Notice that the way each topic is worded encourages you to take a definitive stand on the
issue in question. While it is of course possible to write a neutral paper on any of the candidate
topics listed, for the purposes of this paper you should present the strongest argument you
can either for or against the issue in question.
Importantly, this does not mean that you should ignore arguments in support of the opposite
position—presenting the strongest possible argument will require that you acknowledge and
respond to positions antithetical to your own. An excellent paper will both present arguments
in support of the position it defends as well as provide reasons that challenge the position(s)
it does not.
A more detailed grading rubric will be available within the next week or two.
The paper is to be 6-8 pages in length (double-spaced) and will be evaluated for clarity,
originality and argumentative acumen