Project Four Presentation

I was originally in favor of doing our project four presentation on the food services on campus issue. However, after thinking about all of the positions expressed in class etc. I think it may actually be more feasible to do the Japan/nuclear technology topic. There are a couple of reasons that I think this would be the best way to go. Firstly, I think this topic lends itself more to "writing to convince". I think it will be easier to formulate and specific thesis that we are trying to persuade people to believe. A thesis along the lines of "Nuclear power plants should not be built in areas with inherent earthquake risks" or "Safety precautions should be more stringent on all nuclear power plants" would be easier to back up with a fact-based argument and would rely somewhat less on simple opinion. The Japan/nuclear energy topic relates better to a larger audience, where the campus food services issue really only concerns students and administrators at the university. The Japan topic would probably spark more interest as it is a hot issue right now. Also, because we are students art the university I think that the food services presentation could easily be received as just complaining rather than informing or convincing. Lastly, of course it will probably be much easier to find numerous sources about the Japan situation and the risks of nuclear power plants. Although I think this topic is our best option at this point I also think we have to be careful about approach it. We'll have to formulate a well-thought-out thesis that is not too broad or out-there. I think we have to keep in mind that it is difficult to appreciate all of the complexities involved in an issue like this and if we try to make an argument for a position that is too unreasonable or don't support our thesis well, the project will lose credibility. If we put thought into the Japan/nuclear technology topic and research it will I think it will make a good presentation.