Great American Debates

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the prevailing arguments on both sides of some of the most controversial debates of contemporary American society. These debates include (but are not limited to): abortion, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, the existence of God, the role of religion in the public square, affirmative action, capital punishment, the welfare state, gender equality, and immigration. Students will spend approximately two weeks studying and debating both sides of select issues and will spend class time participating in thoughtful, respectful, and lively debate with one another while engaging the assigned readings.