Group Project

Lauren Clark

English 101

Fall 2008

The Great Debate Because democracy does not take place on the sidelines. Context: Campus life in the United States is rich with complex and often heated discussions. You may not always immediately notice, but there are important social and political debates occurring all around you. For example, the controversial proposal to introduce a University District on WSU’s campus has generated a discussion, which goes beyond boundary lines and codes, that addresses some of our fundamental beliefs and concerns as Americans. This particular debate is one in which students, teachers, university officials, and local law enforcement alike struggle to reconcile the power of authority with questions about freedom and right to privacy. The U-district debate, like other major debates about campus-related issues, is a rich example of the way critical thinking and discussion manifests in student life. Assignment: For your next assignment you will work in groups. Ideally, your group will consist of three people. You will collaborate on a 4-5 page argumentative paper that takes a side in a major campus controversy that you will sign up for in class. There will be two groups at work on each controversy, one for and one against. Each set of groups (for and against) will present their argument to the class, and together lead a class discussion about their topic. You may create or use anything you want to aid in the persuasiveness of your presentation. Presentations should run 10-15 minutes. After both groups present they will lead the class in a discussion of their issue. Each group should prepare at least 3 open-ended questions to help generate discussion. Your goal in the discussion is not to shoot each other down, but to encourage your classmates to engage in a tolerant debate about your issue. You will have a class period to use at your discretion. Paper Requirements: 1. Your paper must be 4-5 pages (12 point Times). 2. Your paper must include at minimum 6 sources. 3. You must include a bibliography, and it and all in-text citations should be in MLA format. 4. Your paper should present a clear thesis (an argument either for or against), which should be supported throughout the paper through ample use of evidence and analysis. Make sure you are not just presenting facts. Use critical thinking to analyze your sources. 5. You paper should include at least 1 counter argument.

Paper Due: 10/17 Presentation Week: 10/20-10/24

Lauren Clark

English 101

Fall 2008

Presentation Requirements: 1. You will present your argument on the same day as your “opponent” group presents theirs. 2. Both groups must provide a 10-15 minute long presentation in which you detail their main arguments for the class. Make sure you clearly identify your thesis for the audience (let us know what issue you are talking about and what you think about the issue) 3. You may present in any format, using whatever visual aids you think will be most useful to your audience. 4. After both groups present they will lead a class discussion about the topic. The groups should plan to fill the remainder of the class period. 5. Each group will need to prepare at least 3 open ended questions to help generate discussion.