ENGR 482 - Ethics & Engineering Spring 2024 Instructions for Final Paper Instructors will provide a list of broad themes on engineering ethics. Each student will select a topic from the list and write a final paper. No more than 3 students can choose a single topic. Each student paper should be minimum 500 and maximum 750 words in length. The final paper must: . Be in the form of a research article . Begin with a strong introduction, have a clear thesis statement and a corresponding outline to guide the reader. . Be minimum 500 words and no more than 750 words. World limit is firm and points will be deducted for ignoring the limit. · Follow format guidelines given below. . Reference at least 3 peer reviewed scholarly papers or official reports of professional societies. It is the students' responsibility to find appropriate peer reviewed papers. · Reflect substantive understanding of the selected articles and present student's own argument in context of the referenced articles. . Show substantive probing of ethical issues at stake for the topic being researched. Form and Content Each paper must begin with a strong introduction, including a clear thesis statement and a corresponding outline of your paper to guide the reader. As you prepare the literature review of the 3 peer reviewed articles you have chosen, briefly summarize only the ideas which you think are most important, identify the authors' implicit assumptions or perspectives, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the authors' arguments. Your analysis may either support or contravene the authors' arguments, but the goal of your analysis is to take a definitive position, which you then support with substantive argumentation and sound reasons. End your paper with a strong conclusion, summarizing your work and the position you have taken. The following format is recommended and follows a standard outline of a research paper: 1. Introduction . State the minimal context needed to understand the research question (1 or 2 sentences) . State the positions of the authors of the articles using their full names · State the research question as a statement (write the sentence with no question mark) o Every aspect of the paper involves the research question in some way. The research question should be the very first thing you identify. The academic articles will suggest one for you. · State your thesis (your answer to the research question: "I argue that . . . ") 2. Include a tiny paragraph explaining the structure of your paper (First, I explain . . . Next, I discuss . . . Then, I argue . . . Finally, I conclude with . . . " 1 3. 2 or more body paragraphs explaining each of your arguments . Use evidence from your peer reviewed sources to defend and strengthen your arguments . Refer to the authors by last name only . Mention the perspectives from which the authors are writing . Explain how your argument interacts with the authors you discussed 4. 1 paragraph explaining any counterarguments . Explain a strong objection to your argument provided by one or more of the authors you discuss . Explain why your argument succeeds despite the counterargument 5. Conclusion · Restate the thesis statement in different words . Discuss the implication of your paper for the reader: Why should a reader care? Who might find your points useful? What additional research questions does your paper raise? 6. References . Make sure that the citation style you use is consistent throughout the paper Format In order to receive full credit for your work, both the draft and the final version of your paper must meet the collective requirement for word count. The text of your paper should be double-spaced, in 12-point font, with one-inch margins. Use a separate cover page with a clear and engaging title, your name, and the submission date. Make sure that you use a valid citation style. 2 GRADING CRITERIA Total 100 Points (25% of the final course grade) Thesis Statement and Outline 15: Clear thesis statement and a well-crafted outline for the reader to follow. 10: Thesis stated with a basic outline to guide the reader. 5: Inadequate statement of thesis and outline. Clarity and Organization 15: Overall organization is clear with appropriate transitions. Paragraph structure is integrally related to the thesis statement and outline. Paragraphs are coherent and ideas are clear. 10: Attention to the principles of cohesion and coherence would strengthen the paper. 5: Lack of organizational structure interferes with the clarity of the paper. Understanding of the Articles : Literature Review 15: Accurate and substantive understanding, emphasizing important points. 10: Basic understanding, but may miss some major points. 5: Misunderstands the author. Arguments and Counter-Arguments 15: Identifies fundamental assumptions of the article and respectfully engages the author's position through the development of substantive counter-arguments. 10: Identifies strengths and weaknesses of the article. 5: Inadequate analysis of the article. Moral Analysis 15: Substantive probing of the ethical issues at stake in the article. 10: Some discussion of the ethical implications involved. 5: Lack of sustained moral analysis. Mechanics and Grammar 15: No significant errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, or usage. Graceful sentences with appropriate variety of structures. Words are chosen precisely. Writing is vigorous and engaging. 10: Minor errors of mechanics and grammar. Occasionally awkward sentences. Active verbs are used, with few superfluous or poorly chosen words. Some pronouns without clear referents 5: Numerous errors in grammar and substandard usage. Several cumbersome and unclear sentences. Wordy, excessive nominalizations, weak verbs Format 10: Double-spaced, in 12-point type, with one-inch margins. Submitted on time. Meets word count requirements (both the draft and the final version). Separate title page with name and submission date. Aggie Honor Code signed by the student on the cover page. Correct citations. 5: If more than two of the above instructions are not followed. 0: If more than 3 of the above instructions are not followed. 3