1. For this discussion, you will have the opportunity to practice using objectivity in examining an important aspect of culture –family values (specific topic choices below). You will present 3 points of view on a current controversial topic. First you will argue in favor of the issue – pro. Then you will argue against the issue – con.  Finally, you will present your own honest opinion.

The challenge here is that when you present both the support side and the opposition side, the class should NOT be able to distinguish which is your personal view. Sociologists work very hard at learning to set aside their biases in examining social issues. It’s ok to hold opinions on a controversial issue – that’s only human. But in social research, it’s important to SET ASIDE your personal biases and opinions when gathering information.  

This forum is NOT aimed at changing your views regarding family values, but rather at helping you to objectively examine an issue without personal bias.  This is a great tool to have because it helps you to better understand the CONTEXT for your own views. And it’s a powerful exercise in critical thinking.

Lastly, after you have presented these two sides of the debate, only THEN should you reveal which side of the debate you support.  Present a paragraph telling us what your honest views are on the issue, in a respectful manner, of course.

 THE TOPIC CHOICES 

Select from one of these issues related to family:

• Gay marriage rights
•  Cross-racial adoption (parents adopting babies that are of a different race than their own)
• One-child policy in China
• Requiring parental notification for teen abortions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING 

Select one topic from the list above.

You will need to do a little digging around on the Internet to discover the arguments in favor and in opposition. (Be sure to cite and reference any sources or websites you use). Make yourself a quick outline of the pros and cons.

WRITING YOUR POST

Pro Argument – Present a paragraph where you play the role of someone who  supports  the issue. And explain why. Support your argument with your course materials and/or credible websites

(For example, thinks gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to legally marry, thinks white couples should be allowed to adopt African-American babies, thinks the one-child policy in China is a beneficial idea, thinks parents should be notified before a teen is allowed to have an abortion)

Con Argument  – Present a paragraph where you play the role of someone who is  against  the issue. And explain why not. Support your argument with your course materials and/or credible websites.

(For example, thinks gay and lesbian couples should NOT be allowed to legally marry, for example thinks white couples should NOT be allowed to adopt African-American babies, thinks the one-child policy in China is a harmful idea, thinks teens should NOT be required to notify parents before having an abortion).

Your honest opinion  – Present a paragraph in which you explain your OWN view of the issue – pro or con or somewhere in between. And explain why.

 Don’t reveal your honest opinion until the very end of the post. Your readers should NOT be able to distinguish your view until reading this last paragraph.  (150 Words)

1. For this discussion, you are asked to think critically about social movements. Here are the specific points I’d like you to address in your post… (150 words)

•  What social movement do you feel passionately enough about that you would protest in the streets? Explain why, supporting your response with information from your course materials and/or other credible sources.
• This may be a current social movement, one from the past (think the 1960s or the 1920s for example), or one that you feel may become a heated issue in the future.
• Include a definition of “social movement.”
•  How is this different from “social change.”
• What movements do you currently support?

As a thinking point…

Here’s an example… While males are still required to register for the military draft, if the actual draft was re-instated for a future war, would this be a cause you’d be willing to protest in favor of or against in the streets? How might American society respond to this?