Week 1 course project: topic selection

Week 1 Course Project: Topic Selection

Submit Assignment

• Due Sunday by 11:59pm
• Points 15
• Submitting a file upload

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

Grading
This activity will be graded using the W1 Course Project Grading Rubric.

Course Outcomes (CO): 6, 7

Due Date: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday

Rubric

W1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 ptsW1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 ptsCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic1.0 ptsTopic is clearly stated.0.0 ptsTopic is not clearly stated.1.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpecific Issue2.0 ptsSpecific issue is clearly stated.0.0 ptsSpecific issue is not clearly stated.2.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 14.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated and explained.3.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.2.0 ptsAspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.0.0 ptsAspect is not stated.4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 24.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated and explained.3.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.2.0 ptsAspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.0.0 ptsAspect is not stated.4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 34.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated and explained.3.0 ptsAspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.2.0 ptsAspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.0.0 ptsAspect is not stated.