Current Issues Project
Current Issues Project: The Researched Essay
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Sources Required for Further ResearchThe Current Issues Project will require that you select and view a documentary on the topic of your choice (part of your summer assignment), and then conduct further research on the topic(s) discussed. As part of your ongoing research into this topic, you will be responsible for looking up the following type of articles and media artifacts:
Please note: * You are not limited to only 1 article of each of these types of sources. You may conduct further research as you see fit, and collect any information that you feel is necessary. ** The visual texts you select should be in three different formats. Do not choose three of the same type of visual text option. |
Biased or Unbiased News Sources?As you begin to conduct your research, pay attention to the news and media sources you decide to use. Some news sources are far more biased than others, either leaning left or right politically. Other news sources are more careful about their content, and aim to provide unbiased articles as much as possible.
The news source you choose can skew your research and your understanding of a given topic. Be careful and thorough in your research. The Media Bias Chart below may help you understand how some news and media outlets are seen in terms of the degree of biased reporting. The Media Bias Chart
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otero_media-bias-chart_version-3.1_watermark-min.jpg | |
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Credible News Article?
The CRAAP Test
As you begin reading the articles you select, keep an eye out for any details that may hint at questionable or unreliable content.
There are a number of media outlets that deliberately skew or limit the amount of information accessible to their readers. In the age of social media, it is easy for misinformation to spread quickly.
Review the chart above, as we will in class throughout the year, and make certain that any articles or visual texts you select pass the CRAAP test.
Ask yourself, is the article or visual text:
- Current? Are the sources cited current or updated? Old data may be misleading.
- Relevant? Is the information relevant to your needs? Who is the intended audience? Is the information appropriate and adequate?
- Authoritative? Who is the author, publisher, source, sponsor of the article or visual text? How may these connections impact the message of the article? Does the writer have appropriate and legitimate credentials?
- Accurate? Where does the information come from? Is the information correct, properly cited, and adequately supported with appropriate evidence?
- Purposeful? What is the real purpose of the article? To inform? Entertain? Mislead? Is the information given factual, entertainment, or propaganda?
craap_infographic.png | |
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evaluating_information_craap_method.pdf | |
File Size: | 72 kb |
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Handouts for Article Analysis
Overview of source analysis
You will be responsible for completing the relevant handout for each article and visual text you select as you conduct further research on your Current Issues Project.
All articles should be properly cited according to MLA formatting guidelines for periodicals. You can access guidelines for this via Purdue University's Online Writing Lab at owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
For each of the articles and visual texts, you will complete the following tasks:
- Complete an article analysis handout.
- Write a rhetorical precis. (a structured rhetorical analysis in 4 sentences)
- Write a personal response of at least 150 words.
Components of News Article Analysis
It goes without saying that any of the news articles you select for analysis should be printed out on the day they are due, along with the relevant handout(s) required.
1. The News Article Analysis handout is available here:
1. The News Article Analysis handout is available here:
news_article_analysis_basics.docx | |
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File Type: | docx |
2. Each news article will also require a Rhetorical Precis (a structured 4-sentence rhetorical analysis paragraph). The structure for this assignment will be introduced and practiced in class.
Below you will find a preliminary handout. Class handouts may be slightly different. I will add updated files as we need them.
Below you will find a preliminary handout. Class handouts may be slightly different. I will add updated files as we need them.
griswell-rhetorical-précis-writing.doc | |
File Size: | 49 kb |
File Type: | doc |
3. Each news article and visual text will also require a personal response of at least 150 words. These personal responses will be completed in class.
Should you be absent, you are still responsible for completing this response.
Your personal response for each news article should address all of the following questions:
Should you be absent, you are still responsible for completing this response.
Your personal response for each news article should address all of the following questions:
- Did the argument convince you of its claim? Why or why not?
- What dominant appeals are used to convince you as a reader/viewer?
- What bias does the author exhibit? Does the author’s bias help or weaken his/her argument?
- Who was the intended audience? Would that audience be convinced? Why or why not?
- How has the article changed or reinforced your own opinion on the issue?
- What questions do you still have? What information do you still need to know?
Components of Visual Text Analysis
1. You will complete a Visual Text Source Analysis handout for each visual text. The file is available below.
visual_text_source_analysis_handout.docx | |
File Size: | 71 kb |
File Type: | docx |
2. The Visual Text Analysis handout for all visual texts is available below. Remember to include a copy of the visual text you are using. Color copies are preferable.
visual_text_analysis.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3. Each news article and visual text will also require a personal response of at least 150 words. These personal responses will be completed in class.
Should you be absent, you are still responsible for completing this response.
Your personal response for each visual text should address all of the following questions:
You can access a handout for the Personal Response guidelines below:
Should you be absent, you are still responsible for completing this response.
Your personal response for each visual text should address all of the following questions:
- What element of the visual text appealed to you the most strongly? Why?
- What bias does the author exhibit? Does the author’s bias help or weaken his/her message?
- Who was the intended audience? Would that audience be convinced? Why or why not?
- How has the visual text changed or reinforced your own opinion on the issue?
- What questions do you still have about this visual text? What information do you still need to know?
- What changes would you make to this visual text? Why? (You can choose to add or remove details, but you must explain your choices.)
You can access a handout for the Personal Response guidelines below:
current_issues_project_the_personal_response.docx | |
File Size: | 94 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Organization of the folder for the Current Issues Project
As you work on your Current Issues Project, it will help you to stay organized as you collect your articles and visual texts. On the day of the timed writing, you will need to bring all of your research and relevant analytical handouts to class. Bring print copies of your news articles, and color copies of your visual texts.
Your Current Issues Project should be organized in a report cover (the type with 3 fasteners attached, preferably with a clear cover so your title page is easily visible).
Your work should be organized in the following manner:
Your Current Issues Project should be organized in a report cover (the type with 3 fasteners attached, preferably with a clear cover so your title page is easily visible).
Your work should be organized in the following manner:
- Title Page. Includes the following information, centered:
- Title of Documentary, (Year Released)
- Director's name
- One paragraph summarizing the primary issue discussed, and the focus of your research.
- Student name
- Class title, period
- Date
- Optional: You may be creative in the design of your title page, as long as the required information (#1-6 above) are listed clearly.
- The Signed Parent Permission Slip (from Summer Break homework)
- Documentary Film Analysis handout (from Summer Break homework)
- News Article #1: In support of your issue
- News Article Analysis handout
- Rhetorical Precis
- Personal Response
- Visual Text #1: Type of Visual Text?
- Visual Text Analysis
- Visual Text Source Analysis
- Personal Response
- News Article #2: In opposition of your issue
- News Article Analysis handout
- Rhetorical Precis
- Personal Response
- Visual Text #2: Type of Source?
- Visual Text Analysis
- Visual Text Source Analysis
- Personal Response
- News Article #3: Unbiased and factual
- News Article Analysis handout
- Rhetorical Precis
- Personal Response
- Visual Text #3: Type of Source
- Visual Text Analysis
- Visual Text Source Analysis
- Personal Response
- News Article #4: International source
- News Article Analysis handout
- Rhetorical Precis
- Personal Response
- Timed Essay Completed in Class (Synthesis Essay Practice: 45 minutes)
- Full, revised research essay (take home assignment)
Points and Rubrics
1. Click on the link below to access a more detailed file of this outline with point values for each assignment listed. Please keep in mind that while I will assign and score your work as we proceed through the semester, the log below should be filled in by you, in order to help you keep track of your own progress as you complete this project.
organization_and_rubric_for_the_current_issues_project_folder.docx | |
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2. Click on the link to access an AP rubric for the synthesis essay: teachers.sduhsd.net/mgaughen/docs/Synth%20Generic%20Rubric.pdf. The in-class timed essay will be scored as a major project, despite being a shorter paper. This is largely due to the scope of familiarity you will have with your chosen topic.
3. Click on the file below to access the CSU EAP Rubric for the essay. Please note, it has been slightly modified to include scoring categories for the synthesis essay and MLA formatting. The final, revised essay will be a much longer paper and will be inputed as a major project.
csu_eap_essay_rubric_ap_modifications.docx | |
File Size: | 133 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Tips for conducting your research:
- Not sure which article you will use? Create a Google Doc file and title it something like Potential Research Articles and Images (or whatever you prefer). Use this document to cut and paste links to articles and visual images you come across in your research. You can also cut and paste actual articles or images if you prefer. For each link or image you include, remember to briefly describe what information the article or image contains for quick reference. This will give you a space to collect your data as you conduct your research, without losing articles that may actually prove helpful later on. This document can later help you build a more formal annotated bibliography, which is a common requirement for research papers at the university level.
- Use professional databases. LAUSD gives you free access to professional databases that are commonly used by university students and other professionals to conduct research. Databases, like EBSCOhost and GALE, are spaces where professional articles are collected and cataloged for further research. These types of databases exist for all subjects and can offer stronger sources sometimes than a basic google search. To access LAUSD's Digital Library, click on the link: achieve.lausd.net/Page/1124. Once you access the website, click on the link granting you "REMOTE ACCESS". This will redirect you to an LAUSD sign-on page where you will need your LAUSD student email and password to access the databases. Once you are logged in, you will have access to multiple databases for your research.
Have a tip to share? Share it with me and I'll include it here. And yes, you will be credited for your submission.
This Current Issues Project is based on a similar project by Mrs. Smith at Pinnacle High School, Paradise Valley Unified School District. You can visit that site here: sites.google.com/a/pvlearners.net/mrs-smith---ap-english-language/current-issues-journal. I have made changes for our own class purposes.