In the last decades, the concept of “marriage” has become at the center of contr

In the last decades, the concept of “marriage” has become at the center of contr

In the last decades, the concept of “marriage” has become at the center of controversial and even heated discussions. Issues like same-sex marriage have added a new dimension to a concept that, for decades, and even centuries, was clearly limited to the civil and/or religious union of a man and a woman. If we follow the premise that everything is an argument, as our coursebook suggests, then all definitions are, in fact, arguments, and they reflect the definer’s worldview and ideologies. Thus, all definitions are always open to questions and debates. For this second project, you will examine a concept or issue in internet and/or print sources to see how the subject is defined and how and why arguments of definition are constructed and presented by these publications according to their various agendas. To continue with the topic of marriage as an example for this report, you may want to look at internet publications, newspaper editorials, history books, and even religious documents to see the different perspectives under which “marriage” is defined.
For your essay, choose a concept that you are aware has generated controversy and debate in terms of how people see it. Some examples are date rape, binge drinking, urban sprawl/development, gentrification, computer hacking, copyright of music, fraternity & sorority hazing, censorship (music, film, academic courses), road rage, terrorism, right to privacy, political correctness, illegal immigration, the millennial generation, opioid addiction, sexual harassment and assault, and racial profiling. These are only some suggestions to get you started. Then, you have to come up with your own definition, which you can present to me, and together, we can determine the best way to develop your idea and reflect on the ideologies and stances behind your definition.
Once you have decided what subject you will study, take some time to write down everything you already know (or think you know) about it, as well as any definitions of the subject you are aware of, including your own. Then use internet search engines (such as Google) to look for .org, .gov, and .edu sites that feature your subject. Before you study each site, write a few notes about how you expect the site to define your subject and why. Then, analyze the arguments of definition that you find and take lots of observational notes. Use Chapter 9 of the textbook to guide you in the key features of definitional arguments to look for.
You can choose to either present an objective report about your chosen definition, a critical analysis of the definition, or an argument, either for or against the current definitions of the word/issue/construct of your choice. Regardless of your choice, you must useprimary and secondary sources to support your conclusions and analyses/reflections.
Goals of Assignment:
To explore multiple perspectives on a topic.
To critically read and analyze secondary sources.
To apply ideas in secondary source(s) to your own experience or knowledge.