Essential viewpoints

Explains what genetic engineering is, looks at arguments for and against the science, discusses the debate over genetically modified food, provides information about cloning, eugenics, and chimeras--an organism that has DNA from a human and one or more additional sources, and examines political influences on genetic engineering. Includes photographs and illustrations, a time line, and other resources.

Examines current debates over sex education in American schools, covering government policies, arguments for and against the topic, a timeline of key developments, suggestions for further reading, and Web site listings where students can find more information.

Discusses the definition and origins of globalization, issues surrounding the developing world, migration, international stability, human rights, and the effects of the potential integration of economic, political, cultural, technological, and social aspects of various countries on health, culture, and the environment.

Provides an overview of the controversy over the death penalty, discusses the role of religion and other factors in determining whether people support or oppose the death penalty, and looks at special considerations and the future of the practice. Includes photographs and illustrations, a time line, and other resources.

Examines critical debates associated with oil and energy alternatives, discussing the rising cost of oil, signs of an oil crisis, U.S. domestic policies, international relations, oil and the environment, carbon-free energy, and other related topics.

An overview of the historical and contemporary role of women in world religions including Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. Contains a timeline, a fact list, and a glossary.

Describes censorship and how it relates to the First Amendment; and presents arguments in favor of and against various forms of censorship.

This book examines the critical debates on health care reform, discussing the signing of Medicare and Medicaid into law, health care as a human right, the Canadian health care system, President Obama's health plan, and mandatory health insurance.

Discusses extremist groups in the U.S., such as American jihadists, abortion oppositionists, white supremacists, eco-terrorists, and others, and covers issues about the rights of these groups and related court cases, and provides a timeline.

Explores the controversy over the teaching of Intelligent Design along side evolution in America's public schools, and describes the debate in Dover, Pennsylvania.