Philosophy Paper Writing Week 1

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 1, 2, 3
• Lesson

Introduction
Over the eight weeks of the course,  you will work on a paper that addresses a current controversial issue.  This paper is to be in the form of an argument. You will select a topic,  choose an issue related to that topic, thoroughly research both sides  of the issue, and then write a paper that supports one side or the other  of the issue. Your paper must define the issue, present evidence on  both sides of the issue, and then argue that one side is stronger and  more persuasive than the other. Your paper must address at least three  relevant aspects of the issue. More specific directions for each part of  the paper will be found within the specific assignment in the weekly  modules.

Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:

Week

Task

Week 1

Topic Selection

Week 3

Issue Review (both sides)

Week 5

Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)

Week 7

Argumentative Paper

Instructions
This week, you will choose one of the following topics for your project:

• Immigration
• Gene therapy
• Single-payer health care
• Free college for everyone
• Cancel student-loan indebtedness
• Capital punishment
• Universal basic income
• Artificial intelligence
• Care of the aging
• Legalization of prostitution
• Euthanasia

If you want to propose a different topic, you must have the consent of your instructor.  When you choose a topic, think of specific issues under that topic that  you will explore. Click on the following link for an example:

Link: Immigration Topic Example  

For the assignment this week, address the following:

• State the topic chosen from the list or topic approved by instructor.
• State the specific issue you will explore. 
  • This must be stated either as a question (“Should prostitution be  legalized?”) or a whether-or-not statement (“Whether prostitution should  be legalized”).
• For the stated issue, state three (3) aspects of the issue that you  think you will likely develop in your paper. Briefly state why you have  chosen each aspect. 
  • You are not confined to three aspects only, but you must develop at least three. As you develop your paper, you may find other aspects that you deem more relevant, and may add or substitute those. 
    • Example: For the topic of prostitution, you might  examine the aspect of personal autonomy, public health aspects, and law  enforcement aspects, at a minimum.
    • Example: For the topic of free healthcare for  undocumented persons, you might address economic aspects, ethical  aspects, and public health aspects, at a minimum. 

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 1-1.5 pages (not including title page or references page)
• 1-inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• Title page
• References page

Grading
This activity will be graded using the W1 Course Project Grading Rubric.

Course Outcomes (CO): 6, 7

Due Date: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday

Rubric

 W1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 pts      W1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 pts     Criteria Ratings        Pts              This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome  Topic              1.0                    pts                  Topic is clearly stated.          0.0                    pts                  Topic is not clearly stated.          1.0 pts
         This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome  Specific Issue              2.0                    pts                  Specific issue is clearly stated.          0.0                    pts                  Specific issue is not clearly stated.          2.0 pts
         This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome  Aspect 1              4.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated and explained.          3.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.          2.0                    pts                  Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.          0.0                    pts                  Aspect is not stated.          4.0 pts
         This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome  Aspect 2              4.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated and explained.          3.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.          2.0                    pts                  Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.          0.0                    pts                  Aspect is not stated.          4.0 pts
         This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome  Aspect 3              4.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated and explained.          3.0                    pts                  Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.          2.0                    pts                  Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.          0.0                    pts                  Aspect is not stated.          4.0 pts
       Total Points:                            15.0