“Evaluating Two Sides: A Critical Analysis of Controversial Topics in Anthropology”

Writing Situation/Context
In Anthropology there are often two or more sides to a topic or theory. It is our job as a scientist to evaluate all sides of a topic and decide which side presents the best, most accurate explanation of the current evidence. This paper is designed to provide you with an opportunity to do just that.
Paper Details
You will choose ONE of the following three topics to write a research paper on, evaluating the two sides of the argument.
Discuss the two theories of Modern Human Origins (Regional Continuity and Replacement). Describe each theory.  Critically evaluate the merits of the two models, presenting fossil and genetic evidence that supports either one.  Discuss which model you think is the most correct and why.
Discuss the appearance of bipedalism and large brain size in the hominid line. Describe each trait in detail, including the physical changes in the bones that are markers for the trait.  Critically evaluate which appeared first in hominid evolution giving evidence from the fossil record for each.
Discuss the Concept of Race. Define it from a Biological and Social perspective.  Give a historical overview of how the definition of race has been used and how it has changed through time.  Critically evaluate the merits of a biological concept of race.  Include in your discussion the ethical concerns in categorizing populations by race.
Audience
Your intended audience is the general public. Although I will be reading and evaluating your paper and the public will not actually read the paper, I want you to communicate your information and analysis AS IF you were explaining the subject to a person that is not familiar with the subject matter.
Purpose
You will demonstrate the ability to research, revise, and properly cite/reference the material you used. You will summarize each side of the argument and then offer an evaluation of which side you feel is the best, most accurate explanation.
Process
You will choose ONE of the three topic choices.
You will do some literary research for scholarly articles about your topic of choice.
You will present information on both sides of the argument in the paper and then give an evaluation of which side you feel is the best explanation.
Formatting Expectations
3-5 double-spaced pages of CONTENT and that does not include the reference page at the end of your essay.
Have regular margins and 12-point font.
You may use APA(American Psychological Association) style, MLA style, or Chicago style for in-text citations and for the format of the reference page. You must include in-text citations and a reference page as part of your paper.
You must have at least 3 references of scholarly value. You may use your textbook (Essentials of Biological Anthropology
FIFTH EDITION
Clark Spencer Larsen) as a reference only if you have at least 3 other references in addition to the textbook.