CRTW 201
Dr. DeRochi
Thinking Through the Problem
Due Date: Monday, September 20th, by 5:00 via turnitin.com.

Context:  So far this session, we've discussed those common filters that often become impediments to our own critical thinking, and we've now studied the elements of reasoning that are necessary for us to 
               improve our critical thinking processes.  So, this assignment simply asks you to apply these skills to a current problem you're facing.  Remember, CRTW 201 is the "real-world" course--how do
               you apply your skill sets to REAL questions.

Assignment: Each of you have a pressing question facing you right now.  Perhaps you're wondering if you should choose a major or perhaps change a major, perhaps you're considering getting a job to help
                   offset your bills and tuition, maybe you're thinking about breaking up with your significant other, or joining (or quitting) an organization or activity.  Perhaps you're considering grad school or  
                   where to go for grad school. Whatever the problem is, there is a specific question at issue that you no doubt must answer.

                   Your assignment is this: write a 6-7 page essay in which you document your critical thinking process for answering this question. 

                   Don't get intimidated by the length! Length will NOT be a problem given that you will be working your way through all of the elements of reasoning.  Be sure to follow the instructions
                  below as to how to construct / organize your essay.

The Essay:

                  The Introduction.  In your introduction, set up the "Context" for your question at issue; prove how significant and pressing this question may be and why you believe your critical thinking skills
                  need to be at their highest level.  State your "question at issue" outright, and be sure to illustrate how this question links to your broader "purpose." and use your Thesis Statement to transition into
                  an analysis of your critical thinking process. 

                  Next, before presenting your elements of reasoning, identify and discuss 3 potential impediments specifically.  Obviously, given the importance of this question, you are obviously brining certain
                  "thinking baggage" into the equation.  How might these problematic? In what specific ways? This part of the paper is a common rhetorical move in all papers--it sets up the foundation for the rest
                  of the analysis.

                 The Body.  The rest of your paper should succinctly and concretely document all your elements of reasoning and how they apply to the question at issue.  Discuss at length your assumptions, the
                 information you need to know in order to make the decision, the conclusions you hope to make based on that information. Also be sure to identify and explain the concepts that are influencing
                 your thinking on the matter, as well as how your "point of view" may be important to consider.  The final part of your paper should illustrate the extent to which you've analyzed the implications of
                 your thinking and this decision.

                 The Conclusion.  So what? As with any essay, conclusions to papers should always answer the question, "so what"? Why did you write this? Why is this question important? Where should we
                (you) go from here? What do you imagine your decision is at this point? What might change your thinking? Are you ready to make the call now? Why or why not?