Project Five Instructions

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The Pornography and Prostitution Live @ Noon Debate

(Approx. 250 words each)

Feminists have not agreed on whether to oppose or support pornography and prostitution. And with good reason. There are numerous explanations as to why these practices are problematic, but there are just as many reasons why they may be empowering and emancipatory.

Group Project: In this exercise, each group will argue one side of the debate, based on the assignments below:

Pornography Debate:

Group 3 (anti-pornography) vs. Group 4 (pro-pornography)

Group 5 (pro-pornography) vs. Group 6 (anti-pornography)

Group 7 (anti-pornography) vs. Group 8 (pro-pornography)

Prostitution Debate:

Group 9 (anti-prostitution) vs. Group 10 (pro-prostitution)

Group 11 (anti-prostitution) vs. Group 12 (pro-prostitution)

The debate will happen in real time, so be prepared to watch your debate unfold at NOON on Friday . Each person will have a MAX of 5 MINUTES to make a post, so you may want to have some material already written. If a post is not made within the 5 minute window, the next poster should proceed. Anticipate the debate lasting about an hour. To prepare for this debate, your group should surf the net and/or hit the library to brush up on your position. Share good sites and articles with your group members and prepare a ‘cheat-sheet' of helpful facts and stats. Decide who will be posting in which order, as each member needs to post at least one time. For example, let's take the Group 3 versus Group 4 debate:

  • Group 3 member 1 posts their general position overview
  • Group 4 member 1 comments with general rebuttal and their position overview
  • Group 3 member 2 comments with more specific point
  • Group 4 member 2 comments with more specific rebuttal
  • Group 3 member 3 comments by pointing out a weakness of opposition argument
  • Group 4 member 3 comments by responding to charge and offering its own critique
  • Group 3 member 4 comments on one final insight into their side of the debate
  • Group 4 member 4 comments on one final rebuttal
  • Group 3 member 5 comments with closing summary of their position
  • Group 4 member 5 comments with closing rebuttal and last words

Remember that this debate happens LIVE @ NOON so plan accordingly. Each individual has 5 minutes to make a post.

Logistics: Visit the message board to brainstorm with group members about facts, figures and strategy. The debate will begin when the ODD Number Group (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) posts the opening statement.

•  Select Post Project Blog from the left menu

•  Title: Group # versus Group #

•  Course Project: Project Five

•  Copy and Paste or type your opening statement into the text window

The remaining group members will then respond via the comments section

  • Select add new comment at the bottom right of the initial post or select reply on the most recent post, depending on whether you are making the initial comment or a subsequent comment.

NOTICE: All posts will be immediately available for viewing.

Class Poll: When your debate has ended, read the posts and comments of the other debates and decide which group made the most eloquent and persuasive argument. Vote for the best group in the Class Polls section of the website. As always, the group with the most points wins extra credit.