Middle Age Debate (Online Version)

Assignment:

Students will debate common points of view related to different concepts associated with middle adulthood. Students must form a cohesive argument defending their side utilizing the guiding worksheet. The guiding worksheet will help you and your instructor provided the topic. You will research the topic, collecting relevant data to support your view; as well as, deflate the opposing views of the issue. The guiding worksheet and debate must include scholarly support on the perspective. You will then develop a strategy to defend your arguments in a visual presentation.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to the following (if you have an idea not on the list, you must get instructor approval prior to the debate):

• Sandwich generation: What responsibility do we have to our children and our parents?
• Empty nest syndrome: Does this still exist in today’s society?
• How late is too late to become a parent?
• Do mid-life crises still occur?
• Age of retirement: Are we a culture that still retires?
• Generativity in middle adulthood: What is success?
• Life after divorce in middle adulthood: remain single or marry again?

Debate Preparation (Part I):

Each student should complete a review of the literature with at least five (5) scholarly sources; academic journals, your text, and other empirical research to understand your side of the debate. You will use the guiding worksheet to assist you in your review. You should also investigate how the opposing side would explain their view. By the end of the preparation, you should be able to expand on either side of the topic.

Debate Presentation (Part II):

Students should present a 5-8 minute argument of their side. You will prepare a visual presentation with slides that explain your position on the topic, support your position with empirical research and prepare your rebuttal (a defense to what the opposing team may state). The presentation should:

• Be at least 7-10 slides (this includes title page, graphs/charts and reference page)
• Be persuasive
• Include visual aids i.e. Info-graphs, charts, or graphs with statics
• Must include citations within the presentation
• Include what the opposing team may state and a rebuttal

Rebuttal Response (Part III):

You will need to respond to at least two (2) classmates’ debate presentations by midnight on Wednesday. Each response can earn up to ten (10) points, for a total of 20 points. Your comments should contain a well-thought out response addressing the topic: this could be a rebuttal, this could be adding information, or a question. You may choose to agree or disagree with the comment but support your viewpoint with an explanation and examples. To earn full credit, your comment must be at least 150 words in length and written using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Include APA-formatted citations for the textbook or any other sources you bring into the discussion.