Making a Commitment; Choosing a Topic

Date July 5, 2007


I know. Making a commitment is tough, but don’t worry, it’s just for five weeks. It’s not like it’s a marriage or anything, something that’s suppose to last a lifetime. We’ll be through this in no time. With that said, it’s time to choose a topic for our project. We’ve had a little discussion in Grouptivity about possible topics that fall into the class theme of personal freedoms. Hopefully you’ve been thinking about how these topics weigh on our personal freedoms and not just on the topic itself. You should have had a chance to get familiar with delicious and started a preliminary search on your possible topics. Don’t forget to take a look back at our compilation to see what everyone else has come up with. http://del.icio.us/tag/%22personal%2Bfreedoms%22

After you have made your decision on a topic, think about the research question you will argue. Your reading in Chapter 18 will help you with the research question. Remember the overall assignment is to write an argumentative research supported essay, so be sure your question indicates an argument. Here are a few examples (not on personal freedoms):

  • Topic: computer classes in college.
  • Research Question: Should college freshman be required to take several computer classes as part of the degree requirements?
  • Topic: Death Penalty
  • Research Question: Is the death penalty just for all races?

The second example isn’t written as a personal freedoms issue, but it could easily be turned into one by simply asking the question: Does the death penalty violate the personal freedoms of the convicted criminal? Interesting question. Shouldn’t convicted criminals lose their freedom the second they are convicted of a crime? Oh, I could go on and on with arguments like this. Let’s move on.

To submit your choice for approval, just participate in the Grouptivity discussion that I sent to you via email.

  • List your chosen topic.
  • List the research question you plan to argue.

I will respond to you directly with whether your topic is appropriate or not. You might want to submit more than one topic, and I’ll tell you which one is best. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can get started with Assn. #3: Odyssey 1. You have to use your approved topic for ALL assignments starting with assignment #3. So be sure to get approval first.

Category Posted in Assn.#3, Module I

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