Position Project Parameters

Contemporary Issues
Position Project Parameters
Description:      

In these three position projects you will choose one topic in each category (Bioethics, social ethics, personal ethics).  You will research the topic using the Bible, Bible Commentary, and book and periodical sources.  Then you may choose your form of expression from a number of options including the position paper, film, art, drama, or debate.   At least one project must be a position paper and follow the position paper format below.  The other two may also be a position paper or you may choose a different creative format.  Each project will require a works cited page and copies of your sources.
Purpose:            

These projects are designed to be exercises in critical thinking in the area of ethical issues
and in the context of Christian beliefs.
Options:             

Paper, Debate, Film, Drama, Art, other teacher-approved ideas
Due Dates:
  • Project #1 – Life and Death Ethics October 10, 2017
  • Project #2 – Social Ethics November 14, 2017
  • Project #3 – Personal Ethics December 12, 2017
  • Personal Philosophy Project January 16, 2018
  • Book Report January 16, 2018
Required Paper Outline:              

Section One – Introduce the issue and create initial interest for reader.  Only one short paragraph.
                           
Section Two – Summarize briefly and clearly the current debate on the issue.  One or two short paragraphs.
                           
Section Three – Argue your position using logic and discussion of relevant scripture.  Usually at least three paragraphs - develop a concise but thorough argument.
                           
Section Four – Answer the “so what” question and demonstrate your position’s relevance.  Only one paragraph.
Format:             

Title Page
                           
Minimum of 2 pages text, double spaced, 12 point times font.  Maximum of 5 pages.
                           
Writer’s Inc. rules in citing sources; include a works cited page and copies of sources
                           
Paper will include the four outline section headings and content will reflect each section’s objective.
                           
Staple paper in top left hand corner
Required Sources:             

Minimum of 2 Scriptures from a major translation of the Bible (KJV, RSV, NIV, NASB)
                           
Minimum of 2 references from a Biblical Commentary (examples include SDA, Anchor Bible, Word Biblical, Barclay’s)
                           
Minimum of 4 book or periodical references relating to the topic - these may be online sources  but must be carefully checked for validity and sponsorship.
Elective Sources:
Consider interviews, surveys, and even an experiment that you design.  Consult with teacher for approval before moving forward with elective sources.
 
MUST  HAND IN HARD COPY OF PAPER AND SOURCES AND SUBMIT PAPER TO TURNITIN.COM!
Film or Play:   
Follow the same research guidelines and reference requirements, but instead of writing a paper, write and perform a play or film and edit a movie that expresses your position on an issue.  Works Cited and Copies of all Research to be handed in.  Script and performance or final cut of movie must show evidence of careful and thoughtful work.  Computer editing is required for movie.  Any class members with roles in the play or movie will be thanked profusely.  Play and movie should have a definitive plot but can range from 1 minute to 5 minutes on video and from 3 minutes to 10 minutes on play.  Remember that quality editing takes significant time.
Art:    
Follow the same research guidelines but instead of writing a paper,  create a work of art that reflects your position on an issue.  Works cited and copies of all research to be handed in.  Art must be done with care and quality.  You may choose from a variety of media but may not do a poster board or magazine collage (if you really want to do this talk with the teacher for approval).  A brief presentation introducing your art before the class is required.
Debate
Follow the same research guidelines but with a partner debate each other or another team of two (maximum of four participants).  You may follow a formal debate format with speech, rebuttal and cross-examination or use an informal format like a talk show.  In either case you are to prepare several main points and arguments and anticipate the opposition’s arguments in order to counter them.  Be civil but assertive in your debate.  Often it is fun to open the discussion up to the audience and continue debate with them.  Works cited and copies of all research to be handed in.  Also, it is required to prepare an outline that you use in the debate and hand it in when finished.
Grading Rubric:               

Total of 100 points/weight of each paper is 10% of grade.
                           
Section One       10
                                           
Clearly introduces issue                                                                   5
                                           
Creates interest for reader                                                               5
                           
Section Two       20
                                           
Summarizes major views on issue clearly and concisely          10
                                           
Shows even and fair treatment of current debate                      10
                           
Section Three    45
                                           
Argues position logically                                                                 15
                                           
Argues position thoroughly                                                             15
                                           
Argues position in light of relevant scripture                               15
                           
Section Four      10
                                           
Shows practical relevance of position to reader                         10   
                           
Format 5
                           
Sources   10              

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