Contemporary Issues: A PCL Pathfinder

Many times students are asked to write position papers that refute or support particular viewpoints about issues relevant in today's society. Not only students, but others interested in contemporary issues and the various complex policies surrounding them will find the resources below to be helpful. Issues like abortion, cloning, death penalty, euthanasia, and full-day kindergarten pose challenges to people who want to fully understand the major issues at hand. The materials below will help beginning researchers as well as those looking for more comprehensive coverage. The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library's catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.

top

Debatabase, International Debate Education Association
www.debatabase.org
Includes arguments for and against hundreds of debating topics. Written by expert debaters, judges, and coaches. Also included are background summaries, links to Web sites of interest, and recommended books, example motions, and user comments. Sponsored by the International Debate Education Association.

Justice Talking
www.justicetalking.org
Tackles current hot topics with reports from the field, polling analysis, and compelling debate between the nation's leading advocates and political opposites. Sponsored by National Public Radio.

Public Agenda
www.publicagenda.org
Explains and clarifies public attitudes about complex policy issues. Provides research studies and issue guides on topics like the right to die, illegal drugs, America's global role, and more.

SIRS Discoverer on the Web
http://www.mel.org [*see below for access instructions]
SIRS Discoverer ® is an award-winning database designed with the young researcher in mind. Articles and graphics from more than 1,600 U.S. and international magazines, newspapers and U.S. government documents are carefully selected for their educational content, interest and level of readability.

[*to access SIRS from the mel.org website:

• Under "MeL Magazines, Newspapers, and more," click "Log In At Home or Work."
• Enter your Michigan drivers license number (this can be any Michigan license number) and click "Log In."
• At the MeL Databases window, under "Children and Young Adult Resources," click "SIRS Discoverer Deluxe."

International Debate Education Association (IDEA)
www.idebate.org
IDEA is an independent membership organization of national debate programs and associations and other organizations and individuals that support debate. IDEA provides assistance to national debate associations and organizes an annual international summer camp.

Countries
Decades
Elections
Elections for Kids
Research Tools
Science Experiments