I started brainstorming in this area after generating a list of research topics that absolutely annoy me, either because they are quite over-done, or just plain boring. I plan on passing this list along to my 121 students as we move into their researched argument.
stem cell research
torture
music/movie piracy
lowering the drinking age
raising the drinking age
abortion
the war in Iraq
steroids in baseball (or any sport for that matter)
anything to do with Barry Bonds
ASPCA or PETA
The list goes on and on. Equally interesting, however, are a few suggestions I've heard my students talk about. I find all of these ideas, plus several more, to be intriguing:
the effect of technology on interpersonal communication (love this one!)
real estate law
tenant/landlord relationships
environmental law
the effect of The Academy on the movie industry
potential negative effects of AP classes in high school
the effect of the Vietnam War on pop/rock music
pursuing a manned mission to Mars
the positive health benefits of owning a pet
The list goes on. I found these to be some of my favorites.
I'm having my students each write a two-page rationale for their topics. Each will explain why they believe further research and understanding for their topic is important, as well as document what they hope to learn, what they already know, and specifically how they plan to use the information they find.
This is by far my favorite assignment.
John out.
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1 comment:
Very cool assignment. I think some of the topics in that first list work if students can narrow their focus a bit more--what about a paper on whether or not to continue using Blackwater to secure only the "green zone" in Baghdad? Unfortunately, hmm, many people are too attached to the broader topic and use sweeping generalizations to wage an emotional, ineffective argument. Probably best to just stay away from the topics, as you've said.
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