Homework Guidelines

Try to be convincing. A good general procedure for answering our questions (and others) is to start with the strongest and clearest arguments, falling back to weaker or more obscure ones only as necessary. Most of us will agree on something like this ranking:

1. Common experience and simple logic, including easy mathematics.
2. Easily accessible observation and mathematics.
3. Harder mathematical reasoning and observation, directly available only to specialists.
4. Intuition.
5. Authority.

It is not necessary to cite some prior author for every argument. However, when you employ the words or ideas of another, you should cite some source accessible to the reader.

Use a topic paragraph. It's much easier to understand a paper that announces where it's heading at the start. Don't wander from the topic. If you find yourself writing conflicting statements, at least acknowledge the conflicts. Never substitute big words for reason. Never pad the essay with flattery of science.

Each body paragraph should make a distinct point and, if possible, should build on the previous ones. In a paper of this length, you should usually have 2-3 body paragraphs.

Your concluding paragraph should summarize your arguments and show how they support your conclusion.

See Compass for an 'exemplary' submission, as well as this sample essay and other comments, to help illustrate the style expected.

Homework Assignments

We are not picky about the detailed format of papers (margins, etc.), except that we would like you to double-space. We also require that ALL written assignments be submitted as a text file (e.g. '.doc' or '.docx') via SafeAssign on the Compass website, which automatically checks for plagiarism (if you have concerns about this, let us know; see Compass for more info). (We may also use other methods in some cases for additional plagiarism checks.)

Homework submissions should be double-spaced and generally 500-750 words. If you find that you can complete your argument in fewer words, do not pad the paper. Brevity is a virtue!  Late homework will be accepted, but will be penalized 5% per day (until no credit remains), beginning right after the due time.

Grading: All homework will be graded out of a total of 20 points; see Compass for the grading rubric.  For usage/ grammar guidelines, consult the Handbook by Willis on Compass. Also see the general remarks about writing.

Homework 1: due on Compass by the beginning of class on Thursday, 23 January.  (Apologies for the very short notice. The idea is to get you started thinking before we feed you our line.)
Does the Earth go around the Sun or does the Sun go around the Earth?
How do you know? Support your argument with evidence.



Homework 2: due on Compass by the beginning of class on Tuesday, 4 February.

Prior to Newton, but after Galileo and Kepler, the question of whether Copernicus' system was right, or about right, was still debated. Explain what the main grounds were at that time for preferring Copernicus, Tycho, or Ptolemy (or modifications). Include both specific evidence and any relevant subjective grounds. You may choose a particular system to argue for, but in any case be sure to make comparisons among all three systems.

Beginning with homework 2 (and for all future homework assignments): If you wish, you may pair up with someone else in the class to submit a debate-style dialogue as a tandem assignment. Each of you should submit the complete dialogue, including the name of your partner. If you wish to pursue this option, both of you will receive the same grade.  Tandem assignments can be quite fruitful in developing your arguments and practicing responding to counterarguments.

Also: If you wish to include an abstract (up to three sentences) at the start of your paper, you may do so. This is optional, but also great practice: abstracts are common in scientific writing, and writing one can help you to focus your thoughts on what your core argument is.