Mrs. Mary Lou Henneman
Youngstown State University

For the second assignment, you will find and compare two sources, a traditional "library" source (such as a journal or newspaper article) and an on-line source (probably a WWW page). These two sources should cover the same topic (but not necessarily have the same position), and ideally they should be related to the topic or topics you have selected for your final research paper.

Once you have found the two sources, read each carefully. Analyze their arguments in depth, using the techniques described in class and in The Aims of Argument. In particular, contrast the two sources. Which makes the better argument? Why? Keep in mind that you will not be taking a position on this topic until the last paragraph. You should be as objective as possible when analyzing these sources.

Your paper should first describe the controversy being addressed by the two sources and introduce those sources and the general position each one takes. Then go into depth about each source. Describe and analyze the arguments each one makes. Compare and contrast those arguments on a point-by-point basis. Conclude by telling which of the two sources you found more persuasive and why.

As before, you will need a "Works Cited" page which lists both sources (we will discuss in class how to cite electronic sources). Also give me copies of both sources--a Xerox of the traditional source and a printout of the electronic source.

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).