Students will read a controversial scientific paper and break into groups to discuss it. In this discussion they will think critically about the causal relationships, critically examine the hypotheses and model construction, and articulate the issues and tensions created between science and society, and evaluate the work in terms of the contemporary problems facing society. Each student will write a 4 page paper expounding on these concepts following the discussion groups (further details on format and content will be provided in class). Each paper will be evaluated by the TA and course instructor. The papers would also be examined by a teaching assistant or by the instructor to check for duplication. This assignment will be given in week 9 and submission is required at the end of week 13. The assignment should be submitted via blackboard by the due date.