Optional Assignment for Mr. Monge’s Classes

Critical Thinking/Reasoning and Problem Solving

This is not a mandatory assignment. No one is required to complete this assignment, but if your grade is lower than you desire, and you think you are capable of better work, then you are more than welcome to complete this assignment, and the score on this optional assignment will be added to your grade. Note that this is not straightforward extra credit. If you score lower on the optional assignment than your current grade, your percentage for the course will go down, which might lower your letter grade. You should only complete the assignment if you are confident that you can get a better grade on this paper than your current grade in the class.

Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to obtain a copy of Mr. Monge’s book: Why I’m not a Democrat, and write a paper conforming to the following guidelines. Your school bookstore should have copies of the book, and you can also get a copy at http://archimedespublishing.com (be sure to use the discount "student"). If you cannot afford the book, please let me know and we can make alternate arrangements.

You are to find an argument from Mr. Monge’s book which is amenable to analysis using the techniques you have learned so far in class. Your paper should include:

1. The text of the argument.
2. The premises, subconclusions, and main conclusion written in standard form.
3. Every inference should then be analyzed separately, where both the strength of the argument and the truth of the premises are evaluated.
4. A summary where you give a final judgment of the overall argument itself.

See me if you have any additional questions.

Your paper should have a title page, be at least four pages of your own work, typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins. Use a basic 12 point font. You should properly cite any quotations you use.

Your paper will be graded on a variety of factors: length, grammar, spelling, completeness, conformity to the instructions, style, clarity, and accuracy. The cogency of your reasoning and the presence or lack of fallacies will also be a major  factor. In general, an “A” paper is complete and meets all guidelines given.  It will look professional, and will not have any major errors or mistakes.  A paper which is deficient in any of these areas may receive a “B.”  A paper which is deficient in any two areas may receive a “C.”  A “D” will be given to any paper with a major deficiency in any one area, or minor deficiencies in all areas.  Generally, an “F” will be reserved for an incomplete paper, or one which has major deficiencies in multiple areas.

See your syllabus or ask me about the due date of the assignment.