The panel topics are focused on controversial topics in public health and are designed to present two opposing points of view. Some ideas for topics are listed in the link below, but it would be great if you and your panel partner identified your own topic. Panel partners and topics will be determined during the first couple of class sessions- please be proactive in choosing a partner and a topic.

Students will work in pairs to plan and research their presentation and it is important that both sides of the topic be presented. Remember to include sufficient background information so that the audience can fully appreciate your arguments. You do not have to believe the side that you present - you just have to present the best arguments on behalf of that view! The arguments can be scientific, legal, ethical, economic, etc, but they must be rational! Each student will be graded separately and the grade will be based on quality and depth of content, your own knowledge of the topic ( judged primarily by your response to questions from the audience), and the clarity and style of presentation.

On days of Panel discussions, we will have two panels presenting, each one taking 40 minutes. The total time allocated for speaking for a single panel (both sides) should be about 30 minutes so that there can be 10 minutes of questions and discussion. You may use overheads or PowerPoint for presentation; handouts of the slides are helpful to the audience. If you are using PowerPoint please put both presentations into a single file on your computer or flash drive or email it to Jenn for loading on the class computer by noon the preceding day.

Link to potential topics.