Research Project/Paper

• Work in groups of 3-5 students (no more than five)
  
  
• Research a minimum of ten (10) sources, not including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other general information sources
  
  
• At least five (5) of the sources must be published in the past three years.
  
  
• Submit one copy of each source (if the source is very long, include a copy of the first few pages).
  
  
• Submit a bibliography that includes each source (following MLA documentation).
  
  
• Provide an oral presentation as a group of 8-10 minutes. You will be evaluated based on how informative, interesting/creative, and thorough your presentation is. You must include audience participation.
  
  
• Each group member must participate in the presentation.
  
  
• Group members will receive the same grade for group work.
  
  

• Select a topic of your choice from one of the units.
  
  
• Define the topic according to the following criteria:
  
  
  • What is its history?
    
  • Is there a culture attached to it?
    
  • Are there certain groups of people who have embraced it or who participate in this activity?
    
  • Are there key representatives (icons/symbols)in this culture?
    
  • Select 1-2 specific texts within the topic and provide a semiotic analysis of the text.
    
  • Discuss the topic in terms of the larger culture of “America”. Does the texts and topic represent certain values or beliefs of mainstream American culture or does it speak against those values?
    

• Write a 5-6 page essay that argues a thesis about the topic your group has selected.
  
  
• Incorporate a minimum of two articles in your essay.
  
  
• Provide a works cited page including any articles you directly use in your own essay.
  
  
• Papers must be typed, double-spaced, with standard font and margins.
  
  
• Paper is due by Wednesday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m.
  
  
• Essays will receive individual grades (independent from other group members).
  

• If the class is working on the topic that your group has selected, you do not need to write an additional paper for that unit. However, you do need to submit a typed 2-page progress report of the work you and your group members have done on the project so far. (Details to follow.)
  
  
• Although your paper is not due until the end of the quarter, your group presentation will be scheduled at the time that the rest of the class is studying that unit.