Research Paper and Argument Topic Ideas

Always consult with your professor about the appropriateness of a topic for the specific assignment given. The topics listed here are suggestions, many of which could benefit from updating and narrowing. Remember, too, that you should select a topic which you care about enough to invest the necessary time and energy for thought, research, and development of the ideas.

Race and Ethnicity

·  Should racial profiling be a legitimate law-enforcement policy in some areas?

·  How do certain television programs perpetuate racial or ethnic stereotypes?

Gender and Sexuality

·  What should be done to eliminate salary disparities between men and women?

·  What should be done to create equity in executive positions for women in particular corporations and industries?

·  How does pornography differ from prostitution? Is it contradictory that one should be legal while the other is not?

Economic Issues

·  Should the government provide financial assistance to people whose retirement funds were invested in the stock of companies that may have used unethical accounting practices (i.e., Enron, Arthur Andersen, etc.)?

·  Large corporations, such as Walmart and Barnes & Noble bookstores, have been criticized for driving mom-and-pop shops out of business. Is this a valid criticism when considering the nature of supply and demand?

Media Issues

·  How does profit motive in media corporations influence what and how information is broadcast?

·  Should a stiffer rating system be imposed upon television programming?

·  How does specific media bias affect how news is interpreted and delivered?

·  Should a rating system be required for song lyrics?

·  To what extent does the private life and private morality of a public figure affect his or her ability to serve the public interest?

·  Media and how we perceive ourselves

Health

·  Should the federal government provide health care for all citizens who cannot afford their own?

·  effects of child abuse on a person throughout their life and how we can prevent it

·  Gay marriage

·  Global Warming and if it is real or a hoax

·  How do media influence today's youth to turn to drugs and alcohol?

·  puppy mills and stopping them