The following are among the least successful topics. This is, however, only a partial
list of hackneyed, shopworn and played-out subjects. Be certain to confirm your
potential topic with me before embarking on extensive research and/or writing.
English as official language
Bilingual Education or Ebonics
Alcoholism/ Substance Dependency
TV Violence causes… or
Gun control (all permutations)
does not cause…
Cloning
Pro-Choice/Pro-Life
Stem cells
School Dress Code
Nuclear Armament
Dieting/Eating Disorders (all)
Affirmative Action (all permutations)
Diabetes/ Adult onset in children
Legalization of Controlled Substances
Drinking age: raising/lowering
Legalization of prostitution
Driving age: “ “ “
“
Violent Video Games/ Video Games
Voting age:
“ “ “
“
Elective Cosmetic Surgery, incl. tattooing, etc.
Creationism vs. Darwinian evolution
Censorship in music promotion/ marketing
or Intelligent Design
Steroids/Performance-Enhancers
Dreaming/ Dream Analysis/ Sleep
SAT testing (incl. variations in format)
Voodoo/ Santeria
Genetically Modified Organisms
Incest/ Child Abuse
Superstition/ Witchcraft
Hyperactivity/ADHD/ Ritalin
Assisted Suicide/ Suicide
File-sharing
Death Penalty/Euthanasia
Book banning
Mandatory Community Service as a requirement
Animal testing
Vegetarianism
Teen Pregnancy
Cell ‘phones
Amateur or Pro Boxing/ Wrestling
Sex education in public schools
Grieving: stages of
Genital Mutilation
Global warming/ climate change
Fraternities/ Sororities
Depression
Spanking/child discipline
Obesity
The military draft
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Black holes/ other natural phenomena
Deforestation
Human tissue/ organ sales
Outsourcing jobs
Women serving in combat
CA’s 3-Strikes law
BCS selection
Any material already adequately argued in your university courses, such as the various
psychological disorders and states.
Also, any issue that is predominantly historical in context (e.g. “Real Causes of the Viet
Nam War,” or “The Great Depression: What a Bummer”)
Choose extremely current issues of interest and relevance to you as a scholar. *If
uncertain, be certain to clear your intended focus with me before engaging in
extended research.