HRE 4M1
Research Paper and Seminar
Independent Study Unit
Name: _____________________________
This is assignment consists of two parts:
1. SEMINAR PRESENTATION—individuals or pairs
2. FORMAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY—individually completed
Part 1: SEMINAR PRESENTATION
Length: 40 minutes
Mark breakdown:
50 marks for the presentation (refer to rubric)
30 marks for your handout (refer to rubric)
Your seminar presentation will include the following:
a. A clear explanation of the issue
b. Various ethical positions in society (minimum of two opposing positions)
c. Consequences of each position (ie: results of adopting this position)
d. Underlying beliefs of each position (ie: which values, principles, and assumptions and logical
arguments lead each position to be right)
e. Explanation of why some positions may be stronger than others.
f. Quotations or paraphrased information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and/or
official Church documents.
g. A mix of at least four examples to generate discussion (case studies, short articles or excerpts, or
questions)
h. Any multimedia that enhances the presentation. Students must inform the teacher of needs
(powerpoint, TV/DVD/VCR, CD player, etc) one week prior to the presentation.
i. A handout will include a summary of items a. – f. listed above. Your note must be presented to
the teacher two days before the presentation.
Hand in a copy of the presentation (print the slides of your powerpoint presentation and written
information) to your teacher before you begin your presentation.
Part 2: FORMAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Length: 4-5 pages (double spaced, regular fonts and margins) excluding title page, bibliography, etc.
Mark breakdown:
Topic Selection
5 marks
Catholic view
5 marks
First submission
10 marks
Final submission
100 marks
NOTE: A grade of ZERO will be given if there is no bibliography and insufficient referencing.
The essay requires the author to adopt a position on the issue (researched for the presentation) and
defend it with a logical and well researched argument. The argument should involve principle and
practicality as well as the use of a counterargument/antithesis.
Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Is capital punishment moral or immoral?
Is euthanasia and/or doctor assisted suicide ever be moral?
Can child labour ever be ethical?
Is there such a thing as a just war? (Just War Theory)
What is the general population’s moral responsibility to the poor/homeless?
Is organ trafficking ever moral?
Are there any circumstances where abortions are justifiable?
Is animal testing morally justifiable? (medical/industrial)
Is genetic engineering of plants and animals justifiable?
Is stem cell research morally justifiable?
Is poverty in developing nations the moral responsibility of developed nations?
Is pornography (making/viewing) moral?
Is censorship ever morally correct?
Is the legalization of prostitution ever moral?
Is homosexuality a moral issue? (Why do some make it one?)
Should there be limits on reproductive technology? (IVF)
Who is morally culpable for the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports? Is this practice
justifiable?
What is our moral responsibility to the environment?
Is surrogacy morally permissible?
Is food consumption or production a moral issue? (ie. Vegan/vegetarianism)
Other topic (upon approval)
Essay Outline: Genetic Screening
Ian Gogolek
THESIS: While there are possibilities that genetic screening procedures could provide great insight into
defects and disease in humans, the process (who has control and access to the information) needs to be
very tightly controlled. The way genetic screening is currently used and promoted is immoral.
Point One:
Pre-birth genetic screening, how it is currently used is immoral because it leads to abortion based on
gender and prejudice towards those who have special needs.
Abortion based on gender:
7999/8000 abortions performed in the Bombay area between 1978-82 were on female fetuses.
(Kimbrell, pg.122)
Abortions based on disabilities:
Poll in New England
1% based on gender
6% based on Alzheimer’s in old age
11% based on obesity
(Rifkin, pg. 147)
-can lead to a genetic-based eugenics program (sterilization of those deemed unfit to have
children)
-violation of the integrity of the human being and a child as a gift
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2344)
Point Two:
Genetic Screening has the strong possibility of being used by corporations to determine hiring practices
and insurance premiums.
Example:
Reggie Lewis: Boston Celtics died of a genetic heart dysfunction
Eddy Curry: Chicago Bulls had heart problems. Bulls wanted him to undergo genetic
testing before signing him to a new contract
The Bulls had insisted that Curry take a DNA test to determine whether he's a potentially fatal heart
problem. Curry, who missed the final 13 games of the regular season susceptible to and the playoffs
after experiencing an irregular heartbeat, balked, saying it violated his privacy.
(www.nytimes.com/2005/10/03/sports/basketball/04curry)
Employers may demand the right to genetic tests before hiring or promotion
1981, the Bureau of labor statistics reported that occupational illness costs private sector employers 850,000 lost
workdays.
(http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v4n2/genes.html)
Corporations looking to improve their profits could demand that genetic tests be applicable to reduce
waste.
This could create a permanent underclass of the unemployable.
predisposition to genetically-based disease is often associated with race or ethnic background. For example, the
sickle cell trait is found in 1 out of 12 blacks, but only in 1 out of 1,000 whites.
(http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v4n2/genes.html)
Insurance companies could deny access after a genetic screen
Genetic screening may be performed on current or prospective employees when it is clear that the
genetic trait directly affects job performance
(http://www.acoem.org/guidelines)
Point Three:
Genetic Screening can be useful but most genetic diseases are untreatable or not properly diagnosed.
Gen. screening often only demonstrates a predisposition or susceptibility to a certain disorder not a
definitive
Results can be misinterpreted
Problems in diagnosis – both parents must have the gene
Tay Sachs disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Sickle Cell Anemia
Useful to inform couples concerning marriage (accepted by the Catholic Church)
Conclusion:
While there are some possible benefits to gen. screening, many of its current uses are unethical. For
genetic screening to be ethical, access to results must be seriously restricted and must not be used to
deny people health care, employment or other basic rights available to all people.
Tips On Writing an Argumentative Paper
Step One: Choose a Topic
Choose a topic that is of interest to you. This will make the process of research much less painful.
Step Two: Find Research Materials
Gather information from as many sources as possible. You will need information(arguments,
statistics) from different perspectives. Do not completely decide what your full argument will be
before you complete your research.
Step Three: Develop a Thesis
Determine your stand on the issue. Be sure your stand can be defended by logic and/or statistical
analysis. All your arguments for your essay must flow logically from your thesis.
The claim in your essay may be a positive or negative claim.
Step Four: Make An Outline
Before you start writing it is important to make an outline. The outline should sketch out all your
arguments and the structure of your paper.
Each argument should logically flow from the argument before it.
Expect to encounter problems with logic and flow. You will most probably have to revisit this more
than once.
Step Five: Take a Break
Take a break from the work for a few days. This is important to gain some perspective on your
arguments.
Step Six: Revisit Your Argument With a Critical Eye
Look at your argument from an opposing viewpoint. What objections would they raise to your
arguments?
Also, seek someone who has a skeptical mind who can evaluate your arguments objectively and
without prejudice.
Step Seven: Write Your Paper
Write your paper following a revised outline. Write in a concise and formal manner.
Your introduction should include your thesis and your reasoning behind your argument.
Be sure to avoid common problems in language use, spelling, grammar etc..
Ex: tense agreement
Step Eight: Proofread Your Paper
After you finish writing your paper let it sit until the next day. Proofread it orally. Do not be afraid to
rewrite sentences and restructure paragraphs to improve clarity.
Argumentative Essay Rubric
Thinking
Soundness of
Argument
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
This paper is unclear, or reflects
partial understanding or some
distortion of the topic; exhibits
faulty logic and/or stereotypical,
superficial thinking in some of its
supporting arguments, analysis and
examples; little or no effort to
anticipate and address problems
A clear position, but may not
articulate it very clearly;
responds in a general way to
the topic, showing broad
understanding of major issues,
but may address some ideas
more effectively than others;
support of main points is
inconsistent, sometimes
adequate; minimal anticipation
of counter arguments
A clear position, responding
competently and
comprehensively to the topic,
showing some depth of
thought; some claims may not
be strongly supported but this
only slightly undermines the
main argument; some success
at anticipation of counter
arguments
A strong well articulated position,
responding precisely and
comprehensively to the topic:
demonstrates excellent understanding
and depth of thought supported by
compelling and logically sound
arguments, analysis and examples;
Anticipates and addresses problems
and counter-arguments effectively
This paper reads poorly, exhibiting
a lack of control of focus and/or
weak organizational and
developmental patterns; may
ramble, be repetitious, hard to
follow in places, or locked into an
organizational formula
This paper reads well showing
some control of focus,
organization and development;
it may rely to some extent on
formulaic devices for its
structure, and it may wander or
shift topics abruptly at times.
This paper reads well for the
most part, exhibit control of
focus, org. and dev, but its
elements are not as well
managed as at the command
level (eg. The intro./concl.
may be ineffective, or the
argument may not flow
consistently)
This paper reads very well, exhibiting
command of focus, organization and
development
This paper exhibits a lack of
control of expression, grammar,
punctuation, and mechanics; many
and significant errors, some of
which interfere with the reader’s
understanding or require the reader
to supply meaning to make the text
intelligible
This paper exhibits some
control of expression,
grammar, punctuation, and
mechanics; may contain
numerous errors, but they are
not such that they interfere
with the reader’s
understanding
This paper exhibits control of
expression, grammar,
punctuation, and mechanics;
some minor errors
This paper exhibits command of
expression (word choice, tone,
sentence structure, and sentence
sense), grammar, punctuation, and
mechanics; no errors, or at most a
few minor ones
Referencing
Referencing
Referencing
Referencing
Bibliography
Bibliography
Bibliography
Bibliography
Evidence
Evidence
Evidence
Evidence
Catholic Church
Catholic Church
Catholic Church
Catholic Church
30
Comm.
Focus,
Organization and
Development
Name: __________________________
15
Comm.
Clarity of
Expression
Its introduction draws the reader into
the discussion, which presents a
sustained and logical progression of
ideas leading to an effective
conclusion.
15
Knowledge
30
Religion ISU Seminar
Note
Name: _____________________
Level R
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
The note is poorly
organized and laid
out. The important
info is not
available.
The note is poorly
organized and laid out.
The important info is
not easily accessible
The note is well
organized and well laid
out. The important
info. is easily accessible
The note is well organized and
well laid out.
The important info. is easily
accessible and well highlighted
The note contains
little info. on most
aspects of the issue.
Some of the info.is
correct
The note contains some
info. on most aspects of
the issue including the
Catholic view. Some of
the info. Is correct
The note is
organized and laid
out with some
competence
The important info
is not easily
accessible
The note contains
most info. on most
aspects of the issue
incl. the Catholic
view. The info. is
mostly correct
The note contains all
info. on every aspect of
the issue including
the Catholic view. All
the info. is correct
The note contains all
information on every aspect of
the issue including the
Catholic view.
Every point is accurate and
presented in detail with
underlying beliefs and
consequences of each position
Presentation
Level R
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Knowledge
Content
Lacks 3 or more of
the following:
-Opp. viewpoints
-detail
-Church view
-Questions
-Case Studies
Lacks 2 or more of the
following
-Opp. viewpoints
-detail
-Church view
-Questions/ Case
studies are not relevant
-Opp. Viewpoints
Church view are
presented with
some detail
-Questions/ Case
studies have some
relevance
-Opp.
Viewpoints are
presented in detail
-Opp. Viewpoints/
Church view are presented in
detail with accurate analysis
-Questions/Case studies are
relevant to the topic and serve
to illuminate the aspects of the
issue
Voice is monotone.
Reads the pres. with
clarity with a lack
of under.
Uses little to no
media to engage the
class in
presentation
Reads notes
Voice is monotone.
Pres.
lacks focus & clarity &
an understanding of the
issue
Use different media to
engage the class in the
presentation
Frequently reads notes
Student is unable to
answer any
questions
Questions are answered
without clarity and
with a great deal of
hesitation
Voice is clear and
confident.
Speaks with clarity
with an appropriate
vocabulary
Use different media
to engage the class
in the presentation
frequently checks
notes
Questions are
answered with little
clarity and little
attention to detail
Communication
Organization
/10
Knowledge
Content
/20
/20
Communication
/10
Application
Questions
-Church view
Questions/Case studies
are relevant and
insightful
Voice is clear and
confident.
Speaks with clarity
with an appropriate
vocabulary
Use different media to
engage the class in the
presentation
Infrequently checks
notes
Questions are
answered with clarity,
with little hesitation,
and in some detail
/10
I.S.U. Preliminary Sheet
Voice is clear and confident.
Speaks with clarity with
appropriate vocabulary
Use of different media to
engage the class in the
presentation
Little to no checking of notes
Student is comfortable with
material and is able to explain
the finer points
Questions are answered with
complete clarity, without
hesitation, and in great detail
(5 Marks)
Name: __________________
Date: ____________________
To select a topic, you must:
a. provide a minimum of three sources (for websites print a page that demonstrates relevance,
photocopy relevant pages from books, periodicals)
b. provide a preliminary thesis.
Thesis:
Sources:
Include title/author(website)/ how info is relevant to the topic at hand/
pages that are relevant
Seminar Presentation Sign-Up
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Topics and Seminar Dates
Topic
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
HRE 4M1-_____
Student(s)
Capital Punishment
Euthanasia/doctor
assisted suicide
Child Labour
Just War
Resp. to the Poor
Organ Trafficking
Abortion
Animal Testing
Gen. Eng Plant/Animal
Stem Cells
Poverty Dev. Nations
Pornography
Censorship
Prostitution
Sexual Orientation
Reproductive Tech.
Perf. Enhance drugs
Environment
Surrogacy
Food Con?Prod
Period ___________________
Date
HRE 4M1
Research Paper and Seminar
ISU Checklist
Preliminary Sheet/Topic Selection
Outline
First Submission
Final Draft
Presentations
Due Date
April 11, 2011
April 27, 2011
May 13, 2011
May 27, 2011 (or one week after
first draft is returned)
Beginning on the week of May 18.
Marks (for your own records)
/5
/15
/10
/90
/80
**Please be advised that you SHOULD conference with your teacher one week before your
presentation AND before you hand in your essay.
In class work periods:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
DUE DATES:
Outline:
First Essay:
One week after the outline is returned
Final Essay:
December 19, 2008
Submit Outline/ 1st Essay as well
Presentation Date: