Final Research Project
Multiple Perspectives in the Contemporary World
Full (Typed) Script or Typed Essay Rough Draft Due: ______
Full Final Script w/Podcast or Essay Due: ______
Assignment: For your culminating assessment, you will research multiple perspectives on a
particular (contemporary) issue, present your findings (underlying ideas and central
questions that arise) and argue your position.
You will choose ONE of the following options to present your findings:
1. Traditional Essay (Individual)
This option is for those of you who feel comfortable with a more tradition format. You will include all
aspects that we discussed over the term (introduction, thesis, body paragraph, evidence, analysis, etc.).
Please note: while you may choose to write an essay, we will still be reviewing digital media terms and
concepts that you will be required to learn.
Essay Requirements: Your essay will include the following:
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MLA Format (1200 words)
Annotated Bibliography
Essay Outline and Workshops
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A minimum of 5 sources cited
Submit to www.turnitin.com
2. Podcast Episode (individual or partner: 1-2 people)
**Podcast software: Podcast Generator (free), Mobile Podcaster ($2.99 app), WaveRecorder (free), Opinion
Podcasts ($3.99 app), and more.
This option incorporates the use of technology. You will present your information in the form of a podcast. Some
things you might want to incorporate into your podcast: interviews, music, panels, etc. There are all kinds of different
formats out there. Some suggestions of Podcasts to listen to in order to get some ideas: This American Life, Serial,
Criminal, Comic Book Men, etc. There are so many out there-- just search for topics you are interested in.
Podcast Requirements: Your podcast will include the following:
 A minimum of 5 sources cited
 10-12 minutes in length
 Annotated Bibliography
 MLA formatted podcast outline
 Cover art
Topic/s: You will conduct your research on any of the contemporary topics below
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Human Rights/Social/global Issues:
o Ageism
o Gender
Technology & Media
o Privacy
o Social Media
Education:
o Plagiarism
o For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Colleges
Annotated Bibliography (required for all):
A bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, Web sites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic.
Bibliographies are sometimes called "References" or "Works Cited" depending on the style format you are using. A
bibliography usually just includes the bibliographic information (i.e., the author, title, publisher, etc.).
An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an annotated bibliography includes a summary and
evaluation of each of the sources:
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Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize the source. What are the main arguments? What is the
point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what
would you say? The length of your annotations will determine how detailed your summary is.
Assess: After summarizing a source, it is helpful to evaluate it. Is it a useful source? How does it compare with
other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the
goal of this source?
Reflect: Once you've summarized and assessed a source, you need to ask how it fits into your research. Was
this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your
research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic?
NOTE: MLA Format (required for all)
**Each person in the group will complete their own annotated bibliography with three sources.