Paper due: October 17, 2001. Papers must be submitted on time. It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer does not eat your paper.

Length: 1500-2000 words (most word processors will provide a word count)

Form: The paper should be double-spaced with 1" margins. Please use normal 10-12 point type. The paper should be readily legible. Do not use boldface or color fonts (they are hard to read).

Topics

Choose one of the following topics.

1. Which, if any, forms of pornography is it morally wrong to distribute? Explain the moral basis of your position, responding to contrary arguments. How, if at all, should such material be restricted by law?
2. Read AU's policy on "Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment" at http://www.american.edu/handbook/policies_guidelines.htm. Evaluate this policy in light of your readings on hate speech and freedom of expression.
3. What, if any, changes would you make in current laws restricting distribution of recreational drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and cocaine? Argue for your position and respond to opposing arguments.

Read (and cite in your paper) at least two scholarly articles (i.e., journal articles, not newspaper, magazine, or encyclopedia articles) on your topic in addition to those we have read for the course. The "Suggested Additional Readings" section at the end of each chapter is a good place to start. You may select articles that either support or oppose the position you take in your paper.

General

Your paper should reflect (1) your understanding of readings and lectures on the topic, and (2) your own thoughts and arguments. You should take a position on the issue and present a coherent argument in defense of that position. Remember that the strongest argument is one that would be likely to convince someone who initially disagreed with you. In formulating your arguments, try to think of possible objections to your position and respond to them. Be sure to respond to any arguments against your position that are found in the course readings.

Grading

Papers will be evaluated on the basis of your understanding of the material, the strength of your arguments, clarity, and originality. Grammatical English is an important component of clarity. This paper is 25% of your course grade.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is representing someone else's language or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited by the university and will result in disciplinary action. You must write your own paper. You may not use a paper previously submitted for another course. Use proper citations to indicate sources. Papers that fail to identify sources will not be graded until a copy including proper citations is provided.

Citations

In your paper, identify direct quotations with quotation marks and footnotes. Identify ideas of others that you paraphrase with footnotes or in the text. In citing the course text, refer to specific articles, not to the editor's introduction to the chapter (unless you are referring to the editor's own ideas). Citations may be in any form, but should include at least author, title, page number, and date. Websites, if used, should be cited by the url (http://..).