument in relation to a specific issue. Then, you will
respond to that argument by providing a counterargument. Please choose
one reading or media artifact from the Final Project Argument Options.
Be sure to choose an issue in which you are interested and for which
you have enough factual evidence to create a strong argument.

Complete the steps below based on your chosen argument:

Step One: Evaluate the Argument

1. Identify the issue that is addressed in the argument.
2. Explain the argument and identify the premises and conclusions.
3. Evaluate the argument.
   • If the argument has a deductive component, is it valid and sound? Why?
   • If the argument has an inductive component, is it strong or weak? Why?
   • Remember that arguments often contain both inductive and
     deductive components. Do your best to identify all the arguments that
     are used to support the position presented in the piece.

Step Two: Create a Counterargument

1. Create a counterargument to the original argument.
   • Present premises that support your own position while also
     pointing out the weaknesses inherent in the original argument. Avoid the
     use of fallacious reasoning and anecdotal evidence.
   • If you are using inductive arguments, make sure that they
     are strong. If you are using deductive arguments, make sure that they
     are valid and attempt to provide sound premises.
   • Use factual evidence and/or logical support from at least three scholarly sources to support your argument.
   • This might require you to play “devil’s advocate.” Remember
     that you do not need to agree with the position for which you argue.
     You may need to take on an opposing position to your own personal view
     and argue from that position. Critical thinkers are able to take on
     opposing perspectives and identify the strongest arguments from those
     perspectives.

 
Choose one of the options below to present your argument evaluation and counterargument.

1. Written Assignment
   • Must be 1100 to 1400 words in length, excluding the title page and reference page(s).
   • Must include at least three scholarly sources to support the counterargument.
   • Must be formatted according to APA 6th edition style guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. PowerPoint Presentation
   • Must be 10 to 12 slides in length, excluding the title
     slide and reference slide(s). You must also include an audio voice-over
     transcript or slide notes totaling between 1100 and1400 words.
   • The presentation, transcript, and/or slide notes must
     include APA-style references (in-text and on the reference slide) for at
     least three scholarly sources supporting the counter-argument.
   • Must be formatted according to APA 6th edition style guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
   • Feel free to use images that enhance the presentation and
     contribute to it. However, remember that images are not a substitute for
     the content that must be presented in slide notes or audio voice-over.
3. Video Presentation using Present.me (https://present.me/content/)
   • Must be five to ten minutes in length (no longer than ten
     minutes) and, include a voice-over component. At the beginning of the
     presentation, include the title page content listed below under the
     “Writing the Final Project” guidelines.
   • Must provide a transcript of the video content that is
     between 1100 and 1400 words, including APA-style references (in-text and
     on the reference page(s)) to at least three academic sources supporting
     the counter-argument.
   • Feel free to use images that enhance the presentation and
     contribute to it. However, remember that images are not a substitute for
     the content that must be presented in your audio voice-over.
   • To submit your work, copy and paste the URL to your video
     into a Word document along with your transcript. Include your name and
     date, and submit the assignment using the Assignment Submission button
     in the online classroom.
   • For help with using Present.me, use these resources.

Writing the Final Project
The Final Project:

1. Must be 1100 to 1400 words in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page/slide with the following:
   1. Title of project
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introduction that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the project with critical thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6. Must use at least three scholarly sources, including a minimum of three from the Ashford University Library.
7. Must document all sources in APA 6th edition style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Must include a separate reference page/slide that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.