University of Akron

American Urban Society

Fall 2010
2040 242 004
Instructor: Bruce Freeman

Oral Team Presentation

Objective: As a team of two, jointly conduct research on a relevant

topic of interest (possibly controversial!) from the class, readings and
lectures, and present, in oral form, the issue’s positive and negative
features (pros and cons). The oral report topic must be different from
your written research report. One of you can present the pros and the
other the cons. Or, select a different approach. Use your imagination.
Make your case to the class!!

Basics: Each presentation must be no longer than 10 minutes total

(5 minutes max per person). The first presenter of the group should
present the basic nature of the topic to the class. Each presenter
is to clearly discuss the basic elements of their oral piece, using the
chalkboard, easel, wall charts, handouts, overlay equipment,
Powerpoint or other tools, if needed. You need not present a point of
view you personally agree with. The point is to jointly research, analyze
and present varying points of view on a controversial subject that may
or may not be in conflict with more widely held beliefs, values and
norms that prevail today in the United States.

Topics must be presented in writing on the form provided by October

4 and be pre-approved by the Instructor. Contact me if there are any
questions as you progress on this task.

The oral reports will be given the last 4 sessions of this class on
November 22-December 3. Everyone should be basically prepared
to present by November 22.

Use the following list of topics for the research report as a guide to
choosing your topic (you may choose other topics, too!).
Examples of Topics: (These are sample topics you may use. There
are hundreds more…use your imagination or choose a topic that you’re
passionate about.)

Do Senior Citizens Behave Badly?

Youth Gangs as a Proper Form of Urban Social Interaction
Why is Marriage a Thing of the Past?
Cohabitation? Prelude to Marriage or Just “Hanging” Together?
Decriminalization of Prostitution: Pros and Cons
Teenage Suicide-Is it Increasing?
When Capital Punishment is a Good Thing
Some Prison Systems That Work and Why
Male vs. Female. Who Rules Today?
Fixing a Neighborhood. What’s Involved? Who are the Players?
What is the X-Generation? Why Are We Different?
What is a Community? What Types? Why Are They Important Today?
Religion and Youth: What’s Going On Today?
Death in the United States: Are Home “Funerals” the Answer?
Is AIDS No Longer Feared? Implications for Gay Communities
Is There a Need For Affirmative Action?
What is a Conservative?
Is Democracy Dead in the United States?
Why Vote?
Who Is the Ruling Class in America?
The Media in Political Campaigns: Some Negative Consequences
Women in Politics: When Will There Be a Female President?
Corruption in Ohio Politics
Should Teachers be Allowed to Strike?
I Am A City Manager: Some Thoughts on What I Do
Eco-Terrorists: Are They For Real?
Is Sprawl Actually Good For Us?
Powerful Politicians in My Community
Is Gender Equality the Answer?
Ohio’s School Financing Disaster
Why I Support Charter Schools
Are There Any Poor People Left?
Why Not Paying Taxes is OK

Have fun working together with your partner on this! Contact me in

person by email or other means if you have any questions.