Choose a controversial topic in one of the fields in the humanities that we are discussing in this class, such as art, history, literature, music, film, theater. You must choose a debatable topic from the weekly class topics in the humanities and persuade us to agree with you on the issue.

Instructions: I would prefer to use a voice over Power Point for this assignment. (so that I am able to record and read through the slides) Please choose a fun and debatable topic that is easier for you by using one of the Humanitites topics below BUT Science and Technology or Law & Politics would be my preference..
Choose a controversial topic in one of the fields in the humanities that we are discussing in this class, such as
art, history, literature, music, film, theater. You must choose a debatable topic from the weekly class topics in
the humanities and persuade us to agree with you on the issue.
Science & Technology
History & Film
Law & Politics
Music
Visual Art
Education
You should choose a topic you are passionate about and one that you think you can persuade others to care
about. You’ll choose a side on the topic and argue for it as you prepare a persuasive video argument for your
presentation.
Your presentation will be delivered in an interactive 5-7 minute video that presents your side of your argument
in a convincing, compelling, and interesting way.
You may present your video using a voice-over PowerPoint (Links to an external site.), a Biteable presentation, an iMovie, or a YouTube video.
Requirements for the presentation include:
5-7 minutes of presentation
Audio; we must be able to hear you!
A sense of organization
A hook to draw your listeners into your presentation
Several main points
A refutation of the opposing point of view
A true conclusion that summarizes your point of view
A call to action
Documentation of your sources either verbally or visually
A sense of persuasion. This is not an informative presentation. You must ask the audience to agree with
your perspective on your issue.
A minimum of three references to support your position or explanation of the topic. Be sure to provide
source introductions for these references (such as “According to…”).
Video Argument Presentation expectations:
The introduction is interesting- the hook reels in viewers.
Presentation of evidence- Viewers can tell where the speaker stands on the issue and the speaker proves why s/he takes
that stance.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of Rhetorical Devices – Pathos, logos, and ethos are easily
identified.
Core Argument – The speaker’s perspective is clear, and the speaker is convincing. The argument is easy to
follow.
Content- Subject knowledge is evident throughout the video. This speaker did his/her research well.
Conclusion- The conclusion concludes/summarizes. Viewers clearly know what to do next if they are
persuaded. There is a clear call to action.
Mechanics and Documentation-No spelling , punctuation, or grammar errors are evident. Documentation of
sources is oral or visual.
Production- Video is of excellent quality and is edited. The speaker can be seen and heard well. There are no
distractions.
Example of Choosing a Topic:
For the purpose of an extended example, let’s imagine I’m going to present information on the film ratings
system (because it’s an old debate and probably not one you’d naturally consider). The ratings of G, PG, PG-13, and R were
not in use before the 1980s, and there was a huge debate about how the ratings would be
assessed when they first came into play.
So my topic is film ratings. That’s pretty broad, so I like it because it gives me lots of room to write. My
professor may not be so thrilled and may start to encourage me to narrow down this topic and choose a side
on the issue. I will keep thinking…. This will happen over the first few weeks as you write a position statement,
find sources, and dig into the topic.
Let’s say that I want to argue that film ratings are good for parents of young children who want to protect the
children from seeing/hearing things that are not appropriate for their age. Do you see how I’m already thinking
toward a slightly more narrow topic than “film ratings”? Now I’m saying that “film ratings are worthwhile for
parents of young children.” That’s narrower. My professor is more pleased.
From here, I’d start to marshal an argument based on pathos, ethos, and logos that supports my stance. I will
strive to find examples from scholarly sources (ethos), tell stories of children seeing something inappropriate
(pathos), use statistics about how many young children go to movies (logos), and so on.
Link to an Example of a Video Argument Presentation:

There is also a Position Statement Assignment to complete:
Position Statement Activity Assignment
“My father used to say, ‘Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument.’” –Desmond Tutu
To improve discourse on a topic, one needs to understand all perspectives of an issue. This exercise will help you to
examine all sides of your proposed issue for the Video Argument Presentation before making a formal position statement
concerning it. If this approach is used over time, it will help to pattern your thinking (and listening) when engaged in the art
of argumentation.
Directions: Complete worksheet
Download the Position Statement Activity Template Download Position Statement Activity Templateto record your work for this assignment.
Start with the debatable topic from the humanities that you are proposing as your choice for the final Video Argument Presentation. Identify this in the TOPIC box on the template.
Next, locate at least one source of information that supports the topic and summarize it in the PROS box. A source might be a news article, website, or professional blog.
Then, locate at least one source of information that is against the stated position and summarize it in CONS box.
Finally, locate at least one source of information that represent a neutral position and summarize it in the NEUTRAL box.
Cite your source in correct APA format (see APA guides in the APA Resources – 7th Edition module) at the bottom of each box for the PRO, CON, and NEUTRAL.
Now, create a formal position statement. This will state where you stand on the topic or issue. This link is a good overview of how to write a Position Statement.