Researched Argument Going Viral

Introduction (25 – 50% of a typed, double-spaced page): Set up the topic. Speak in general terms about deadly viruses and pathogens. You may wish to open with a brief description of a recent news event involving an outbreak. Also, acknowledge the importance of biomedical research in this field. RESEARCHED THESIS QUESTION: How can we achieve a balance between the requirements of scientific research and the need to keep the world safe from deadly viruses and pathogen? Your answer to this question will be your thesis statement.

BP #1 (50 – 75%): Historical background part 1: How have viruses’ impacted human civilization in the past? Select ONE of the following historical examples to research and discuss:

OPTION 1: The Black Plague. What was the virus? Who was affected? How did society at the time respond? What were the long-term impacts?

OPTION 2: The influenza pandemic of 1918. What was the virus? Who was affected? How did society at the time respond? What were the long-term impacts?

OPTION 3: The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US (1980s – 2000s)

BP #2 (50 – 75%): Scientific advances in the study of viruses. Part I: Discuss the major discoveries and breakthroughs in the study of the viruses. Begin with variolation in the 18th century. Then discuss Edward Jenner’s development of the small pox vaccine. Follow on to discussing Pasteur’s work in the 19th century.

BP #3 (50 – 75%): Scientific advances in the study of viruses. Part 2: Next, described the development of the polio vaccine in the 20th century (be sure to discuss how devastating the disease was during that era. Iron lungs… FDR… etc.) You will of course want to discuss Jonas Salk and his research.

BP #4 (25 – 50%): Bioweapons. How have viruses and other deadly pathogens been used in warfare and terrorism over time? Select ONE of the following historical examples to research and discuss:

OPTION 1: The Siege of Fort Pitt during the French/Indian War.

OPTION 2: The work of the Japanese military’s Unit 731 during WWII.

OPTION 3: Iraq’s use of bioweapons against POWs and Kurds during the Iran/Iraq War.

BP #5 (50- 75%): BP #5 (50- 75%): Current viral outbreaks. Discuss The COVID-19 pandemic from the initial outbreaks in China, to its devastating impact on Italy and Spain, to the current situation in the US and globally.

BP #6 (50 75%): Current state of viral research and the inherent dangers of researching viruses. Here you will use the Specter articles in the course packet as your primary source.

Evaluation (50 – 75%): Now that you have researched the science, the history, current events related to viruses and deadly pathogens, respond to the thesis research question. What is the best approach(es) to balancing the needs of scientific research and the safety of civilian population when it comes to studying viruses and deadly pathogens?

Conclusion (15 – 25%): Briefly restate the problems and concerns related to this topic. What might be the on-going or long-term consequences for society and the world as we come to understand these viruses? Should be we hopeful or pessimistic about the future?

Source requirements:

Books: minimum of 2

Mainstream Magazines: minimum of 4

Academic/Professional Journals: minimum of 2

Newspapers/News site articles: minimum of 4

Video: minimum of 2

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“Off-limits” Sources (don’t use):

Encyclopedias/Wikipedia

Dictionaries

Blogs

Any webpage designed for K-12 audience

NOTES:

USE OF SOURCES: For this essay you will be using MLA citation and formatting to integrate the readings into your essay.
Paraphrase and summarize concepts into your own words
Use selective direct quotes.
Any idea, concept, or point made from an external source but be cited.
Do not attempt to write on a concept you do not 100% understand. Please re-read the text and ask for help if you are struggling with the concepts
Cite your sources in-text parenthetically. (Smith 14), for example.
WORKS CITED PAGE: All drafts must include a dedicated, properly formatted works cited page
BIBLIOGRAPHY: A list of all sources used in the completion of this project. This list will be longer than the Works Cited page because it will include resources that you may not have actually cited in the essay.
TONE: Adhere to a formal tone. No slang, no contractions, no “I”, “you”, “we”, “our”, and “us. No no contractions. POV, no attempts at “humor.”
FORMAT: 12 pt. Double space. Acceptable fonts: (Times New Roman, Calibri, Ariel, Helvetica). Page numbers should be at the TOP RIGHT HAND side of the page and should include your last name.
Some Sources to Get you Started:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/

National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/

National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21523