Biology 100W: Spring 2002 Debate Assignment

We will divide the class into four groups. Two groups will debate on one topic, and two groups will debate on another topic. You have until 4:00 to formulate your arguments with your group and prepare to respond to challenges. You may do an internet search for information in DH 550. Please note that some of the information on the internet is opinion, and some is fact (i.e. can be supported with proof), and you should make sure that you can distinguish between the two. One method of deciding is to consider the source of the information - is it a legitimate, unbiased organization trying to inform the public about a topic, or a biased group trying to promote its own ideas or products by selectively presenting certain information? In any case, for this debate you can gather ideas for your arguments from both opinions and facts, and support your arguments with facts. You should familiarize yourself with both sides of the argument.

You should assign each person in your group a role, e.g. Dr. Jay Smith, family practice physician for 25 years. After you have prepared your arguments, we will follow these steps for each of the two debates:

1. Summary of Position:
   Each team will take up to 10 minutes to summarize its position on the issue. Each person should make part of the presentation. At the minimum, you should:
   • Introduce the members of your team and describe their areas of expertise
   • Define the issue
   • Explain your position on the issue
2. Questions and Debate:
   The teams can question or challenge each other after these summaries have been presented, and respond to the other teams questions and challenges.

• Your overall performance as a team, including the cohesiveness of your team, organization of the presentation, quality of arguments, use of facts to support your arguments, clarity of the presentation, and ability to respond to questions.
• Your individual performance.

Note that unlike a true debate, we will not select a winner for each argument, so it is possible for everyone to receive a high grade.

Debate 1: Stem Cell Research

For Stem Cell Research:

Against Stem Cell Research:




You should do your own search for information, but if you need help, here are some places to start:

• http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/
• http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
• http://www.stemcellresearchnews.com/

Debate 2: Genetic Engineering in Agriculture (transgenic plants)

For Genetic Engineering:

Against Genetic Engineering:




You should do your own search for information, but if you need help, here are some places to start:

• http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/biotech/
• http://www.monsanto.com/
• http://www.monsantosucks.com/

---

This page maintained by Charity Hopecbhope@email.sjsu.edu
Updated 5 April 2002 SJSU Library Webmaster


---