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READINGS
Introduction
Climate 1
Climate 2
Evolution 1
Evolution 2
Conclusion
PAPER
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Term Paper Assignment
Content: Your paper should deal with a scientific theory and/or a set of scientific findings that were or continue to be disputed among the general public. You should summarize the findings, describe the history of their emergence and of the public reaction to them, and analyze how and why they were or are controversial. You should also compare the history of the emergence and public reception of your topic to both climate change and evolution by means of natural selection, showing how the substance and the context of your findings are similar to and/or different from these topics we have covered in class, and how these similarities and differences have led to similarities or differences in their public reception.
A list of topics you might consider would include, but not be restricted to
- The "germ theory" of disease
- The "big bang" theory of the origin and early development of the universe
- The connection between tobacco and various diseases
- The health effects of lead in the environment
- The health effects of asbestos
- The positive and negative effects of vaccination
- Genetically modified organisms
- The heliocentric universe
- The efficacy of acupuncture
- Fire suppression in dry forests
- Green revolution crops
- Nuclear power
- The ecological, economic, or health impacts of eating local
You may also choose your own topic, subject to approval of the instructors.
Format: Your paper should be 4000-5000 words long, exclusive of bibliography, though it can be a little shorter or a little longer if justified. You should cite all sources in a single, standard format; we don't care which one you use, as long as you are consistent and it is clear where you are getting your material.
Schedule:
- By 7:00 on Sunday, November 10, you should post
- A tentative topic
- A paragraph (~100 words) describing how you propose to approach your topic
- Your paper is due to the instructors at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9
Grading: Your paper will count 40% of your final grade for the class. It will be judged on accuracy of facts, clarity and persuasiveness of argument, organization, and quality of English prose. Both instructors will read your paper and discuss it before assigning a final grade.
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