Excelsior College GMOs Use in Food Production Discussion

If you’ve been on any social media platform, you’ve undoubtedly seen it happen: an argument breaks out between friends or family members on different sides of an issue. Differing opinions become rigid dividing lines; participants split into opposing camps. Facts and evidence are used subjectively; logical fallacies abound. Some participants resort to emotion or even name-calling. At the end of the day, everyone is angry, and no one has changed their mind about the issue at hand. If anything, people have dug their heels in even more.

How can we continue to disagree, and engage one another in a debate, without devolving into the scenario above? One solution is to just disengage or retreat into the so-called social media “filter bubble” of like-minded perspectives. But arguably our future as a country, or even as a global community, depends on the free exchange of ideas and a willingness to question, learn from, and challenge one another.

So in the discussion this week, we’ll put the critical reading, thinking, and argumentative reasoning skills we learned this week to work to engage in a civil debate on one of two topics relating to the future of our society. Before beginning, remember: the goal here is to maintain good netiquette and avoid the common pitfalls of arguments – name-calling, appealing to emotion, ignoring or distorting the facts.

Discussion Instructions

Initial post: Begin by reading pages 3.6 through 3.9 of Chapter 3 in the webtext. Then, by Thursday of Module 3, choose 1 of the 2 topics listed below, and go to the forum associated with that topic to make your initial post.

If your last name starts with A-K you will argue the “pro” position. If your last name starts with L-Z you will argue the “con” position.

My last name starts with an E

1. Should we continue to use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production?
2. Should we send humans to Mars?

Include in your initial post:

• An argument for why your side is correct. An argument for why the other side is incorrect. Make sure to use at least 2 credible, relevant sources to back up your points in your initial post.
• Use this Tip Sheet for a Great Debate to make sure you are following best practices to engage in an academic debate effectively.

Replies: Then, from Friday through Sunday of Module 3, engage in respectful back and forth debate on your topic with your peers, offering additional arguments to rebut their points.

Evaluation

• This discussion will be graded according to the Cornerstone Discussion Board Rubric. Review the rubric and Discussion Board Expectations in advance to know how you will be assessed.
• All discussion boards combined are worth 20% of your course grade.