INTRODUCTION:
Debates around topics such as gun ownership, abortion, and physician-assisted suicide are often so divisive that the prospect of reaching an agreement can seem impossible. How often does a person with a strong opinion on such an issue change the mind of someone with a conflicting but equally passionate view?
This assessment will prompt you to explore controversial, divisive issues like these. One goal will be to better understand the non-moral “hard facts” that are in the background of the moral issues. With research into the factual aspects of the debate, finding relevant statistics, measurable outcomes, and other data, perhaps we can work closer toward a resolution of debates around these social issues.
As you conduct your research and work on your segment, take some time to think about how to argue for your own position on the issue. Supporting your view will be done in part by the research you’re doing on the non-moral, empirical aspects of the topic. As part of your preparation for this assessment, you will also explore two academic disciplines or professions—psychology, nursing science, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, et cetera—to better contextualize your selected issue. You’ll also need to use ethical concepts—such as values, ethical principles, and ideals—along with ethical arguments to make a convincing case for your stance on the issue. Keep in mind that you have some powerful tools to draw on: the traditional normative ethical theories you applied in the second assessment and the critical theories covered in the third assessment.
OVERVIEW:
For this week’s assessment, you will create an audio or a video presentation that examines from various points of view a contemporary social issue you selected.
As the host of a television show (60 Minutes, VICE News) or radio program or podcast (Fresh Air, This American Life), you have been assigned to deliver an informative, 10-minute segment on the contemporary issue that you selected. As part of your segment, you will incorporate insights from two or more disciplines or professions, such as nursing and social work, or marketing, psychology, and biology. (These are only examples, and you should choose from professional insights that will best inform your argument.)
The intended audience for your segment is an intelligent but perhaps uninformed public, so this is your opportunity to engage them in an issue that matters to you.
In this assessment, you will demonstrate ethical reasoning by making sound decisions, taking appropriate actions with an awareness of the rights and well-being of others, and identifying the impact of personal and professional behavior.
PREPARATION:
Option 2: Produce the segment as an audio podcast or radio show.
As with the video option, Kaltura is an excellent format for audio. However, you may also record audio over a PowerPoint presentation (with simply text and/or images on individual slides).
If you would like to use another technology to create your video, please ask your instructor.
You must also include one of the following:
A PowerPoint presentation with highlights from the segment.
A transcript of the segment in a Word file or other document.
The PowerPoint or transcript of the segment should include APA-style citations and references.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Create a detailed and engaging video or audio presentation on a contemporary social issue that completes the following:
Describe a contemporary social issue associated with multiple viewpoints.
Analyze the importance of the issue.
Present conflicting perspectives impartially.
Analyze the primary interest(s) of at least three stakeholders invested in a contemporary social issue.
Explain at least one key argument associated with each opposing viewpoint.
Present conflicting perspectives impartially.
Analyze research findings from different academic disciplines that provide insights relevant to the contemporary social issue.
Present conflicting evidence and perspectives impartially.
Analyze a contemporary social issue from multiple perspectives using one of the three traditional theories of normative ethics.
State and defend your own position with clear reasoning in your own words.
Support your position with a discussion of normative ethical concepts.
