Important: Whenever you post to a blog for this class, do not use your full name or the full name of any classmate for the sake of privacy. First names or initials only, please. When you are ready to respond, click on the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post. Post as "Anonymous" and sign at the bottom with your first name only (okay, first name and last initial for Sara's and Amanda's). Email me immediately with any technical problems.
Part I: Sharing Topics
Your first task for the argumentative research paper – due at the end of the day on Thursday, November 6th – is not for yourself. Rather, it is a gift to your classmates.
Your assignment is to post two high-quality possible research topics to the class blog to help your peers brainstorm some new ideas. These topics are going to be fair game for anyone to pursue, so you might not want to post a topic that you are really excited about researching yourself.
In brainstorming areas of interest, consider issues that have already come up in class – problems that you and your classmates identified in the “Mission Possible” essays, questions that came up in the literacy narratives, debates held over 40 Model Essays. Think about your other courses. While you should not recyle a research topic from another class, there might be other questions raised by your studies that you’d like to explore in more depth (please clear any overlap with me in advance).
Then browse headlines and major publications. Skim quality sources – use this as an opportunity to check out some new, great rhetoric in contemporary nonfiction (see suggestions below). Consider electronic databases available through the Media Center and the public library, and visit either or both in person to browse through back issues of magazines (the reading room at Robbins is the more gorgeous thing in town, in my opinion).
For each topic, post the following:
- A short title, for ease of browsing.
- Identify the topic in the form of a synthesis essay question: “Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that . . . ”
- Then include a potential source to accompany this topic – something you saw in browsing the many available resources. Give the full citation information: title, author, publication, date, URL, etc. Then write a one sentence summary of what the article appears to be about (read the first page and skim the rest quickly).
Part II: Selecting & Refining Topics
As you consider which topic you would like to work with, keep in mind that a good topic meets the following criteria:
- It’s interesting to you. You’ll be working with this issue for the next two months. The more that it evolves out of a natural and genuine curiosity, the more enjoyable and satisfying the research and writing will be.
- You will be able to find reliable and authoritative print sources. Try a subject search on the Minuteman Library Network; you’ll soon find out if there are resources available on your subject.
- The scope is appropriate. The topic should be focused enough to be handled in considerable depth in 12-15 pages. For example, researching “educational reforms” would not be an appropriate topic: it’s far too broad. What are you really interested in? Whether affirmative actions really helps minority students? The effects of voucher programs on public schools in states that have them? The efficacy of charter schools? Whether the bilingual program should be reinstated? Then determine a position that a student researcher can “defend, challenge, or qualify.” That statement will likely be revised over the course of the project, but it will be a start.
- The question is debatable. A good topic can be plausibly argued for either side. If only a crazy person would disagree with you ... what kind of an argument will you have to make?
Be sure that your topics meet the criteria above. If there are a few specific possibilities you are considering within a general topic area, you can name more than one. You don’t need to know which side you’ll be arguing at this point, since that’s what the research is for. You just need to establish that there’s a discussion worth joining.
Resources to Consider
A) Databases in the Media Center
You may need passwords to access these; get a password slip from the Media Center to keep at home.
Opposing Viewpoints
Articles and papers presenting both sides of controversial social and political issues. Great place to go for early brainstorming. Do be cautious about dated or overly broad topics. Count this database as one source in your arithmetic.
http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/arlinghs
Social Issues Resource Series
Full-text articles on social, political, health, mental health, historical, and scientific issues, including special current issues information.
http://ars.sirs.com/
Newsbank/Infotrac Databases
Magazine and newspaper databases.
http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/electronic/arl1.htm
Minuteman Regional Library Database
I adore this database. You can access the historic New York Times, dating back to forever ago (or 1851, which is close). And the Boston Globe, and other great stuff. Does require a public library card, or the passcode from the Media Center.
http://mmrls.org/homeaccess.html
B) A Few Recommended Periodicals
Not only do these magazines have great information, the prose is usually stellar as well.
The Atlantic Online
http://www.theatlantic.com/
The New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/
Harper’s
http://www.harpers.org/
The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/
National Review
http://www.nationalreview.com/
FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting)
http://www.fair.org/index.php
The New York Review of Books
http://www.nybooks.com/">
The New York Times Magazine
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
C) Miscellaneous
Other helpful resources to consider.
Supreme Court Decisions
Browse Supreme Court opinions by topic and use the full text of the opinions as a possible source.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/index.html
Note: If you come across any other great resources as you work, include them in your post to share with the rest of us!
Net Neutrality
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that abandoning network neutrality will be detrimental to the future of the Internet.
Associated Press. “F.T.C. Urges Caution on Net Neutrality.” New York Times. 28 June 2007. 2 Nov. 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/technology/28net.html?ref=technology.
This article covers a recent FTC warning about net neutrality. Net neutrality is the idea that providers should not be able to limit user access to content, software, sites, or other services – much like your telephone company can’t tell you what you can say on the phone.
Lai, Sarah. “Net Neutrality Advocates Call For Fast, Universal Access To The Net.” Wired Magazine. 24 June 2008. 2 Nov. 2008 http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/06/net-neutrality.html.
This article covers the formation of a new coalition to defend and support net neutrality. Some of the reasons cited were that widespread and unlimited internet access is “key to fostering and building innovative business models” like Zipcar.
Minimum Wage
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that raising the federal minimum wage would hurt the economy and inhibit job growth.
Broder, John M. “States Take Lead in Push to Raise Minimum Wages.” New York Times. 2 Jan. 2006. 2 Nov. 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/02/national/02wage.html.
This article provides some brief context on the issue of raising the minimum wage and describes how individual states have tackled the issue without federal legislation.
Dreier, Peter. “A Moral Minimum Wage.” The Nation. Dec. 2004. 2 Nov. 2008 http://www.thenation.com/doc/20041220/dreier.
This article is more opinionated than the first; it tackles the ethics of raising the minimum wage. It’s also a few years old so watch out for dated information.
Negative Campaigning
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that negative campaigning in politics has a significant impact on a voter's decision.
Hertzberg, Hendrick. "Beyond the Palin". The New Yorker. November 6, 2008 http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/20/081020taco_talk_hertzberg.
This article takes a look at some of the negative campaigning tactics that both major presidential campaigns have tried in order to decrease their opponent's chance of winning.
Censorhip
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that censorship of any kind is a restriction or limitation on the constitutional right to free speech.
Bruce, Shapiro. "Censorship 101". The Nation. November 6, 2008 http://www.thenation.com/doc/20021223/shapiro.
This article gives an example of the continued debate over political correctness and what may be censorship of one's views. This particular case deals with a poet whose radical views on the Middle East caused some strains between him and faculty members of Harvard University.
-Sara A.
The Federal Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim there should be stricter government regulation of pharmaceuticals, especially those from foreign countries, and agriculture.
Harris, Gardiner. "The Safety Gap." The New York Times Magazine 31 Oct 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/magazine/02fda-t.html?ref=magazine .
This article discusses the fact that China now supplies two-thirds of the world’s aspirin, but acknowledges that the Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency rarely, if ever, inspect these manufacturing plants. It discusses toxins and recalls in China and the U.S., such as melamine and tomatoes. It focuses extensively on the inner workings of the FDA and some problems that have arisen.
How America is Viewed Worldwide
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the election of Barack Obama to the position of President of the United States will positively affect how America is viewed by the rest of thr world.
Bronner, Ethan. "The Promise: For Many Abroad, an Ideal Renewed." The New York Times 05 Nov 2008 5 Nov 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/us/politics/05global.html?em.
This article discusses what could be the worldwide effects of an Obama presidency, and also reports on the reactions of citizens around the world. It analyzes the international significance of this historic event.
ALESSANDRA
Soccer in America
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that soccer won't ever become as mainstream as baseball or basketball in the United States.
Cava, Marco. "Why the United States doesn't take to soccer." USA Today 7/7/2006 6 Nov 2008 http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/worldcup/2006-07-06-soccer-in-the-us_x.htm.
This article outlines the 2006 world cup and what it meant to different americans. It also gets the opinions of sports historians and questions whether soccer will ever be mainstream in america.
American Math Abilities
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that due to lower math aptitude in the US, as compared to other countries, Americans will find it harder to compete in a job market with foreigners with better math skills.
Rimer, Sara. "Math Skills Suffer in U.S., Study Finds." New York Times 10/10/2008 6 Nov 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/education/10math.html.
This article outlines the studies taken to show Americans' lower aptitudes for mathematics compared to other countries, and tries to show why this is occurring.
-Matt
"Socialized" Healthcare
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that a national health care plan will be detrimental to the nation.
Lieberman, Trudy. "Cautionary Healthcare Tales from California and Massachusetts." The Nation. March 2008. 6 Nov. 2008.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080407/lieberman.
This piece discusses the similarities of national health plans between Senator Clinton and now President-Elect Obama and the link they have to current health plans that have already been implemented. I'm sure there are many other sources you could find the opposite viewpoint for, however.
Sealing Borders
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that sealing borders off from illegal immigration would benefit the United States (including the effect on the economy).
Scheer, Robert. "Scapegoating Illegal Workers." The Nation. October 2003. 6 Nov. 2008. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20031110/scheer1028.
This article is about methods of truly sealing borders and what the possible effects would be of doing so.
Aly
Job Outsourcing
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the outsourcing of jobs in America is negatively impacting the economy/workforce.
Hira, Ron , and Anil Hira . Outsourcing America: What's Behind Our National Crisis and how We Can Reclaim American Jobs. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn, 2005.
The non-fiction book provides an overview of the recent increase of job outsourcing, as well its effect on the availability of jobs in America.
No Child Left Behind
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the No Child Left Behind Act has negatively/positively impacted education.
Tehrani, Alex. "How to Fix No Child Left Behind ." Time Magazine MAR, 2007:
The articles discusses both negative and positive reactions to the act, and outlines the manner in which it is administrated. It offers insight about how to improve the system.
-Sara N.
Year-Round Schooling
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that year-round schooling in the U.S. would make better educational sense.
Pothier, Mark. "SCHOOL'S NOT OUT ; IS IT TIME WE WENT TO YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLING? A PAIR OF EDUCATORS DEBATES THE MERITS OF IT.." The Boston Globe 29 Aug 2004 6 Nov 2008 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=686169871&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt =3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1226010037&clientId=67983.
This interview addresses both the positives and negatives of eliminating the summer hiatus and replacing it with shorter interims spread throughout the year.
Students Grading Teachers
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that using student ratings is a harmful way to evaluate professors at universities and colleges.
Mark, Oppenheimer. "Judgment Day." The New York Times Magazine 19 Sept 2008 6 Nov 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/magazine/21wwln-evaluations-t.html?scp=1&sq=anna%20bean&st=cse.
This article offers a personal perspective of the repercussions of allowing students to rate their professors. It shows that students can be harsh and biased critics, and that it is wrong for universities to rely on their feedback.
- Alie
Death Penalty
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the death penalty is good/bad.
Sharp, Dudley. “Death Penalty and Sentencing Information.” 1 October 1997 http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/DP.html
This is a lengthy article that seems to give some basic facts in the first paragraph. The rest seems to be giving information and opinions from both sides of the argument.
Abortion
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that abortion should be allowed or outlawed.
Willke, J.C. “25 Years of Loving Them Both.” July 1997
http://www.abortionfacts.com/dr_willke/connector_july_97.asp#1
This article seems to be telling the sides of both viewpoints but is leaning more toward the end of Pro Life.
-Joker a.k.a. Adam
Argue a position either for, or against, the legalization of Marijuana.
ReplyDeletehttp://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMA0191-0-4515&artno=0000257778&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Marijuana%20Legalization%20Timeline&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=Y&ic=N
This site has a very basic timeline that outlines the growth of Marijuana use. It can be used for specific evidence that backs either position.
Defend, Challenge, or Qualify the new law that was recently passed in Washington giving terminally ill patients the option of medically assisted suicide.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008352565_apwaassistedsuicide2ndldwritethru.html?syndication=rss
This source gives information on the specifics of the law that was passed. It also includes some differing opinions on the subject.
-Katia
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the economic benefits of gambling in the US outweigh the moral wrongs.
ReplyDelete"Getting Started With Basic Gambling Facts." NCALG Home. National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. 6 Nov 2008 http://www.ncalg.org/Gambilng20Inside20Story.htm.
This article gives a whole bunch of stats from gambler economic costs to gambler suicide rates.
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that graffiti is art and not vandalism.
"Interview with Manuel Gerullis, the MOS Mastermind ." Art Crimes -- The Writing on the Wall. graffiti.org. 6 Nov 2008 http://www.graffiti.org/mos/mos_english.html.
All over the world, Manuel Gerullis's program Meeting Of Style brings together peoples otherwise separated by ethnicity, religion, etc. in order to make huge murals. His next plan is to make a mural on the border of Israel and Palestine to bring those people together.
Question 1: State Income Tax
ReplyDeleteDefend, qualify, or claim that if Question 1 in Massachusetts had been voted “yes,” the state’s economy and services would be affected negatively.
Goodnough, Abby. “In Solidly Blue Massachusetts, the Hottest Race is Over Income Tax.” New York Times. 29 Oct. 2008. 6 Nov. 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/us/politics/30income.html?scp=2&sq=dog%20racing%20in%20MA&st=cse
This article explains the question of whether or not to lower income tax in the state of Massachusetts as posed by Question 1 on the ballot. Reasons why people are and are not in favor of lowering the income tax are provided, along with the effects voting “yes” or “no” would place on the economy.
SATS
Defend, qualify, or claim that universities should not require SAT scores on their applications used to determine admission.
Rimer, Sara. “College Panel Calls for Less Focus on SATS.” New York Times.
28 Sept. 2008. 6 Nov. 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/education/22admissions.html?scp=1&sq=colleges%20and%20SATS&st=cse
This article describes the action many colleges are now taking in not placing as strong an emphasis on SAT scores as before and how some college admission officers truly feel about the test itself.
Kristina
Electoral College
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the use of the Electoral College. Examine whether or not it is a truly democratic system.
Longley, Robert C. "Why Keep the Electoral College?" About.com. 22 Oct. 2000. 6 Nov. 2008 http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa102200a.htm
The article gives a brief history of the Electoral College and a brief explanation of why it was put into place.
Early Musical Education
Defend, challenge, or qualify the importance of music in early education.
Levinowitz, Ph.D., Lili M. "The Importance of Music in Early Childhood." Music Together. 6 Nov. 2008 http://www.musictogether.com/importanceofmusic
The article links the role of music in early childhood development to other forms of learned intelligence.
- Talia
U.S. Healthcare system
ReplyDeleteDefend or challenge the healthcare system of the modern United States. If you defend it, argue why the healthcare system should remain the same. If you challenge it, argue why the healthcare system should change, and perhaps propose a solution to the problem.
Coll, Steve. "The Test." The Newyorker 6 Nov 2008 6 Nov 2008
(The blog won't allow me to have a website in my post for one reason or another, so the website for this source is newyorker dot com.)
This article discusses the effect of the broken economy on modern healthcare. Coll insightfully analyzes these issues, and the article would benefit anyone choosing this prompt by showing not only some of the problems with the United States healthcare system, but also the cause of those problems, which would help them better analyze the situation.
Women Empowerment
Produce an argument for why more women should be employed as senators, governors, and other positions of power.
Tsing Loh, Sandra. "Shouold Women Rule." The Atlantic Aug 2008 2. 6 Nov 2008
(The website for this source is theatlantic dot com.)
This article produces arguments for my prompts, and offers other resources that could be used to compose an essay with this prompt.
-Drew
Defend, challenge, or qualify whether standardized testing is a fair way to rank individuals.
ReplyDeleteYoung, Katie. "Standardized Testing" https://www.msu.edu/~youngka7/testing.html
This article talks about the pros and the cons of standardized tests and gives a background of what the tests are all about.
Defend, challenge, or qualify whether a tomato should be a fruit or a vegetable.
Dauber,Ronnie. Garden Guides Contributor. "Tomatoes"
Garden Guides. 2008
http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/Vegetables/tomatoes.asp
This article gives a brief summary on tomatoes, how they are grown, and what they are used for.
- Rose
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that embryonic stem cell research should be pursued.
"Stem Cell Basics." Stem Cell Information. 20 Feb 2008. The National Institute of Health. 6 Nov 2008
This article describes what embryonic stem cells actually are. It also discusses the potential of creating stem cells in a lab.
The Cookie Monster
Defend, challenge, or qualify the statement that media influences food choices.
"The Role of Media in Childhool Obesity." Issue Brief. Feb 2004. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. 6 Nov 2008
This article takes an in-depth look at the role media plays in childhood obesity. It talks about how TV influences the eating habits of children. It also talks about the connection between television charachters and unhealthy eating decisions.
-Amanda S.
What Drew said
ReplyDeleteStem Cell Research
http colon //stemcells dot nih dot gov/info/basics/basics3 dot asp
The Cookie Monster
http colon //www dot kff dot org/entmedia/upload/The-Role-Of-Media-in-Childhood-Obesity dot pdf>
-Amanda S.
Sustainable Agriculture
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that sustainable agriculture systems can provide better results economically and environmentally than modern large scale agriculture.
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/sustagintro.html
Sustainable Agriculture: An Introduction
By Richard Earies
Publication #IP043/121
Copyright 2005
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
The article defines sustainable agriculture and the means necessary to achieve sustainability, as well as the ecological and economic affects of sustainable agriculture.
Euthanasia (Doctor Assisted Suicide)
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that Euthanasia should be permitted in the United States.
http://euthanasia.procon.org/
This site has a huge selection of publications which address the definition and terminology of Euthanasia as well as it's the pro's and con's from a moral, political, and economic perspective.
"Leroy" aka Will
Computerized Ballots
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge or qualify the replacement of paper ballots with a new electronic system of voting.
Dugger, Ronnie. "Counting Votes." The New Yorker 6 Nov 2008 http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1988/11/07/1988_11_07_040_TNY_CARDS_000349817
(This article explores the vulnerability to fraud of a computerized voting system.)
"Electronic ballots fail to gain vote of confidence." USA Today 6 Nov 2008
[The blog is not allowing me to post website: search USA Today opinion editorials]
(Article refers to specific instances in the past when the electronic voting systems have failed.)
Establishment of Political Ideals
Defend, challenge or qualify the claim that basic political views are hardwired since birth.
LaPlante, Eve. "Born to Party." Boston Globe Nov 2, 2008 6 Nov 2008
[The blog is not allowing me to post website: search Boston Globe: Born to Party]
(Article explores the emerging field of “political physiology,” which suggests that basic political attitudes are a part of us since birth.)
Hibbing, John. "Some Political Views May be Related to Physiology." National Science Foundation Sept 18, 2008 6 Nov 2008
[The blog is not allowing me to post website: search nsf]
(The interview provides scientific evidence of connection to physiology.)
-Amanda C
Gun Control
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge, or qualify the claim that one should be able to bear firearms in the United States.
"Gun Control Facts.” By James D. Agresti. Just Facts, June 10, 1999. Revised 6/27/08. http://justfacts.com/guncontrol.asp
Nuclear Weapons
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that the United States should create and use Nuclear Weapons in war.
"Peace and Nuclear Dissarment: Dennis Kucinich
April 1, 2002. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20020415/kucinich20020401
Humans and the Environment
ReplyDeleteDefend, challenge or qualify the claim that humans should not take responsibility for the survival of other species.
"Fewer creatures great and small." The Economist 16 Oct 2008 6 Nov 2008 www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12432305.
This article is about a host of international leaders who convened and agreed to make an effort to regulate the great losses in biodiversity over the past several years, which are mainly a result of human activity.
Race in America
Defend, challenge or qualify the claim that Barack Obamas election as US president marks the end of racial inequality in America.
Geider, William. "This Proud Moment: President Obama ." The Nation 4 Nov 2008 6 Nov 2008 www.thenation.com/doc/20081117/greider_election.
This article is about the election of Barack Obama, and the significance (racial and otherwise) that this election will have on America and on the rest of the world.
xoxo
Simon
This is bold! This is italics!
ReplyDeleterepost w/links:
ReplyDeleteComputerized Ballots
Defend, challenge or qualify the replacement of paper ballots with a new electronic system of voting.
Dugger, Ronnie. "Counting Votes." The New Yorker 6 Nov 2008 http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1988/11/07/1988_11_07_040_TNY_CARDS_000349817
(This article explores the vulnerability to fraud of a computerized voting system.)
"Electronic ballots fail to gain vote of confidence." USA Today 6 Nov 2008 http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2004-09-12-electronic-ballots_x.htm.
(Article refers to specific instances in the past when the electronic voting systems have failed.)
Establishment of Political Ideals
Defend, challenge or qualify the claim that basic political views are hardwired since birth.
LaPlante, Eve. "Born to Party." Boston Globe Nov 2, 2008 6 Nov 2008 http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/11/02/born_to_party/.
(Article explores the emerging field of “political physiology,” which suggests that basic political attitudes are a part of us since birth.)
Hibbing, John. "Some Political Views May be Related to Physiology." National Science Foundation Sept 18, 2008 6 Nov 2008 http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112246.
(The interview provides scientific evidence of connection to physiology.)
-Amanda C