FOR DOCTOR MITCH

To prepare for this paper, you will choose a “popular” film on a topic of relevance to the course.  Popular means that the film was produced for the general public and is available beyond the scientific or academic media.  A list of possible film choices are provided below although you may suggest one not on the list for instructor approval.  The purpose of this assignment is to examine the substance of an argument or position posed to the general public and determine its ethical characteristics.  Your paper may include most, if not all, of these aspects: Purpose – what is the purpose of the author or film maker?, Question – Is the question at issue well-stated?, Information – Does the writer or producer cite relevant evidence, experiences, and or information essential to the issue?  Is the information accurate?, Concepts – does the writer or producer clarify key concepts when necessary?, Inferences – does the writer or producer develop a line of reasoning explaining well how she/he arrived at her or his main conclusions?  What ethical concepts can be applied to this reasoning?, Point of View – does the writer or producer show an awareness of alternative relevant points of view or lines of reasoning?, Implications – does the writer or producer show an awareness of the implications and consequences of the position he/she is taking?

However, the main point is to apply 3 ethical theories to the issues addressed in the film. This means thoroughly defining each theory with at least 2 separate, credible sources and then step by step explaining how the issue applies or rejects an ethical theory.

Follow the RUBRIC (worth 25 points, half the points of papers #1 and #2) and syllabus for max points.

If you plan to deviate from the list of films, your must inform me of your film selection as soon as possible for approval.

Optional Extra Credit is due on 6/7/16 by 7:00 pm in the turnitin.com link in the Paper Drop Box. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED!.

LIST OF POSSIBLE FILMS:

        Bananas! 2009

        Farmageddon 2011

        Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World 2004

        We Feed the World 2005

        Colony 2009

        Super Size Me 2004

        Forks Over Knives 2011

        Deconstructing Supper 2002

        Fresh 2009

        King Corn 2007

        Plastic Planet 2009

        A River of Waste: The Hazardous Truth 2009

        Vanishing of the Bees

        The Dust Bowl by Ken Burns

        Food Matters

        Genetically Modified Food 2005

        Food Inc. 2008

        Bad Seed: The Truth About Our Food 2005

•               The Dark Side of Chocolate

      These films can be found in libraries, some on the internet, Netflix, or ordered online.