1. Capstone: Open Topics Caps 4360.16 Dr. Brian William Smith

2. Office Hours Today 10-2 Tomorrow 11-2 No office hours on Friday

3. Learning Outcomes Covered Today Define an appropriate and current problem that is being actively discussed by real decision makers at a specific level of government.

4. SOCIAL PROBLEMS: THE ROOT OF CAPSTONE

5. What is a Social Problem It must harm a significant number of people or an influential segment of the population It must occur frequently (not a 1 time event) It must be able to be remedied by collective human action (this means Government)

6. What is Not a Social problem Something that is produced by natural or biological conditions (getting older, hair loss) Something that is purely a private issue Something that is a pure ethical argument (what I believe is right and what is wrong)

7. If No one is trying to solve your social problem, then it is not a good Capstone topic

8. SOCIAL PROBLEM VS. SOCIAL POLICY

9. Examples: Social Problem  Immigration  Failing Public Schools  National Debt  Global Warming Controversial Solution  Dream Act  Race to the Top  Fair Tax  Cap and Trade

10. A Good topic has a social problem, with a solution, and decision makers are actively trying to solve it

11. GOOD AND BAD TOPICS

12. Good Topics are not statements The thesis is stated in the form of a question because your Capstone paper explores both sides of a controversy without bias. Check your topic question for neutral language. Avoid words like “wrong,” “prevent,” “avoid” that indicate you hold a position on the topic.

13. Good Topics are Normative The Opposite of Empirical “Will Eating Pop Rocks and Soda cause your stomach to explode” Normative is value based Usually involves the words “should” or “ought to” “Should the Federal Government allow off-shore drilling”

14. Good Topics are controversial They do not involve symbolic politicspolitics There are real people (interest groups, legislators, political parties) who care about your topic The above groups will answer yes or no to your question

15. Good Topics Have A Solution A social problem without a solution, is just Drunk Talk – Who is/was the best president? – A lion vs. a bear in a cage match? – Who would win in a fight Batman or Spiderman? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpQWjvet9o4 Real Solutions take the form of policy outputs (laws)

16. Good Topics have a clear level of analysis A good topic has some level of government actively working on it A theoretical “government” solution is not a good topic

17. A Good Topic is Practical Ask yourself, can you write 30 pages on this? Can you find people to interview Can you do a service project on your topic

18. What is not a good topic Banned Topics Dilemmas from other nations and esoteric foreign policy Lopsided Topics and Culture War issues (science vs. values) Conspiracy theories (short on evidence) Issues not subject to government regulation in some way (religion, private business) Sports Issues: i.e. BCS policies

19. Good or Bad? What are the effects of Embryonic stem cell research? Should the US lift the trade embargo on North Korea? Should the use of cell phones be prohibiting while driving? Why is the war in Afghanistan wrong?

20. Good or Bad Is global warming detrimental to human existence? Should the Federal Government pass a cap-and-trade bill to combat global warming Why has the federal government diminished the rights of citizens since 9/11?

21. Good or Bad Should we build the Keystone XL pipeline? Should the burning of the flag be made unconstitutional Should Botswana charge fees for state education?

22. Good Macro Topic Areas State and Federal Income programs (SNAP, TANF, etc) Economic Policies – (taxes, tax policy, incentives and sanctions) Immigration – Energy and the Environment Foreign Policy with troublesome nations Social Security Budgets and deficits Education at the State level Campaign finance/electoral reform Transportation (federal, state and local) Entitlement Reform

23. TOPIC PROPOSALS

24. Topic Proposals Due in Class on 1/28/2013 Paper must be typed Be Ready to make some changes (for the better)

25. Do I have a good topic? 1.Clearly Identified Social Problem 2.Policy history on my topic 3.Legitimate Controversial Policy Solution 4.Pro and Con Sides