Week 1 Course Project: Topic Selection

Required Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 1, 2, 3


• Lesson

Introduction

Over the eight weeks of the course,  you will work on a paper that addresses a current controversial issue.  This paper is to be in the form of an argument. You will select a topic,  choose an issue related to that topic, thoroughly research both sides  of the issue, and then write a paper that supports one side or the other  of the issue. Your paper must define the issue, present evidence on  both sides of the issue, and then argue that one side is stronger and  more persuasive than the other. Your paper must address at least three  relevant aspects of the issue. More specific directions for each part of  the paper will be found within the specific assignment in the weekly  modules.

Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:

Week

Task

Week 1

Topic Selection

Week 3

Issue Review (both sides)

Week 5

Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)

Week 7

Argumentative Paper

Instructions

This week, you will choose one of the following topics for your project:

• Immigration


• Gene therapy


• Single-payer health care


• Free college for everyone


• Cancel student-loan indebtedness


• Capital punishment


• Universal basic income


• Artificial intelligence


• Care of the aging


• Legalization of prostitution


• Euthanasia

If you want to propose a different topic, you must have the consent of your instructor.  When you choose a topic, think of specific issues under that topic that  you will explore. Click on the following link for an example:

Link: Immigration Topic Example  

For the assignment this week, address the following:

• State the topic chosen from the list or topic approved by instructor.


• State the specific issue you will explore. 
  
  
  
  • This must be stated either as a question ("Should prostitution be  legalized?") or a whether-or-not statement ("Whether prostitution should  be legalized").
  
  
  
  


• For the stated issue, state three (3) aspects of the issue that you  think you will likely develop in your paper. Briefly state why you have  chosen each aspect. 
  
  
  
  • You are not confined to three aspects only, but you must develop at least three. As you develop your paper, you may find other aspects that you deem more relevant, and may add or substitute those. 
    
    
    
    • Example: For the topic of prostitution, you might  examine the aspect of personal autonomy, public health aspects, and law  enforcement aspects, at a minimum.
    
    
    • Example: For the topic of free healthcare for  undocumented persons, you might address economic aspects, ethical  aspects, and public health aspects, at a minimum. 
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 1-1.5 pages (not including title page or references page)


• 1-inch margins


• Double spaced


• 12-point Times New Roman font


• Title page


• References page