WK1 DQ 1 The first step in the research process is selecting a topic that is both interesting and manageable. For this discussion, complete the following: · Review the Final Research Paper instructions in Week Five, and identify three potential research topics. · Describe methods that may be helpful in identifying and narrowing your research paper topic. · Examine two scholarly sources that may prove valuable as you seek to defend your claims. · Address why scholarly sources should be used to support your writing on the selected topic. (Research the responsibility of a critical thinker in a contemporary society. You may choose any topic that deals with a contemporary social concern. Examine the principles of critical thought in relation to the chosen societal concern, and consider the importance of ethics, moral reasoning, a research-based process to search for truth, and the advantages of information technology in gathering data. Potential social concerns include, but are not limited to health (e.g., obesity, smoking, or underage drinking), poverty (e.g., homelessness, basic needs, or transportation issues), family relations and dynamics (e.g., teen violence, physical abuse, depression, or suicide), social media (e.g., privacy), immigration (e.g., illegal), and education (e.g., plagiarism and/or cheating). WK 1 DQ 2 The introduction of new technologies has significantly affected the social lives of many. These changes, which reflect how people use technology to interact, provide an example of trends that you might examine in your Final Research Paper. For this discussion, identify a significant change that has occurred in the way people communicate and share information, and reflect on the impact this change has had on individuals and society in general today (local and global). Keep in mind that not all social trends affect all groups in society to the same degree. In addition, examine the influence of social media on an individual’s personal and professional pursuits. WK3 DQ 1 Read the articles, Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital and Still Bowling Alone? The Post-9/11 Split from the Project Muse database in the Ashford University Library. For this discussion, complete the following: · In your own words, describe what is meant by the term “social capital.” · Examine the influences of social connections and technology and civic engagement in academic and professional pursuits. · Evaluate the significance of social capital in the context of global citizenship and multicultural understanding WK3 DQ2 In recent years, immigration, health care reform, and fiscal policy have emerged as key issues in U.S. federal policy. There are many sides to each debate, and research is proliferating. identify a scholarly article that answers research questions associated with the debate over immigration, health care reform, or fiscal policy (select one). Apply the principles of critical thinking to the selected issue. Cite the article or webs.

1. WK1 DQ 1
The first step in the research process is selecting a topic that is
both interesting and manageable. For this discussion, complete
the following:
· Review the Final Research Paper instructions in Week Five,
and identify three potential research topics.
· Describe methods that may be helpful in identifying and
narrowing your research paper topic.
· Examine two scholarly sources that may prove valuable as you
seek to defend your claims.
· Address why scholarly sources should be used to support your
writing on the selected topic.
(Research the responsibility of a critical thinker in a
contemporary society. You may choose any topic that deals with
a contemporary social concern. Examine the principles of
critical thought in relation to the chosen societal concern, and
consider the importance of ethics, moral reasoning, a research-
based process to search for truth, and the advantages of
information technology in gathering data. Potential social
concerns include, but are not limited to health (e.g., obesity,
smoking, or underage drinking), poverty (e.g., homelessness,
basic needs, or transportation issues), family relations and
dynamics (e.g., teen violence, physical abuse, depression, or
suicide), social media (e.g., privacy), immigration (e.g.,
illegal), and education (e.g., plagiarism and/or cheating).
WK 1 DQ 2
The introduction of new technologies has significantly affected
the social lives of many. These changes, which reflect how
people use technology to interact, provide an example of trends
that you might examine in your Final Research Paper. For this
discussion, identify a significant change that has occurred in the
way people communicate and share information, and reflect on
the impact this change has had on individuals and society in
general today (local and global). Keep in mind that not all

2. social trends affect all groups in society to the same degree. In
addition, examine the influence of social media on an
individual’s personal and professional pursuits.
WK3 DQ 1
Read the articles, Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social
Capital and Still Bowling Alone? The Post-9/11 Split from the
Project Muse database in the Ashford University Library. For
this discussion, complete the following:
· In your own words, describe what is meant by the term “social
capital.”
· Examine the influences of social connections and technology
and civic engagement in academic and professional pursuits.
· Evaluate the significance of social capital in the context of
global citizenship and multicultural understanding
WK3 DQ2
In recent years, immigration, health care reform, and fiscal
policy have emerged as key issues in U.S. federal policy. There
are many sides to each debate, and research is proliferating.
identify a scholarly article that answers research questions
associated with the debate over immigration, health care reform,
or fiscal policy (select one). Apply the principles of critical
thinking to the selected issue. Cite the article or website that
contains the research. Then, describe the findings of this
research and provide your perspective on the validity of the
findings.
WK4 DQ1
Review The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit
Nation 2010. Then, locate a news article or video related to
obesity. Identify the source and evaluate the impact of the
report, in relation to the media attention and focus on the topic
of obesity. How did the report and media coverage create a
sense of urgency to move the audience from complacency to
action? In what ways do persuasive arguments and presentations
directed toward general audiences create a call to action for
reform?
WK5 DQ1

3. Examine the relationship between advances in technology and
the responsibilities of global citizenship. Describe how
technology has changed the way in which people pursue
knowledge and how they address social concerns. Assess the
challenges and benefits of a technical and global community,
and recognize the impact of technological and global influences
in your life.
WK5 DQ2
Explain what you have learned about the principles guiding
general education from this course and the courses you have
taken in the past. What are the most important concepts you
have learned (a) from this course and (b) throughout your time
as a university student? What are your plans for putting your
education to use within your community? How might your
newly-acquired knowledge and skills shape your personal and
professional development?