Information Competence (ICT521S)

Faculty of Human Sciences

Department of Education and languages

Semester 2, 2017: Assignment 2

Total marks [50]

Due date (19 October 2017 @ 23:55)

Instructions

Read the instructions in the assignment very carefully

Adhere to academic honesty policies and avoid plagiarism
Ensure your assignment is neat and numbered according to the questions as stated in the assignment
Enquire for clarity from your lectures/ tutors
Upload your assignment in PDF with your student number and names
Scenario:

Many contentious topics exist within our respective fields of study. In the IT field we find issues such as
Digital Rights Management (DRM), P2P file sharing and government intervention in private sectors as
topics of controversy. In the business management field or political fields, we see topics such as the
infamous South African chicken ban, Importation laws and abortion laws. These are topics that can raise
valid points of advantages/disadvantages or may have different views to productivity or the community
at large.

You are tasked to find a contentious topic within your own field of study and write an essay of not less
than 500 words and no more than 2 pages contrasting the different views or advantages/disadvantages of
the chosen topic.

Your essay should be structured as follows:

Introduction

Short explanation of the topic and brief explanation of why it is a contentious topic.

Body

Pros and cons or different viewpoints of the topic should be discussed. Make sure to use different
sources of information.

Conclusion

Using a reliability evaluation of the information retrieved, with impartiality and accuracy taken into
account, conclude as to what your personal view point is regarding the contentious topic chosen.

Marking:

Wording of view point on positive implications. A minimum of 3 positive points or views should
be discussed: 6 marks
Wording of view point on negative implications. A minimum of 3 negative points or views
should be discussed: 6 marks
Referencing on positive implications or viewpoints. A minimum of 2 references are required: 4
marks
Referencing on negative implications or viewpoints. A minimum of 2 references are required: 4
marks
Reliability evaluation based on accuracy and impartiality: 10 marks
Referencing list should be well structured according to APA style referencing: 5 marks
Use of different sources of information: 5 marks
Guidelines:
Represent the different viewpoints as objectively as possible, without bias. If you think a view
point is not really valid, put this opinion into your own evaluation.
All statements that you gain from sources, must be referenced. Use APA style referencing.
All sources must be cited. Plagiarized content will be marked with zero.
The essay evaluation and conclusion should be your own words.

Hints and Warnings:

Your comparison should be kept alive and precise throughout the essay, whilst ensuring that the
question is fully answered;
All points addressed without repetition;
Your comparison essay should be well balanced and not merely focusing predominantly on one
of the two issues, and gives less importance to the other;
Your conclusion should include a simple summary of your argument whilst categorically stating
the point in a new and convincing way such that the reader can remember clearly;
The conclusion should be based on your findings in the essay. A different view on the matter
discussed should be justified and should be explained briefly.