Final Project: Social Media and Your Data Argument Essay

Due May 20, 2016 by 9am
Points 100
Submitting a file upload
File Types doc and docx
Available after May 5, 2016 at 12pm

Draft Submissions:

Do not submit your first draft to this assignment. Submit first draft to the below link:

First Draft (due 5/10, 11:30am)

Explanation

We have now read, discussed, summarized, and analyzed six articles and one video about the use, abuse, addiction, and subsequent failure of social media in particular populations. You have also written a reflective essay about your use of screens in your daily life. These sources range from discussions about collusion and deception to user's reliance on social media. The result of using social media to fulfill fantasies, escape censure, or empower social justice causes is a society addicted to their screens. For this argumentative essay Links to an external site., create an argument about this use of social media, screens, and data. In our discussions, we have touched on topics such as deep attention, social justice, selective algorithms, and your personal use of social media and screens. The topic is broad enough to create a variety of arguments. Be sure to narrow your idea into an arguable thesis.

Evidence Required

For this essay, you may use 1 anecdote as evidence from Essay 2. You may also incorporate writings from our discussion posts since those discussion posts served as pre-writing for this essay.

Three sources from our readings are required to be used and quoted as evidence. Other than what is stated above, no other outside sources are allowed:

WikiLeaks
“Ashley Madison Hackers Release Vast Database Links to an external site. . . .” Alex Hern and Samuel Gibbs, The Guardian (August 19, 2015)
“It’s All About Us,” Johnson (SOL 469)
“Enough about You,” Williams (SOL 472)
“Implications of User Choice,” Boyd (SOL 475)
“Virtual Popularity Isn’t Cool,” Daly (SOL 480)
“Students Addicted to Social Media” (SOL 483)

Don't use more than 3 sources (in addition to your personal anecdote). For quotes, use MLA in-text citation style.

First Draft -- SUBMIT HERE

Word Count: 900

Due Date: May 10, 11:30am

For this first draft, write only the body of your essay. Begin by placing your thesis statement at the top, skip a line, then start the body of the essay. Skip the conclusion and introduction.

Failure to submit your first draft on time will result in a zero on this entire final project, including the Pecha Kucha presentation.

PEER REVIEW Required

Due by May 12, 2:30pm -- see Rubric

Email your peer review partner preferences ASAP. If you have not designated a partner, one will be assigned to you by May 10, 12pm

For help with Argument Essays, see:

For help with introductions, conclusions, and Works Cited, see:

The Works Cited is not included in the word count.

Final Draft

Word Count: 1200 + Works Cited

Due Date: 5/20, 9am - both essay & Pecha Kucha Presentation

Upload your final draft to Canvas with the following format guidelines:

Include an original title
Use of first person is *not* allowed in any form
Check for spelling and grammar mistakes
Stick to the word count within 50 words
Submit to Turnitin (should be an automatic choice within Canvas)

Grading is based on the established guidelines as well as the work that we have done up to this point in the semester on grammar, sentence mechanics, sentence style, paragraph style, essay structure, and writing style. See the schedule for all of the assignments, discussions, and exercises on writing that we have accomplished up through the due date.

I'm available in office hours and via online appointments (Skype, Canvas Chat, Google Hangouts) to discuss your drafts. You might consider making an appointment with the Writing Center Links to an external site. for help with your drafts.