This is the last of the 30 point debate items.

After reading chapter 14 (We will be focusing on the section on population problems), and reading through the presentation of the problem for this weeks discussion outlined on the weekly resource page, consider the following:

Primarily there are two views when discussing population 1) there are too many people and population growth is a problem; and 2) population decline is a problem because there are not enough women having children (fertility rate) to sustain our population (this argument really is specific to Western cultures).

We will be examining this problem as a social problem because there are claims makers and there is public discussion of the issue. Each of you will need to think about who are the claims makers and why are they making claims? Remember considering who benefits from the different claims is very important.

Be sure to read the instructions for debate.

First,

you will pick a topic from the many provided on population in your chapter and on the weekly resource page. Your first post can be a completely new post about your topic OR you can reply to someone else who has already posted. If you choose to reply to other’s posts, yours should refute the arguments in the original post and add something new about the opposite side.This is a debate so you should not be replying to people who have the same view as you, UNLESS you can refute something they provided with different evidence.You MUST make it clear what you are refuting.

For each item there are many pro or con arguments that may represent your view on the topic. Your arguments should be based on some academic source such as your text, or a procon.org website.

Second,

Remember the most important thing about debate is to PICK A SIDE! Even if you don’t agree with the side you pick, you can provide the research and present compelling arguments. Often that is the best way to really learn about a topic. Remember to think about how the topic manifests locally compared to nationally or even globally if you want to take it that far.

Third,

You are required to post at least three times. One of your posts MUST present a solutions that have already been enacted or an original idea that you think could or should be enacted. I would prefer the solutions presented be from a local aspect, but that is not required for this debate. One of your three posts MUST refute an argument made by someone else.

The easiest way to do this assignment is present an original debate argument (or reply to someone that has taken the other side and refute their argument), then have one of your reply posts refute someone’s argument. This can be in the same topic you presented or a different topic. Then have the third topic focus on solution ideas for one of the items presented. It can be the same topic you chose originally or a different one.

There are plenty of new ideas for everyone, so remember you only need to present one, not solve the whole thing in one post. This will be a group effort to see if we can come to any resolutions.

YOU MUST USE EVIDENCE FOR THESE POSTS. NO OPINIONS OR UNSUPPORTED FACTUAL ASSERTIONS ALLOWED. Use the items I’ve provided to help you prepare or feel free to do your own research.

See the course schedule for exact due dates for assignments.

This assignment will be subjectively graded by how well I think you formulated your arguments and supported them with evidence. Each post is worth up to 10 points. See the attached debate rubric for what is expected for each post. Posts that are submitted more than one hour late will be subject to half credit penalty.