Today’s goals Share initial results of research Discus the origins and theory of synthesis Practice creating and critiquing synthesis theses

Class discussion- beginning research What articles did you analyze for blog entry 5? What are your current viewpoints on your topics? (food and health, education and the economy, sleep and psychological disorders) What, if anything, have you learned since starting your research? What are questions you still have that remain unanswered? Where might you find information about these?

Class discussion- advanced theses What are the main strategies for theses we discussed in class? What else might we have to add or consider for synthesis theses?

Hegelian dialectic Ideas started by philosopher George Hegel (and Kant and Fichte). This philosophical model has also come to be used by education and composition for understanding and refining ideas. Thesis – intellectual proposition Antithesis – negation or opposite of the thesis Synthesis – combination of thesis and antithesis by reconciling common truths

Synthesis essay- thesis strategies Clear Keep your thesis short, preferably one sentence Begin your thesis with an independent clause, focusing on the subject of that clause Eliminate any unnecessary words, clauses, or information Credible Do not mention any 1st or 2nd person Do not include specific source evidence in the thesis itself Make sure your thesis is perfectly edited Original: Use “should” to propose a solution to a specific audience Use “because” to add unique reasoning to your thesis Do not repeat the main ideas of your sources, even if you agree with them Be as specific as possible! Arguable Make your thesis contentious Base your thesis on one side of an issue (determined by your own opinion and knowledge) rather than be objective Don’t make obvious statements; be surprising

Class discussion- Example synthesis theses What are each of these theses doing well? How could each still be revised? “Social media can be very beneficial especially when it comes to communication, but people should learn how to manage its usage especially during everyday usage and memorable experiences.” “Though we rely on technology and the internet, the internet and technology are more helpful than harmful and can in moderation help people socially, economically, and their overall health.” “The misdiagnosis of ADHD and sleep disorders can lead to irreversible damage that can cause serious behavioral and neurological damage in our growing children, and it should be avoided by providing better training and equipment to the physicians charged with making that distinction.” “Due to the growing childhood obesity epidemic in America, I believe all Americans should eliminate their consumption of high-fructose corn syrup to prevent future health problems.”

Group activity: Synthesis Practice In your topics groups Read through the passages on pg 191 and answer the questions below (*adapted from pg. 192) How does the author of passage 1 feel about boomerang kids? How does he advocate treating them? How dopes the author of passage 2 feel about boomerang kids? How does she advocate treating them? What is your group’s position on boomerang kids? (Can be answered individually if opinions differ) What is a possible thesis you could synthesize from these two texts that reflects your knowledge from reading both articles?

Synthesis essay- structure 1 Introduction Hook Thesis Forecasting Summary Summary of the main points of each article Explain how these articles and their data relate/agree/disagree with your thesis (This section can occur before or after the regular introduction but must be before the body paragraphs) Body paragraphs (organized around points supporting your thesis) Should support/prove your thesis Must match up with the forecasting in you introduction Should rely on your sources for data and quotes Conclusion

Synthesis essay- structure 2 Introduction Hook Thesis Forecasting (based on articles that will be used) Source 1 Summary of source Explain how this article and its data relates/agrees/disagrees with your thesis Source 2 Source 3-4, etc Conclusion

homework Read A&B 195-200