Gerald Nosich tells us that “critical thinking, at its heart, is about thinking about real problems” (3). For your final paper, you will use research to assist you in constructing a polished critical analysis of a real problem

HXCT 301 – fall 2025
A. Stewart
Paper 3: Addressing an authentic problem
Due: Dec. 7 by 11:59 p.m.
Length: 6-8 full pages (plus a Works Cited page)
Format: MLA standard format; 12 point Times New Roman font; double-spaced; standard margins
Gerald Nosich tells us that “critical thinking, at its heart, is about thinking about real problems” (3). For your
final paper, you will use research to assist you in constructing a polished critical analysis of a real problem of
your choosing. You may choose a problem that is real-world or global (i.e. how the U.S. should address
ongoing tensions with China), or a problem that is real and personal to you (i.e. whether you should end a
relationship).* No matter the problem you choose, your job is to give an overview of the issue and propose a
solution.
This final paper in particular will integrate your ability to think critically and thoroughly about a topic. You will
also need to introduce and smoothly incorporate borrowed material while at the same time constructing an
original, convincing, and well-worded essay about your topic. Your essay should show a mastery of the
elements of reasoning in a way that successfully “measures up” to the standards outlined in the Nosich text. In
other words, this is your chance to show your prowess as a critical thinker while exploring a topic of your
choosing, and your ability to synthesize the ideas of others in thinking through a problem that matters to you.
You must cite at least 5 sources, and within your list of sources must include reference to at least 3 of the
readings from the Human Experience reader which we used this term. Each of your sources must be
academically appropriate.** (The Nosich text may be one of your sources if you choose, but is not required.)
*You may find it helpful to review what Nosich writes about authentic problems in Ch. 1 (see p. 3-4) as a
starting point to consider what problem you wish to address in your paper. Once you determine the problem you
wish to explore, your next step will be deciding the “question at issue” to be addressed by your paper.
**Even if you choose to explore a problem that is personal to you, you should make certain that your sources
are appropriate. For example, if you are writing about whether or not to end a personal relationship, you might
choose to use academically appropriate sources which discuss how we form relationships with others, the value
of personal independence, etc.