Our modern world is defined by and dependent on a variety of sciences and technologies. The impact of scientific and technological discoveries continues to dominate our discussions of who we are, where we come from, where we are going, and our place in the universe. In addition, scientific data frequently holds a privileged place in modern arguments, often treated as having greater validity than other forms of evidence or serving as the determining or arbitrating factor in arguments.

The purpose of this paper is that you explore issues related to the impact of science and technology on our lives, beliefs, policies, institutions, and culture. If possible, you should select issues impacting your chosen professions.

 

Research Paper

You will write an MLA style research paper with the body of the paper 5-7 pages in length (1250-1750 words). The paper will analyze and support some position on an issue impacted by science and technology (see attached sample topics list). The paper will include a title page, outline (topical or full sentence), and works cited page (These pages do not count as part of the total required page length). You may use specialized encyclopedias, books, journals, magazines, newspapers, the Internet, and our textbook as sources but must have a minimum of five printed sources (in addition to any articles or materials taken from our textbook). You may also use non-print sources including interviews. You may not use general encyclopedias as sources (e.g., Microsoft Encarta, Grolier, Britannica, World Book). (Capital Community-Technical College in Hartford, CT, had a Guide for Writing Research Papers with useful information on MLA citations. The library also has an MLA Citation Example page as a link under Writing Tools on the library's Reference Shelf page, which lists how to document sources from the many databases available through the library --If the font is too small to read well, you can increase the font size under the View tab of your browser).

For this assignment, you may either write a persuasive paper, an argument paper, or a problem/solution paper. In a persuasive paper, your purpose is to persuade the reader to a particular course of action or point of view. In an argument paper, your purpose is to discuss reasons for and against some proposition or proposal, taking a position on one side or the other. In a problem/solution paper, your purpose is to define some problem and argue in favor of some viable solution or set of viable solutions to the problem.

Be sure to include all relevant evidence related to your discussion. With scientific or technical information, be sure to define terms and provide any necessary explanations. Regardless of your own level of expertise in either your field of study or the science and technology impacting your discussion, write your paper for a general readership, your classmates. Avoid overly technical explanations except when absolutely necessary to make a point, and then, if at all possible, provide an analogy from common experience as illustration.

 

Research Proposal

Prior to writing your research paper, you will submit a proposal paper. This paper will contain an informal statement of your topic, purpose, and the methodology for your research paper. The paper will also indicate the nature and type of scientific data/evidence which you will be considering. The proposal paper should be one to two pages in length (250-500 words).

Sample Research Proposal

Topic

The topic I have selected is euthanasia - its ethics and its legalities. I originally thought that I would be on the side of those who consider a person's "right to die" to be his/her decision alone, and that if doctor-assisted suicide is desired, then that should be acceptable, also. But as I have explored the subject further, I have found myself on the opposite side--the side against making euthanasia an acceptable option in most cases. The distinction will be made between the outright killing of an ill person and allowing that person to die without interference. While both of these aspects of euthanasia will be examined, and their histories and futures explored, the position taken will be specifically against assisted suicide.

Purpose

This paper will be an argument paper. There are several opinion papers which I have read and books which I am examining on the subject of euthanasia. It is apparent that this subject is highly controversial, and I enjoy taking sides on controversial issues. People on both sides of this subject make important points, but I believe that the way one looks at the sanctity of life from a moral and religious viewpoint is what makes the difference of opinion.

Methodology

I have found four books and several Internet sites exploring this subject. Some of the material is clearly on one side or the other (such as the book published by the Hemlock Society), but some of it attempts to legitimately explore both sides.

The paper will be organized by first defining the issue, then describing case histories. The next part will be showing the research or background for both sides. Finally, I will defend the position I have taken with data from my sources.

Scientific Data

The evidence available will be based on observation, some statistical data, some psychological profiles, some historical interpretation of our basic rights, and some scientific interpretation of "quality of life." This issue, however, cannot be proven by scientific means; nor can it be answered to the satisfaction of everyone. In our culture, do we really want to give people their own control over life and death? And just because science can provide simple, painless ways to die, do we really want medical professionals or others to exercise their capacity for death? It is an issue that will continue to be subject to individual interpretation, as there is professional "evidence" on both sides. I will simply attempt to document the path I took toward my own argument against assisted suicide.