Argumentative Assignment
Caveat: This is not an essay assignment; however, it does require considerable note taking, outlining and writing to achieve the highest levels. Act accordingly.
What: You will work with a research team of three other people. The team will
a) agree upon a general topic, e.g. "same sex marriage,"
b) craft a thesis or proposition, e.g. "Couples composed of individuals of the same sex should be allowed to marry and enjoy all the benefits, responsibilities and status in law as those in hetrosexual matrimonies.
c) will work as a research team to define the issue, locate documents such as opinions of experts (legal, medical et cetera), research studies, logical and ethical arguments on BOTH sides of the issue. A minimum of 12 doucments for each side is recommended AND you must use at least THREE methods of research (internet searches, infotrac and print sources found in print).
d) will work together to define and find support for a minimum of FIVE arguments in favor of the proposition and FIVE counter-arguments against the proposition.
e). will present IN DEBATE FORMAT in class, the issue in all its fullness two team members (appointed by the teacher three class days before the debate) will support the affirmative, two the negative.
To begin, visit the Skyline Library Web page for "Gale Group" for which I will give you the password in class, enter then navagate to the "Opposing View Points Resource Center" to view controversial topics. This site is available in the library and we will be visiting the library for research purposes March 8-10, inclusive.
