Some topics are surrounded by controversy and disagreements. Whether you need to write a persuasive paper or just want to familiarize yourself with the arguments, there are plenty of places to look. You'll find that the 300s (social sciences) are teeming with controversial topics. We recommend browsing the entire section if you are unsure about what topic you want to research; you never know what you'll stumble across. Heads up--some topics are found in multiple areas.
000s (Computer science, information, & general works):
006.3 Artificial intelligence
100s (Philosophy & psychology):
140 Philosophical systems
172 Political ethics
173 Family ethics
176 Sexual ethics
179.3 Treatment of animals
179.72 Assisted suicide
179.76 Abortion
200s (Religion)
211 Deism and atheism
215 Religion and science
300s (Social sciences):
306.74 Sex work
306.76 Sexual orientation; gender identity
306.84 Marriage equality and nontraditional marriage
322.1 Relations between state and church
323.448 Privacy rights
324.6 Electoral college
325 Migration and colonization
327.1 International foreign policies
327.73 USA's role in the world
331.2 Minimum wage
333 Economics of land & energy
338.18 Agriculture subsidiaries
358.3/358.4 Ethics in war
362.1 Social issues regarding people with physical illnesses
362.2 Social issues regarding people with mental illnesses
362.4 Social issues regarding people with disabilities
362.5 Poverty
363.15 Healthcare
363.2 Policing
363.31 Censorship
363.33 Guns and gun control
363.45 Illegal drugs
363.46 Abortion
363.7 Environmental issues
363.96 Birth control and contraception
364.6 Death penalty and punishment of crime
400s (Language)
500s (Science):
576.8 Evolution
600s (Technology):
614.47 Vaccines
615.7827 Medical marijuana (see also 362.295)
700s (Arts & recreation):
800s (Literature):
900s (History & geography)
956.94 Israel & Palestine