Exploring a Portfolio Topic; Developing a Working Thesis

Critical Thinking Assignment (90 Points)

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There is only one Critical Thinking assignment option for this module.

Exploring a Portfolio Topic; Developing a Working Thesis (90 Points)

In Module 1, you were asked to review the assignment instruction for the Module 8 Portfolio Project. The Portfolio assignment requires that you select a national or global social issue for which to explore causes and possible solutions.  As an academic writer, it is vital to form a working thesis about your topic early, so that you can shape your research and form an inquiry plan about the research material that you will be using. You will also need to select and analyze key concepts of the topic early in the research process.

For this Critical Thinking assignment, you are to compose a working thesis that takes a definite position on an arguable issue and maps a few of the main points you plan to explore. Specifically, your working thesis should state a problem, describe and evaluate at least one aspect of the cause, and offer one potential solution.

For example, one could explore the recent boom in real estate values in a specific area of the nation or world.  While this could be seen as a positive situation and not a problem, any dramatic increase in the cost and availability of housing can become problematic for some groups or the society as a whole. Within this topic, key concepts need to be discovered, such as what are the effects of changes in home valuations or how does sudden population growth affect a city. You will need to state and clearly specify your approach and position on the topic and argue the validity of it. You will also need to understand any potential arguments against your position.

Before you make a final decision, try brainstorming. Choose two or three potential topics and explore the key concepts involved to see if the topic holds your interest and is doable.

Requirements:

• Use third person
• Assert your academic voice
• Choose a topic related to a problem you would like to address; ask a question about how to solve the problem.  The question must start with the phrase, “What would it take to . . .?” Answer the question with a thesis that names the problem, cause, and solution.   
• Describe why you made your final selection and discuss in some detail the key concepts you think are important to that particular topic.
• Cite at least two sources for this assignment. You will have to cite several credible sources in your final portfolio project, so start exploring credible sources now. In academic writing, it is always best practices to cite credible sources, such as a scholarly journal article. The CSU-Global Library is an excellent place to search for credible, scholarly sources.
• Your written paper should be 2-3 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.
• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA.

Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric available in the Module 2 folder for more information on assignment expectations and grading.