Exploring Controversial Topics in Sexuality Through a Classical Argument Structure

Part A

To date, many controversial topics in sexuality have been explored in this course.  For this project you will have an opportunity to explore a previously examined or new sexuality topic deeper or in a new way. You will want to choose a controversial topic in sexuality that you would enjoy reading and learning more about.  Consider examining a topic that is either personally or professionally of interest. 

Your task will be to locate various reliable, professional, informative, in-depth, and current articles (majority need to be within the past 5 years) related to your topic.  There will often be multiple issues related to one topic.  You will need to narrow your focus to one issue related to your topic. Find a combination of articles that argue for and against the issue you select. After reviewing the information, decide your stance on the issue.  Next, you will construct your paper using the outline below to guide your work.

The Construction: Your argument will follow the classical (or Aristotelian) argument structure:

1.Introduce your issue. In your introduction provide the social context for your issue (why is this topic even an issue?).  At the end of your introduction, present your thesis. The idea is to present your readers with your main point and then dig into it with supporting research and evidence.

2.Present your case by explaining the issue in detail and why something must be done or a way of thinking is not working. This will take place over several paragraphs (body paragraph).

3.Address the opposition. Use a few paragraphs to explain the other side. Refute the opposition one point at a time (body paragraph).

4.Provide your proof. After you address the other side, you will provide clear evidence that your side is the best side. In this section, connect your stance to your personal beliefs and assumptions. Support your stance with valid and reliable textual evidence (body paragraph).

5.Present your conclusion. In your conclusion, you should remind your readers of your main point or thesis and summarize the key points of your argument. If you are arguing for some kind of change, this is a good place to give your audience a call to action. Tell them what they could do to make a change.

Use APA referencing style for reference citations in the text of the paper and for the reference list at the end of the paper. Each body paragraph needs to include at least 3 sources. The information must be merged into an interesting, well organized, well written paper. This paper cannot exceed five pages (not including reference page).  Refer to the syllabus for course formatting requirements.  

You will sign up for your topic on the Google Doc. Only TWO students will be allowed to sign up for a topic.     

If you would like to explore a topic not listed, use the extra space in the sign up table to identify your issue.  Highlight your name and topic in yellow.  

By noon on the Thursday of the session (Week 15), you must post a brief synopsis (250 words or less) of your issue.  In this synopsis, you will include the context of the issue, a brief overview of the various perspectives (minimum two opposing viewpoints), and your stance on the issue (include supporting evidence for your perspective).  In your discussion thread, link or upload a minimum of one valid and reliable professional source for each perspective on the issue. Next, pose 1-3 questions related to your issue for you classmates to discuss.  

During this session, you will need to monitor your discussion thread and facilitate any discussion that transpires within your thread.  

Look through the discussion board and respond to a minimum of two issues that are of interest to you and/or you want to learn more about.  In an effort to have at least one person respond to each thread, make sure at least one of these posts is to a classmate that has not had a previous reply.  If every person has at least one additional response to their thread, you may choose to respond to any thread.  

For example, Tola enters the discussion board and sees that Derrick, Khalil, and Kenya each have 3 participants in their thread.  However, Vanessa, Kaylin, and Maya do not have anyone.  Tola must first respond to Vanessa. Kaylin, or Maya’s prompt.   After this response, Vanessa chooses to respond to Khalil’s prompt.