The Exploring a Controversy project is a series of several assignments on the same topic. You will choose a controversial issue that can be stated as a yes/no question, and then go through several phases of exploring the issue. First, you will write a personal essay on your topic without conducting any research. Next, you will spend several weeks conducting research on your topic and putting together a bibliography of sources that cover the different sides of the issue. Finally, you will conclude your project by composing an argumentative essay, in which you argue for one side of the issue. There will also be multiple short assignments related to the same topic.
For the personal essay you will write about your personal opinions and background on your topic. The purpose of this essay is to explore your current view of the issue, how you came to hold this view, and what your stake is in the issue. Do not conduct any research for this essay.