Choose a public health law topic such as Constitutionally Protected Rights: The Bill of Rights/State and Local Control/The First Amendment/Public Health Law and the U.S. Government just pick one.
The assignment requires you to make an argument to support your viewpoint on the topic chosen so pick a topic that involves some controversy. Unless you have a legal background, it is not likely a good strategy to pick a legal case and argue the law on it. Either way, do not pick a case that has been decided by the Supreme Court or a federal appellate court and agree with it or use the dissent to disagree with it. This should be your original thinking about a controversy based on research. You will explain your topic, set forth the controversy, choose a side, defend it, and rebut the opposition. The paper must be realistic based on the U.S. government structure, public health evidence, and the law. To this end, identify which government body and level of government would be responsible for enacting, interpreting or enforcing law relevant to your topic. Explain the governmental authority or duty, or barrier to the government’s ability to address your topic/position. Do not overstate your position or minimize the opposition. This paper requires you to research the public health issue beyond the assigned reading and research the relevant policy, government entity, and legal issues. Use resources identified on the syllabus in addition to government websites, grey literature, and PubMed. Define all terms and reference all factual assertions. Turn in the paper by uploading a Word version on Classes and by turning in a hard copy on the due date. Late papers will receive a reduced grade.
The position paper must use Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, include one inch margins, and page numbers. The text must be 4-6 pages and extra pages are permitted for single-spaced endnotes and any figures, tables or graphs that support the paper.
References must be ENDNOTES and complete: author, title, source, year, page numbers, and URL. Use endnotes for your references using Word or endnote software, such as Endnote. See the Reference slides.
For each reference students must put the URL for the reference no matter what type of reference it is. So after every complete reference, there must be a URL. If you are relying on a hard copy of a book, write [BOOK] at the end of the reference.
Please see the attachment Reference Slides for all reference directions.
If you use figures, tables, or graphs, refer to them in the paper and explain how they support your paper in the text of the article but you can place them in the article or at the end of the text.
Paper requiring an argument
Before writing: Make sure you understand the problem you are trying to address. Start by listing the strengths and weaknesses of your position and the opposing position for yourself- to clarify your thinking.
Develop your argument: When you develop your argument, you are confirming your own position and building your case. Use empirical evidence, such as facts and statistics, to support your claims. Appeal to your audience’s rational and logical thinking. Argue your case from the authority of your evidence and research. Do not overstate the strength of your evidence. Use quality evidence such as peer-reviewed studies, grey literature, government websites, and real policies. Experts’ opinions can be used to bolster your position and should be the only quoted material in the paper. Put all findings completely in your own words- do not cut and paste and change a few words!
As you develop your ideas, remember that you want to present them in a fair-minded and rational way. The success of your argument depends on your skill in convincing your reader—through sound reasoning, persuasion, and evidence—the strength of your point of view. It weakens your position to not acknowledge the strength of the other side and weaknesses in your position. Define all terms and reference all factual assertions. Headings are highly suggested to help the reader understand the arguments and intended flow of the paper.
Suggested organization for paper; if another one makes more sense, adjust accordingly:
Introduction: provide the context, background, and significance of your issue. Be sure that your hook presents an issue that is open to debate and state what that debate is. By the end of the introduction, summarize your conclusion.
State your Case
Substantiation and Proof: present and develop your own case. Use examples, facts, statistics, etc.
Opposition: summarize and analyze the opposition’s argument and refute or address each of their points.
Conclusion: briefly, review your main points and conclude with conviction but do not overstate the evidence. You may call for future research or point out limitations to your position that may or may not be overcome (e.g., the current political situation).
Writing Tips for all papers
Research, read, and think before writing.
Refrain from using an anecdotal story in formal writing.
Summarize conclusions up-front.
Write for a broad audience.
Proofread your paper. Proofread your paper.
Cut superfluous sentences.
Use spell check.
Do not use personal pronouns or contractions. Write in the third person.
Text should be organized into a logical, coherent argument, using complete sentences and correct spelling and grammar.
Use quotes SPARINGLY. Use your own words to explain what you mean.
Reference ABUNDANTLY.
Graded on:
(1) clear statement of position; strength and clarity of argument
(2) evidence to support the paper (quality and quantity)
(3) clear statement of and refutation of the opposition
(4) logical structure of paper, clarity of writing, use of meaningful headers, conclusion up front and at the end
(5) follows all directions, including identify/explaining which government body and level of government would be responsible for enacting, interpreting or enforcing law relevant to your topic
