Purpose:
The goal of this assignment to evaluate the arguments used on multiple sides of a key global health debate. In this assignment, you will choose from a provided list of interesting and provocative debates in the area of poverty and global health and then propose, develop, and justify two different arguments on this ethical issue.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to…
Examine and critique multiple types of data and arguments
Develop and support ethical arguments around a key health issue
Evaluate the strength of data and arguments in order to argue your own personal position on the issue
Write in a professional manner
Task:
To complete this assignment, you should:
Watch the Debate Essay Instructions lecture [note slide 4 mentions a previous “extra credit assignment.” Please ignore this, this is old information]
Download the essay (UPDATED 5/25) template
Select a topic from the Topical Debate Essay Questions List
(note there are a couple of some new essay topic choices available here, not mentioned in the lecture).
Read the article that is assigned under your debate topic to get an idea of what the issue is. Conduct research, collecting data to be used to justify both the pro and con sides of the debate. This research should be academic in nature, that is, you need to focus on peer-reviewed literature. Please see the tab “How to conduct academic research” for guidelines on how to do this task.
You must cite 8 academic (i.e. peer-reviewed) pieces of literature in your essay. You should cite 3-5 articles per side.
You may reference non-academic research such as NGO reports or news articles as well but they will not be counted toward the 8 academic references requirement.
Write a 2250-2750 word essay. The essay should have three parts. First, there is a brief (200-250 words) introduction that introduces and explains the debate and defines the key terms. Then, there is a section (1000 words maximum) where you present the pro or “yes” side of the debate. Then, there should be a section (1000 words maximum) where you present the con or “no” side of the debate. Remember that the pro/yes and con/no sides should be roughly equal in length. Finally, there should be a brief conclusion (approx. 200-250 words) in which you state your own personal position on the debate and briefly explain your reasoning for why you have decided to support one side or the other.
For each side of the debate, you must present three types of arguments/evidence: (1) credible, factual arguments, (2) persuasive appeals to morality, ethics, and/or social justice, and (3) anecdotes, humor, and/or emotional details.
Formulate your Works Cited/References page using a systematic format style (e.g., APA or Chicago). Make sure that everything in your Works Cited/References has a corresponding in-text citation. Please see the information under the tab “How to conduct academic research” for help on correctly formatting your works cited. Learn more about different citation formats here (you are welcome to pick the one relevant to your major).
Provide a title for your essay.
Make sure you are using the provided word template to prepare your essay! (ASB305_DebateEssayTemplate.docx ) Your paper should be formatted with single spacing, 1-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font.
Save your file as LastnameFirstname_DebateEssay_Summer2018
Upload your assignment using the link above. Double check to make sure that your file uploaded correctly. Only .doc(x), .pdf, and .txt file formats are accepted.
Criteria for Success:
In order to be successful in this assignment, do the following:
Watch the Debate Essay Instructions lecture (above) and read the task instructions closely.
Pay careful attention to the word count requirements. Only text that meets the allowances for maximum length in the template will be graded.
Check out the rubric to see how this assignment will be graded. Compare your completed assignment to the rubric to ensure you have met every expectation.
