We began this class with a foundation of the U.S.'s founding documents. From there, we have discussed how Americans get their news and form their opinions, and we have dug into various issues that divide the American public. Those topics have included thoughts on the Second Ammendment, the recent Burwell v. Hobby Lobby ruling, and the role of the federal government in higher education (among others). In this assignment, the student will have the opportunity to objectively write a 4-6 page paper on another divisive topic. For each topic, you will locate a minimum of six sources from various news outlets. These readings should come from different viewpoints, as you will be examining how the topic is reported on and why each side holds the opinion that it holds. As we have practiced on the discussion board, you will read the various articles, and will explain why each side views the issue in the manner that they do. To do this, you will need to consider the following: What (or who) informs each side's opinion? Do you detect the influence of any of the U.S.'s founding documents (or the words of the Founding Fathers) in these opinions? Are the articles offering equal coverage of all sides' opinions of the topic, or are these opinion pieces? Most importantly, you will address this question: Can a mediated position be reached on this issue?