As students progress into the second half of their first year, they choose a seminar focused on in-depth investigation of an important topic and work on developing and supporting arguments. Making Powerful Arguments seminars are offered on a wide range of topics but all share common writing assignment parameters. All spring seminars incorporate library research skills and develop students’ proficiency with and understanding of citation practices.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Read inquisitively and generously.
- Read with attention to detail and nuance.
- Practice respectful but rigorous debate.
- Learn collaboratively with classmates and professor.
- Use writing as a means to discover and reconsider ideas.
- Develop arguable and defensible thesis statements.
- Integrate appropriate evidence to support argumentative claims.