Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Science, Technology, and Society

According to the book description of Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Science, Technology, and Society, “Taking Sides volumes present current controversial issues in a debate-style format designed to stimulate student interest and develop critical thinking skills. Each issue is thoughtfully framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, and a postscript or challenge questions. Taking Sides readers feature an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites. An online Instructor’s Resource Guide with testing material is available for each volume. Using Taking Sides in the Classroom is also an excellent instructor resource. Visit www.mhcls.com for more information.

One reader of Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Science, Technology, and Society said, “From a student perspective (ie. having to write weekly 2000 word essays pertaining to this book), I have to say my prof made a wonderful decision to choose this book. The topics were very up-to-date and thought provoking. It's nice to discuss the future of robots, cell phone radiation, and have current heated topics in class. I'm sick of hearing about the abortion, death penalty, right to bare arms topics. Students over used those discussions in high schoool. Basically, I give an A+ for the interesting topics.

The book is also setup in a very student friendly fashion. Topics are given a 1 page summary relating the pros and cons of 2 writers opinions before plunging into their papers. After the 2 opinions are presented, there is also a page for points to ponder afterward. These two features proved very handy when having to do class discussions over something you read a week before. Skimming for quick recall can be a good thing!

Although I wouldn't have bought this book if I didn't have to, I believe it is an excellent choice for profs to use in class.