culture

For this final paper, the Causal Analysis, you will explore the ways in which a specific phenomenon affects the community/culture.

Description:

Basics- You will identify what factors allow a certain trend/phenomenon/issue to exist and then, identify the ways in which it impacts the culture. By phenomenon, don’t feel as though the topic has to be inherently bad. Most people feel as though they need to cover homelessness or drug use. These are fine topics, but if you want to cover something like the rise in street art, that would be fine, as well. You could definitely explore what caused it to become popular and how it affects the community.

Topic/Scope- Ideally, I would like for topic to focus on a local trend/phenomenon/issue, as in something that exists in Las Vegas or Nevada. The more you focus your topic down, the easier it is to identify how the community is affected by something. In addition, you avoid making grand generalizations. For example, there are certain causes and effects of homeless that are unique to Las Vegas that wouldn’t be applicable to, say, Salt Lake City.

If you feel as though you aren’t inspired by any local topics, you can explore a national/global trend. Just make sure to keep it as focused as possible. Pay attention to the scope. The topic, “The Causes and Effects of Technology” is way too big. You wouldn’t be able to cover it in a paper of this size. Something along the lines of “The Rise and Cultural Effects of Instagram” might be more appropriate. It focuses on one platform and your research won’t approach the topic in a generalized manner.

***By the way, your title should be something more inspiring than “The Causes and Effects of X”***

Equation- In a Causal Analysis, you probe why specific actions, events, attitudes, and/or conditions exist and examine the effects it has on that community, basically identifying the larger ramifications/consequences. In the simplest terms, a Causal Analysis academic essay may be reduced to the following equation: Cause + Effect = Specific Consequence(s). You will identify what elements helped to create the thing and identify its greater impact.

Thesis/Support- For this paper, you will present an argumentative thesis statement that identifies what you see as the cause, or more likely multiple causes, of the phenomenon, as well as identify some of the ramifications of this issue (i.e. “Nevada’s high teen pregnancy rate is caused by a lack of proper sex education, the overly-sexualized nature of Las Vegas, and a general lack of parental interaction. Those who become pregnant at a young age are likely to drop out of high school, make less money, and provide an unstable household for their child.”). You will notice that the thesis statement is two sentences. This is completely fine.

As I mentioned, most people oversimplify an issue, blaming it on one factor. You will often find through significant research that most issues are complex and are caused by multiple elements.

Throughout the paper, it will be your goal to support your thesis, providing evidence from multiple sources that definitively proves there is a causal link between the causes and the effects. As with the Summary/Response paper, please focus on quality evidence to support your claims.

Counterargument/Rebuttal (Not required, but it can help to flush out your argument)- In addition, I would CONSIDER you summarize and respond to at least one point of opposition. What assumptions are made that counter your stance? Often, these points of opposition come from people who believe that the problem lies somewhere it doesn’t or that it has certain effects with which you disagree. Do they have evidence to support their claims? After you have analyzed their argument, and we feel as though the argument has been fully unpacked, you will rebut/refute their claims, proving that your argument is stronger.

Questions to Consider- Throughout your argument, you will want to consider the following questions (keep in mind that these questions need to be answered somewhere in your paper; don’t feel as though you need to answer them in this order):

Historical/Sociopolitical Questions: What historical events led to this becoming an issue/trend/phenomenon in our city? What sociopolitical movements have been made in the community that allowed this to become an issue/trend?
Affected Communities: Who is affected by this? What communities have been or might be affected by this phenomenon or trend? To what degree are they affected? Really unpack communities that are directly affected, but also, secondary groups that might be indirectly affected.
Ramifications/Stakes: What might be the long-term effects of this issue continuing to exist? Basically, what will happen if this phenomenon or trend continues?
Evidence- In this paper, you are required to use at least five sources. A certain amount of evidence should help to elucidate upon the local issue, providing data that exhibits this is an issue in the local community. In addition, I would suggest finding evidence that outlines other areas in the world where this type of issue has also existed. Also, one of your sources should represent field research. Field research can be defined as an interview, site visit, or survey that you have conducted. As these are local issues, I want to see that you are engaged on a personal level.

Potential Outline:

Introduction- Present the problem, trend, issue, etc., providing some data that shows us how rampant it is.
Causal paragraphs- In multiple paragraphs, outline the factors that have allowed this problem, trend, issue, phenomenon to occur
Feel free to identify patterns that exist in other areas that are comparable to Las Vegas/Nevada
Effects paragraphs- In multiple paragraphs, identify the ways in which this will affect the local community
Once again, look to other areas that have the same situation- how are they affected by this issue?
Opposition paragraph (if necessary- you will need to decide where this should be placed)- Present someone who might disagree with your assertions about the causes and/or the effects
Find a source that presents an opposing opinion
Find a way to refute it.
Conclusion- Summarize some of the major points you hit upon and outline what you would like your audience to do with this information. Basically, what course of action do you think should be taken?