It's that time again. In my freshman composition class, we have to write a research paper. Partly to avoid plagiarism, partly to have fun, and partly to teach students to advocate a position they do not necessarily believe in, I assign what I have called the Ridiculous Research Paper.

I present a list of topics, either assign or let students choose them, and we're on our way. A raw list of ones I've assigned over the years appears below.

Would you consider sending a Ridiculous Research Paper topic along? It would be great help, and we will be posting some of the more preliminary work--as well as the choice of topics--over at our class blog. Back channel me to danielmnester AT hotmail dot com.

Thank you, and yours in ridiculousness, D


Some Examples of Ridiculous Paper Topics

How Wearing Scrunchies Helps The Environment
We Can Put A Man On The Moon, But Why Can't We Make Killer Robot Police?
Alf and Saved By The Bell: The Greatest TV Shows of All Time
Why Apple is Catholic and PCs are Protestant
Why is That?: White Shirt Republican, Denim Shirt Democrat
How a Single Paperclip Can Bring Peace in the Middle East
My Parents are Aliens But I Am Not: Some Theories Why This is So
How Casual Fridays are Promoting Adulterous Office Affairs
Global Warming: The Advantages of the Melting Ice Cap