Opposing Viewpoints – APCPS
Please choose from the following list of topics. With a partner, you will present the topic to the class (using the readings provided on the web site) and conduct a class discussion with your peers. Your goal is to inform your fellow classmates of the arguments on each side of the issue. You don’t necessarily have to agree with your chosen point (but it would help if you did), but at least be able to teach it to the class. You and your partner will then lead the class in a discussion of the topic. This grade will be shown on the 2nd/4th quarter grade.
For credit, complete the following (40 Points):
- a summary of your argument (with evidence from the reading to support your side), [10 Points]
- include any updates to your topic on either side, [5 Points]
- your opinion on the topic, [10 Points]
- a political cartoon (or graphic) that explains your topic. Make sure that you can explain it to the class. [5 Points]
- two questions for class discussion (the same as the Current Event format), [10 Points]
All of this can be accomplished if you present using PowerPoint. Just include the above requirements on your PowerPoint.
Topic Choices will be taken in class on: ______.
Presentations will be on Mondays, starting on: ______.
Sources – All sources/information (except updates/cartoons) can be found using the following source:
The Michigan E-Library
(if you do this from home, you have to add a Michigan’s drivers license number since the site is paid for by state taxes. Using this from home is entirely up to you, but it’s open/free to use in public schools).
- Then, click on “Databases” tab at the top/center;
- then scroll down to “Opposing Viewpoints in Context”;
- then, click on “view all” next to any category on the page;
- then, click on “view all” from the drop down menu where it says “Choose a Category”;
- topics are listed alphabetically;
- after clicking on your topic, you may have to click on “View All 5/6/etc.” next to Featured Viewpoints
The topics following the order of topics presented in class.
Topic: Introduction to Comparative Politics
1.Category: Democracy Angela/Julia
A.Democracy Has Failed in Many Developing Nations
B.Democracy Is the Most Legitimate Form of Government for Developing Nations
2.Category: United Nations Sanath/Rihaaz
A.The United Nations Builds Partnerships for a Better World
B.The True Purpose of the United Nations Is Totalitarian Rule
Topic: Democratic v.Authoritarian Regimes
3.Category: Britain (search “Britain” in box) - Jessica/Daryn
A.Great Britain Should Remain in the European Union
B.Great Britain Should Leave the European Union
4.Category: Iran - Chris/Gledis
A.Iran Is a Threat to the United States and Its Allies
B.Iran Is Not a Threat to the United States and Its Allies
5.Category: Iran – Evan/Aakash
A.Iran Is a Threat to Israel's Existence
B.Iran Is Not a Threat to Israel's Existence
6.Category: Iranian Green Movement
A.The Iranian Green Movement Is Revolutionary
B.The Iranian Green Movement Is Not Revolutionary
Topic: The Crisis of Communism
7.Category: Russia
A.A More Open Political System Would Thwart the Ambitions of Russia's Ultranationalists
B.Russia Is Moving Toward Democracy
8.Category: Russia
A.The United States Should Pass Legislation to Discourage Human Rights Abuses in Russia
B.US Legislation Will Not Be Effective in Combating Human Rights Abuses in Russia
9.Category: China – Alex P/Alex Y
A.China Is Moving Toward Democracy
B.China Is Not Moving Toward Democracy
10.Category: China – Rishi/Patrick
A.China Abuses Human Rights
B.China Is Committed to Human Rights
Topic: Emerging Economies
11.Category: Mexico – Abdullah/Sammy
A.The Maquiladora System Is a Beneficial Part of the Mexican Economy Under NAFTA
B.NAFTA Promotes the Exploitative Maquiladora System in Mexico
12.Category: Nigeria
A.Nigerian Elections Are Pushing the Country to the Brink of Disaster
B.Nigerian Elections Will Not Push the Country into Chaos
13.Category: Nigeria
A.Oil Companies Should Be Expelled from the Niger Delta
B.Oil Companies Must Provide Local Citizens More Control over the Oil Resources in the Niger Delta
14.Category: Nigeria
A.There Is an Endemic Corruption Problem in Nigeria
B.Corruption Is Not the Main Problem in Nigeria
15.Category: Africa
A.The United States Should Promote Democracy in Africa
B.The United States Should Stop Promoting Democracy in Africa