Final paper: a proposed plan of action related to a technological
issue
The content
Please submit two copies: one to be
graded, and one to be reviewed by another person in the class.
In your final paper you need to propose, discuss and defend a plan of
action related to a technological issue. The issue is your choice, it
could be anything from global warming to growing genetically modified
plants in a particular area. However, it may not be the same issue
that you have discussed in your second paper. In your paper you need
to:
-
Give a brief history of the issue. Include only the facts that are
related to your proposed plan. Explain why there is a need to act on
this issue.
-
Present your plan of action. The plan may
include laws, regulations, education, boycott of products, etc. The
plan must be concrete and realistic (it doesn't make sense to propose
that everyone starts (or stops) using hybrid cars, but you may suggest
incentives for people to buy (or not to buy) such cars).
-
Discuss opposing points of view. Argue with the other points of
view. Don't dismiss the other
side's arguments as nonsense, analyze what values/believes they may be
based upon and give a strong argument in favor of your point of view.
- Discuss alternatives to your plan. Explain why your plan is
better!
- Discuss possible shortcomings of your plan. If you can think of
ways to minimize the negative effects, discuss those.
- Finally, reflect upon your research for the paper and the class in
general. What new things
did you learn? Did your points of view change as you
learned new facts? Did you become more aware of a variety of ethical
believes? Do you feel more confident in analyzing consequences of
a technology? Where the class discussions, readings,
etc. helpful?
Due dates, requirements, etc.
- The paper must be 5-7 pages long.
- All the sources must be properly cited and bibliography should be
included.
- The paper is due April 20th (Tuesday) in class. Your paper
will be passed to another student for feedback.
- The feedback on another student's paper is due April 27th
(Tuesday).
- The revised paper is due at the time of the final exam (May 5th,
1:30pm) in my office. Earlier submissions will be graded
earlier.
This page is a part of IS 1091 at UMM web pages.