You will explore two sides of a controversial issue. You will have to research both sides of the issue and present facts on both sides. For some of you, this assignment will reinforce your beliefs. For others, it will open your eyes to a complex issue. Select a topic that you have a strong opinion about. Remember, this assignment is about FACTS; facts should be gathered from a reputable source (peer reviewed journals, not people, newspapers, etc). Choose a topic from the list at the right. You can also choose a topic that is not listed as long as you clear it with you instructor first.
Read the project description at the left and make sure you understand what your instructor wants. Ask any questions you have about the assignment. A quick email or a word after class could save you having to start all over again!
Here are some topics to choose from. You can also choose a topic that is not listed, as long as you clear it with your instructor first.
| Homosexuality | Pornography | Sexual Exploitation |
| Bisexuality | Female versus Male Orgasm | Prostitution |
| Infertility | The Commercialization of Sex | Attitudes toward Masturbation |
| Gender Identity Dysphoria | Cultural Differences in Sexuality | Sexual Abuse of Children |
| Sexual Orientation | Sex in the media | Date Rape |
| Sexual Jealousy | Homophobia | Fetishism |
| Sexuality and Aging | Female Circumcision | Incest |
| Should Alternatives to Monogamy be Accepted by Society? | ||
| Human Courtship Behavior: Past, Present, and Future | ||
It's OK if you have no previous information about this field! You are graded on what you learn from the assignment, not what you knew when you started.
If the subject is really new to you, take a look at some of the library's resources in the Reference Books list to the left.
If a topic seems too large,try to narrow it down. Page through your textbook or recommended readings. Was there one aspect of your studies that you wanted to learn more about?
By browsing the resources in the box to the left, you might find topics you have never heard anything about.
No one says that research has to be boring! In fact, it should be a chance for you to steer your own learning, based on your personal interests.
If you are taking a class in an area outside your major or main program of study, can you tie your topic back to your major? For example:
Nursing AND Sexuality and Aging
Law enforcement and Pornography
Can you tie your own personal interests into the topic? For example:
Current trends in Human Courtship Behavior
Fashion AND The Commercialization of Sex
Choose something that will keep you interested. It will help you write a better paper or make a better presentation.
Once you've chosen your topic, doing a little extra work at the beginning will make your research and final project or paper go more smoothly.
Make your topic into a question. This helps you stay on track. Every time you find a source, ask "Does this help answer my question?"
This also helps you create a strong thesis or main idea, because it should be a direct answer to your question. For example:
Take "Sex in the media" and make it "How does sex in the media effect adolescent sexuality?"
Brainstorm related words.
Not everyone uses the same word for an idea or object. Think of other words that people may use to describe your topic.
Fashion; clothing; style; dress; costume
Human Courtship Behavior; dating; courtship patterns; flirtation; mating strategies
It may be helpful to check a dictionary or read a basic overview in order to see what words are used to describe your topics, especially by the experts.