Foreskin/Circumcision Research Project

[BeforeskinProject]

Hey guys,

For a college science paper (I'm focusing on the human biology/physiology field for this paper), I must do research on my chosen topic in order to write a 8-10 page paper, taking into consideration ethics, culture, and new research.

With the topic of foreskin/circumcision, I am considering incorporating the controversy surrounding circumcision and/or the benefits of circumcising/not circumcising.

But I am asking for tips! Where would be a good place to start? What topics or issues should I include?

Lastly, on a personal level, I am a bit nervous about choosing this issue as my topic. How can I be diplomatic about getting this topic approved by my instructor?

Thanks!

[greg_b]

There is a huge and growing body of information about it. Searching the interent will give you lots of leads. Here are a few good resources to get you started:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=CA&...amp;nomobile=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUdNTT7ny-8

http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/

http://arclaw.org/

http://www.norm.org/

http://www.intactamerica.org/

http://www.thewholenetwork.org/the-a...ision-decision

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5FPF2C

https://www.academia.edu/7104790/A_r...enital_cutting

http://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/...&context=jolpi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8izzCSRhKXs

http://www.circumstitions.com/

As far as getting this topic approved, first get an understanding of the subject matter. Then figure out what you would like to cover and why that is important in your mind. Then, make sure you communicate that in a way that makes your professor and yourself feel safe to have a good dialogue. this book can help a great deal, I highly recommend it to everyone, well worth the time to read. Especially if you think you are a good communicator, it will teach you how to manage conversations that are uncomfortable, so that you have the conversation you intended:

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Edition/dp/0071771328

Regards

[Reality]

I'd suggest you choose one aspect of the subject, or at most several related aspects, and cover those in some depth, and only lightly refer to some of the other aspects, mentioning that there are many more. I would imagine your instructor will also suggest this, assuming he approves.

And as far as feeling nervous about choosing this as a subject goes, maybe you shouldn't; you need to be confident; that's what your instructor's looking for. So the only approach to use to find out what his/her feelings are, is a direct approach, as in: " Hey,___,I've been reading about circumcision lately; would this be an appropriate subject for this class?". This is, after all, a classroom, and the instructor's the dude in charge, ie responsible for the general climate.

As a guy on the old forum used to say about the intactivist basics of what, when, and where: "If they give you a chance, you pick the hill you're willing to die on", meaning school classrooms aren't always, or usually, forums.


And just as a tip: the general format can be: tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, then tell 'em what you're telling 'em, then tell them what you told 'em.

[Science Monk]

In addition to the references listed above, you will want to also check out:

CIRP Library

http://www.cirp.org

Dr. John R. Taylor's Ridged Band site within the CIRP site:

http://research.cirp.org

You need your research paper to have a focus. I suggest that you let your paper revolve around on how the anatomical description of the ridged band in Taylor (1996) and Cold and Taylor (1999) changed perceptions on circumcision. (Taylor's description of the ridged band as a new anatomical structure depends on two criteria: (1) the gross anatomical description of the corrugated zone, and (2) the histological description of the generous distribution of the Meissner's corpuscles.)(Dr. Ken McGrath was actually the first to describe this new anatomical structure, and he named it the "frenular band" or "frenar band" for short. However, Dr.McGrath's first description was only presented at a meeting, and not as a full-length research paper in the peer-reviewed scientific literature like Taylor did. Thus, Taylor did more work, and is most often given the scientific credit.)

http://research.cirp.org/links1.html

See the Laumann (1997) study.
See also the Letter by Van Howe and Cold is response to the Laumann study. It summarizes things nicely:
http://www.cirp.org/library/general/...n/letters.html

The Anatomy of the Penis and Mechanics of Intercourse page on CIRP:

http://www.cirp.org/pages/anat/

David
World As Monkey island

[BeforeskinProject]

This is much appreciated, thank you all very much!

All together, it is quite A LOT of information. I cannot truly appreciate it until I wade through these sources...

As for my topic, when I bring it to my instructor (a woman), I'm thinking of pointing out how it can fit into the course material and also how it carries both ethical and cultural aspects. I will also mention how current, debatable and relevant this issue is in modern medical practice.

I already know that I am going to be REQUIRED to maintain an objective, impartial stance for this paper.

Now, for the paper itself, (using what I've gleaned from your posts), I'm thinking of focusing on the arguments presented by those For/Against circumcision. I will cover the justifications (like preventing UTI infection) used by pro-circumcision advocates.

Otherwise, other aspects I will only briefly touch upon are:



*briefly introduce cultural/historical context

*anatomical structure of foreskin



It is my belief that, to err on the side of caution, I should avoid discussion of the sexual benefits and functionality of foreskin -- since this is not a biology/sex ed class.


PS greg_b, thanks for the additional link to that book on Amazon...I may not require it now, but I'll certainly make a note of it for future consultation.

[Guest]

Hey guys,

For a college science paper (I'm focusing on the human biology/physiology field for this paper), I must do research on my chosen topic in order to write a 8-10 page paper, taking into consideration ethics, culture, and new research.

With the topic of foreskin/circumcision, I am considering incorporating the controversy surrounding circumcision and/or the benefits of circumcising/not circumcising.

But I am asking for tips! Where would be a good place to start? What topics or issues should I include?

Lastly, on a personal level, I am a bit nervous about choosing this issue as my topic. How can I be diplomatic about getting this topic approved by my instructor?

Thanks!

I did a debate about this:

http://www.debate.org/debates/Circumcision-without-absolute-medical-necesity-is-genital-mutilation-and-should-be-banned/1/comments/