CPTR 346W Computer Organization and Machine Language
Formal Writing Assignments
Working in pairs, students will be required to write two papers during the semester. The first will be an argumentation essay, with each student taking one side of a current, controversial issue in the field of Computer Science. The second will be a solution essay containing the student's ideas on the possible resolution of the issue.
Length and format: The argumentation essay must be a minimum of 8 pages including references, 12pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced. 1-inch margins around. The solution essay must be a minimum of 2 pages, 12pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins around [no references required]. Titles are to be centered, bold, 14 pt. Times New Roman with student’s name directly underneath in 12pt. Times New Roman. All final drafts must be in MS Word format.
With ˝ hour remaining in
the second class of the semester, each student will select a topic/side at
random. This will be followed by a 5-minute
period of negotiation when students may swap topics. During the last 15-20 minutes of the second
class, students will write a short informal essay explaining their current
feelings on the topic.
TOPICS:
·
Social Impact of the
Internet: Are we turning into social hermits or is the Internet opening new
avenues of communication?
·
Censorship of the
Internet: Freedom of speech versus the right of a society to establish
standards for common decency
·
Computers and
children: Are we doing more harm than good?
·
Junk mail/spam:
Should it be illegal to send unsolicited email?
·
Anonymity: Should the Internet be changed to eliminate
anonymity, i.e. all Internet activity should be easily traceable?
·
Open Source: Is it the way to go or is it an infringement
on intellectual property?
·
Encryption: Does everyone have the right to the latest
encryption technology, or do governments have the right to control what
encryption methods are used?
·
Class equity/the
“digital divide”: Is it everyone’s
problem, or is it no different than any other “divide” that separates the rich
from the poor (people/countries)?
The argumentation
essay must contain (NOT NECESSARILY IN THIS ORDER -- outlines will be
suggested by the
Statement of the issue/problem
The position your paper is supporting
Organized presentation of arguments supporting your position
Summary of responses from at least 2 experts in the field
Rebuttal of at least 2 arguments against your position.
Review of your initial stand on the position and how this process has either supported your original beliefs or changed them.
Bibliography
Steps along the way:
Sept 1: Selection of topics
Sept 3: Library day
Sept 13: Annotated bibliography due - minimum of 10 sources (collaboration allowed) *
Sept 15: Writing Seminar (3 potential outlines for paper)
Sept 20: Pro/Con list due - (collaboration allowed)
Oct 4: Rough Draft due *
Oct 18: Final Draft of argumentation essay due *
Nov 1: Solution Essay due *
* Each must be preceded by a trip to the