Blog 2 (January 31-February 4): There are at least two sides...

Background:
In 1973, the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade, changed the medical field in the United States forever (visit: Roe v. Wade - Facts or Roe v. Wade - A More Personal Account for more information). This decision legalized abortions for reasons other than medical necessity, rape, and incest.

Controversy has been surrounding this topic since its inception. One area not often explored is that of male rights. Putting aside personal moral and ethical beliefs on the original issue, the idea that a fetus was created by two entities and therefore, both could potentially have a say in the outcome, is an intriguing idea. But, the fetus will reside in the female for approximately nine months. How does that impact the paternal rights?

Assignment:
Abortion is currently legal in the United States. Therefore, in situations that do not involve rape, should both men and women need to agree on the outcome of the pregnancy (ie: an abortion)? In three to four well-developed paragraphs, defend or challenge this question (as always, avoid waffling). Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations. Use at least two in-text citations from any of the five links within this blog. Use proper MLA format (see this website for help: Citation Assistance).

Links to visit: 
Opinion Piece: A Father's Role
Ethics and the Role of Fathers
A Legal and Anecdotal Look into the Male Role

Optional, extra credit assignment: 
Engage in a meaningful conversation (at least one paragraph or more) with at least one of your classmates. 


Due date: 
Friday, February 4th at midnight

Blog 1 (January 24-28): Censorship

Not only did we discuss this topic in class last week, but it frequently appears on the SAT and AP exams.

Background:
On the surface, censorship seems objectionable because it limits our freedom. But all societies may need to suppress or restrict information that is "offensive" or potentially harmful. People depend on the establishment of some limits, claiming that this is some way of making distinctions between what is right and what is wrong. The argument exists that censorship could actually be beneficial to a society because it helps to establish ideals of what is proper in such areas as art, music, and literature.

Assignment:
Should society limit people's exposure to some kinds of information or forms of expression? In three to four well-developed paragraphs, develop your point of view on this issue (avoid waffling). Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

Optional, extra credit assignment: 
Engage in a meaningful conversation (one paragraph or more) with at least one of your classmates. 


Due date: 
Friday, January 28th at midnight