An argument note is written after you have read / viewed, and thought about the arguments and facts put forth in an academic, intellectual manner on a given topic. In your AN papers, you are tasked with demonstrating your understanding of the readings / videos I have assigned. In addition to this handout, please read through the section Academic Integrity in the Syllabus.
Your AN papers must have these three sections:
Summary: Identify and summarize the key argument(s) or main point(s) of the readings. Ask yourself what the author is trying to convince you of and how. Pick three or four of the more important key arguments or points of the reading, and briefly map them, i.e., elaborate their supporting claims; detail how the argument(s) work. You are not expected to summarize the entire chapter / video / reading. You must choose 3 items (readings or videos) from the list below, and then summarize 3-4 key points from each of those readings (or videos).
The summary section should be given the most space approximately 2/3 of the paper. Students should not include their own thoughts or reactions to the readings in the Summary.
Integration: Use this section to present
your own analysis of one or two ideas / issues from your summary. Strive to analyze how and why this condition exists. In this section you must strive to integrate course concepts (i.e. concepts such as patriarchy, power, privilege, gender, feminism, etc..) into your analysis. This section is used to demonstrate your own understanding of the social condition / issue. You should provide support for your analysis as necessary (by citing sources and / or personal experience).
Questions/Reactions: Share your reaction to the readings. You can identify questions the readings raise for you. This can also be the place to put your specific questions about the topic. You should discuss your reaction to the content, not the style of the reading. For example, stating that the reading was long / short / complicated / un-interesting etc.. does not provide me with an understanding of your grasp of the material.
Do not focus on items that were not discussed in this reading. No one course reading will ever cover all aspects of one topic. For example, pointing out that a reading on women in China did not discuss the situation for women in India, is not a valid point. Stay focused and on topic.