ELAC Covid 19 and Civil Liberties Discussion
For your paper topics, Choose ONE. Papers should be 3-5 pgs with appropriate citations and a *minimum* of 5 sources. Due May 6th:
1. COVID & Media: Using the Media Bias chart (https://www.adfontesmedia.com/?v=402f03a963ba (Links to an external site.)), select a media source from the left, right, and center. Trace the coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak through your media outlets and discuss differences in the coverage. Include a cross section on or around January 1, 2020 (outbreak starts), on or around February 29(first death in US), and though 2020 – present. Discuss differences in coverage (if any) and any bias you observe. A timeline such as this may be helpful: https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/06/health/wuhan-coronavirus-timeline-fast-facts/index.html
2. COVID & Civil Liberties: With the declaration of a national emergency, what have been restrictions on your civil liberties? Are any being restricted? Which ones, how, and for how long? How can people challenge restrictions on their civil liberties, or are these justified restrictions in context of public health requirements?
3. Statehood: Evaluate prospects and challenges for adding a state to the US. A proposal for DC statehood has passed a House committee, and Statehood for Puerto Rico is being studied. What other states could, or should, be added, if any? Or, why *shouldn’t* any states be added? (A little known fact – Texas may have the ability to divide into as many as 5 states. Some Googling of sources should lead you to information on this).
4. Any topic of your choosing related to the Bill of Rights and current status of legal challenges or interpretations of ONE Amendment. For example, the Supreme Court is slated to hear cases on free speech (student got suspended for a Snapchat outside of school); 2nd Amendment (right to carry for self protection applications were denied), or any Equal Protection issue (LGBTQ rights, equal treatment of religious exceptions, voting rights). Just clear a concise statement of your topic with me first.
APA style is preferred. 12 point, font, double spaced, citation page does not count toward page-length requirements.
