Is Google Making Us Stupid?
LEARNING GOALS:By completing this assignment, you will:
- develop a thesis for an argumentative essay
- use claims and evidenceto supportan argument
- practice entering into a critical conversation
- practice framing ideas and quotationsin academic writing
- establish a sense of credibility in academic writing
- usecommon formats and conventions (e.g., structure, tone, mechanics, citation) foran academic argument
TASK:Your job in this assignment is to enter into the critical conversation about the effects of the internet on learning, knowledge, memory, concentration, and thinking. To do so, write an argumentative essay, between about 1,000 and 1,500 words, that answers the question posed by Nicholas Carr:Is Google making us stupid?Your essay should make your own positionclear, and drawingon your own experiences, your analysis of Carr's argument, our class discussions, and your research into outside sources in order to make an argument that answers Carr's question.
One of your goals in this assignment should be to establish a sense ofethos, or character and credibility. Do so by indicating that you share your audience's values, by showing your own experienceswith theinternet, and by demonstratingthat you have done your homework about the subject matter by looking into what others have said about Carr's claims.
Also, remember this unit's readings and mini-lectures on locating, analyzing, and framing sources. Challenge yourself to usethe techniques you read about in order to make the best argument you can.
As always, you may use any of the material from yourWriter's Journal or our class discussions as a starting point for this writingassignment.
COVER LETTER:When you submitthis assignment,includea brief cover letter (no more than 300 words) thatanswers the following questions:
- What isyourpurpose? What is it you are trying to do or say in this assignment?
- What are you proud ofabout this piece of writing?
- What challenges did you facewhile completing this assignment?
- What sorts of feedback do you want from your instructor on this assignment?
Include yourcover letteras a comment on your upload--notas a separate document. Your cover letter will not count for or againstyour grade, but will help your instructor respond bestto your writing.