Possible World Issue Topics
Please Note:
Most of the topics listed here are quite broad in scope and you will have to narrow your focus for your
research paper. From this list of broad topics, you will need to consider a more specific world issue of concern
that would be a sub-topic worthy of closer examination for the intent and purpose of your ISU.
You are not limited to the topics below, they are just to give you an idea of possible topics, but for any topic
not on this list, you must get approval from me before proceeding.
For Example:
Broad Topic: Child Soldiers
Sub-Topic: The Impact of Tamil Tiger Child Soldiers on Sri Lanka’s Future
Thesis: The reality of some children being forced to become child soldiers in Sri Lanka has had a negative
impact on the potential future adult population of Sri Lankan society in terms of life expectancy, literacy rate
and substance abuse, which will in turn erode a cultural minority striving for recognition of a unique cultural
status and independence.
Broad Topics:
Women’s rights and the Taliban in
Afghanistan
Obesity in Developed & Developing Nations
Impacts of China’s Industrial Revolution
Population Explosion and Resource Demand
Impacts of Poverty in Africa Nations
Food Supply and Accessibility
Sweatshops / Child Labour
Role of the United Nations: Diminishing or
Vital?
Canadian Military in Afghanistan
Causes of Species Extinction & its Impacts
Cost of Hurricane Katrina
Nuclear Disarmament
Child Soldiers (Various Countries)
Effects/Impacts of Globalization
Greenpeace – Effective or Radical?
AIDS and Africa
Value of Women: Honour Killings/Child
Brides, etc.
Impacts of Environmental Crisis in Rich vs
Poor Nations
Iran Nuclear Program – Is it a Threat?
Climate Change and Spread of Disease
Israel-Palestine Relations
Impacts of Urban Sprawl in Developing Cities
Impacts of Galapagos Islands Tourism
Organ Harvesting (Various Countries)
Causes of Childhood Obesity, Impacts on Life
Expectancy
Controversies of Stem Cell Research
Impacts of Consumption in
Pharmaceutical Dominance and the Third
World
Bio-Fuels – Good or Bad?
Female Infanticide
Impacts of Censorship in Communist
Countries
Rising Oil Prices; Who Sets the Price?
Female Genital Mutilation
Human Trafficking and World Sport Events
(FIFA, Olympics, etc.)
Grade 12 World Issues Independent Study Unit
Researching and Addressing a World Issue
Please Note: this assignment is worth 15% of your final mark for this course. Failure to complete and submit all
segment of the process work for this summative will result in a loss of the matching weight as a percentage of your
final summative mark. So, complete all segments of the assignment by the due dates provided for you!
Focus of Research Paper
You will write a research paper that discusses the various perspectives of a world issue that currently concerns Canadians
and others around the world.
Research paper must include:
□
□
□
□
a) an introduction or background information on the world issue topic with a thesis stating the
specific costs to society or the Earth if this issue is not addressed (1-2 pages);
b) a main body that reveals the various viewpoints, key players and data/evidence that supports the
various viewpoints on the topic with arguments for why the issue needs to be discussed (4-5 pages);
c) a proposed solution or series of “next steps” with rationale for why they are appropriate and needed
with supporting evidence of why/how it can work (2-3 pages);
d) a conclusion that reflects why this topic is relevant to us as both global and Canadian citizens, revisit of strongest points and how they support the need for your proposed solution, why your
proposed solution is necessary and why it can work, final “food for thought” for the reader of what the
consequences might be if this issue is not addressed. (1-2 pages)
Make sure your paper also has:
□
□
□
□
□
i) at least two maps that reveal geopolitical aspects of issue
ii) at least two graphs, charts, etc. that display data/evidence used to support findings or perspectives
iii) at least two images that reflect/represent the socio-political/economic/environmental/resource
scope of your issue that makes it a concern or controversial topic worthy of discussion and debate
* All visuals must have a referenced source below where it is used and be included in the reference list. The
images can be incorporated into the body of the essay where they must be labeled and clearly referred to or
included in a labeled appendix with reference in essay to the appendix found after last page of essay but
before works cited list.
iv) Paper must use APA guideline for in-text citations and bibliography. No footnotes, no MLA.
v) With the exception of the proposal, all written work for this ISU is to be in a formal, professional
‘voice’. No use of personal pronouns please (I, me, my, we, etc.).
Presentation:
You will also provide a 10 to 15 minute presentation to the class. You will not have more than 15 minutes, including setup of technology, so practice in advance and be prepared! A signal will be provided for you when you have 5
minutes left, and you will be cut-off at the 15 minute mark.
-
-
must be oral and visual in nature (3 Panel Board Display, Slide Show, Pamphlet, Model, etc.)
needs to include an interactive aspect/component with rest of class
Specifics:
Students will submit the following for their ISU:
1) a topic proposal with a five (4U) or three (4C) source annotated bibliography;
2) notes/process work;
3) an edited rough copy of the research paper;
4) a final research paper with in-text citations and bibliography in APA format (hard copy and submitted to
turnitin on memory stick)
5) an oral presentation over staggered dates.
Rubric
Please read over the ISU rubric carefully for assessment and evaluation expectations. Complete the top of the rubric
with your name, ISU topic and date and had in with the final, good copy of your research paper.
4U - On the due dates you are to submit:
Segment #1: Proposal and 5 Source Annotated Bibliography = 2%:
A small binder with your topic proposal and an annotated bibliography of at least five sources of a variety of type (i.e. newspaper article,
scientific magazine article, book, governmental study, etc.). They must not all be from Internet websites.
Part A: Proposal (1%):
This is a brief outline of the proposal for your research topic. It should contain basic information about the broad aspect of your world issue,
the specific issue you will be pursuing, the relevant locations of the world where the issue of concern is most relevant, a connection to its
relevance to Canada or you as a Canadian and a ½ page summary of your initial thoughts in relation to the topic (what concerns you, what
you hope to find out more about, etc.) and areas of discussion that will need to be addressed in your paper.
PLUS
Part B: Annotated Bibliography (1%):
This is an alphabetical list of initial resources that you have found that reflect the various perspectives on your world issue topic (you must
have 7-10 in total for your final product). Your sources must be listed according to the APA guide used most commonly for Geographic
studies. *Please refer to APA guideline provided for you on ClassNet
Format: This is an annotated bibliography which means that you must provide a concise summary (one paragraph only) of each source
and some assessment of its value or relevance (i.e. an explanation of why the source may be of good use to you for your research paper.
*Overall length of Proposal and Annotated Bibliography: 2 pages.
The material above for Segment #1 must be submitted in a thin 3-ring binder on the due date.
Segment #1 Due Date: Wednesday, October 22th, 2014
Segment #2: Research Notes = 2%
Students are to hand in all research notes that they have made on their own paper, in the margins of articles, highlighted sections with
personal commentary, etc. including quotes, images, graphed information, maps, pictures etc. that may or will be used. Notes are to be
organized according to major points of essay that they support (background info, main body topics, solution, etc.). They may include copies
of articles that will be referenced in paper that have been highlighted and commented on in the margins.
*Length: Minimum 3-4 pages of handwritten work, plus highlighted articles, articles with notes in the margins, etc.
Segment #2 Due Date: Thursday November 13th, 2014
Segment #3: Edited Rough Draft of Research Paper = 2%
Students are to submit a rough draft of their research paper, intended to be a close imitation of final copy of the paper. In-text citations
are expected. This is to have evidence of self and/or peer editing feedback on it.
The material above for Segment #3 must be added to and submitted in your thin 3-ring binder on the due date.
Segment #3 Due Date: Prior to or on Thursday, November 27th, 2014
Segment #4: Final Product – Research Paper = 6%
Students are to submit two hard copies and 1 memory stick file (for turnitin software check!) of their final research paper including formal
in-text citations, graphics, appendices (if applicable) and bibliography in proper APA format. Should be 7 to 10 pages in length total.
The material above for Segment #4 must be added to and submitted in your thin 3-ring binder on your selected Presentation due
date.
Segment #4 Due Date: Various Dates – Determined by Selected Presentation Dates
Segment #5: Oral and Visual Presentation = 3%
On various dates, students will be expected to present their world issue topic to the class. You will have between 10 and 15 minutes
including set up of equipment or props. The presentation is not to be a re-reading of the research paper, but is to include:
□
- class set of a one page handout of the essential info on your topic to distribute to classmates
□
□
□
□
- an overview of the issue from the various perspectives and why it is controversial or worthy of discussion
- the informed opinion you have come to based on your research findings (i.e. what is your perspective on this topic?)
- a summary of your proposed solution to the issue or “next-steps” in taking action towards a possible solution
- a visual representation of some aspect of your world issue (poster, poster board, video clip (no more than 3 minutes), slide
□
show (not just a power point of notes), other – please consult with me in advance. The purpose of your visual is to be
informative, reflective and persuasive in nature (why your proposed action steps are so necessary).
- Some aspect of your presentation must be interactive with the rest of the class (Brief Discussion Question, Quiz, Role Play)
Presentation Dates: December 4th, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th and 18th 20th, 2014 (Volunteers welcome first then by lottery for fairness.)
Schedule of Due Dates:
Segment # 1: ISU Proposal and 5 Source Annotated Bibliography
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014
2%
Segment #2: Research Notes with Pictures, Graphs, Maps, etc.
Thursday, November 13th, 2014
2%
Segment #3: Edited Rough Copy of Research Paper with In-Text Citations
Thursday, November 27th, 2014
2%
Segments #4 and 5: Final Good Copy of Research Paper with In-Text
Citations and Bibliography in APA format and Presentation of ISU World
Issue Topic
My Due Date:
_______________________________
6%
3%
15%
4C - On the due dates you are to submit:
Segment #1: Proposal and 3 Source Annotated Bibliography = 2%:
A small binder with your topic proposal and an annotated bibliography of at least five sources of a variety of type (i.e. newspaper article,
scientific magazine article, book, governmental study, etc.). They must not all be from Internet websites.
Part A: Proposal (1%):
This is a brief outline of the proposal for your research topic. It should contain basic information about the broad aspect of your world issue,
the specific issue you will be pursuing, the relevant locations of the world where the issue of concern is most relevant, a connection to its
relevance to Canada or you as a Canadian and a ½ page summary of your initial thoughts in relation to the topic (what concerns you, what
you hope to find out more about, etc.) and areas of discussion that will need to be addressed in your paper.
PLUS
Part B: Annotated Bibliography (1%):
This is an alphabetical list of initial resources that you have found that reflect the various perspectives on your world issue topic (you must
have 5-7 in total for your final product). Your sources must be listed according to the APA guide used most commonly for Geographic
studies. *Please refer to APA guideline provided for you on ClassNet
Format: This is an annotated bibliography which means that you must provide a concise summary (one paragraph only) of each source
and some assessment of its value or relevance (i.e. an explanation of why the source may be of good use to you for your research paper.
*Overall length of Proposal and Annotated Bibliography: 2 pages.
The material above for Segment #1 must be submitted in a thin 3-ring binder on the due date.
Segment #1 Due Date: Wednesday, October 22th, 2014
Segment #2: Research Notes = 2%
Students are to hand in all research notes that they have made on their own paper, in the margins of articles, highlighted sections with
personal commentary, etc. including quotes, images, graphed information, maps, pictures etc. that may or will be used. Notes are to be
organized according to major points of essay that they support (background info, main body topics, solution, etc.). They may include copies
of articles that will be referenced in paper that have been highlighted and commented on in the margins.
*Length: Minimum 3-4 pages of handwritten work, plus highlighted articles, articles with notes in the margins, etc.
Segment #2 Due Date: Thursday November 13th, 2014
Segment #3: Edited Rough Draft of Research Paper = 2%
Students are to submit a rough draft of their research paper, intended to be a close imitation of final copy of the paper. In-text citations
are expected. This is to have evidence of self and/or peer editing feedback on it.
The material above for Segment #3 must be added to and submitted in your thin 3-ring binder on the due date.
Segment #3 Due Date: Prior to or on Thursday, November 27th, 2014
Segment #4: Final Product – Research Paper = 6%
Students are to submit two hard copies and 1 memory stick file (for turnitin software check!) of their final research paper including formal
in-text citations, graphics, appendices (if applicable) and bibliography in proper APA format. Should be 5 to 7 pages in length total.
The material above for Segment #4 must be added to and submitted in your thin 3-ring binder on your selected Presentation due
date.
Segment #4 Due Date: Various Dates – Determined by Selected Presentation Dates
Segment #5: Oral and Visual Presentation = 3%
On various dates, students will be expected to present their world issue topic to the class. You will have between 10 and 15 minutes
including set up of equipment or props. The presentation is not to be a re-reading of the research paper, but is to include:
□
- class set of a one page handout of the essential info on your topic to distribute to classmates
□
□
□
□
- an overview of the issue from the various perspectives and why it is controversial or worthy of discussion
- the informed opinion you have come to based on your research findings (i.e. what is your perspective on this topic?)
- a summary of your proposed solution to the issue or “next-steps” in taking action towards a possible solution
- a visual representation of some aspect of your world issue (poster, poster board, video clip (no more than 3 minutes), slide
□
show (not just a power point of notes), other – please consult with me in advance. The purpose of your visual is to be
informative, reflective and persuasive in nature (why your proposed action steps are so necessary).
- Some aspect of your presentation must be interactive with the rest of the class (Brief Discussion Question, Quiz, Role Play)
Presentation Dates: December 4th, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th and 18th 20th, 2014 (Volunteers welcome first then by lottery for fairness.)
Schedule of Due Dates:
Segment # 1: ISU Proposal and 5 Source Annotated Bibliography
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014
2%
Segment #2: Research Notes with Pictures, Graphs, Maps, etc.
Thursday, November 13th, 2014
2%
Segment #3: Edited Rough Copy of Research Paper with In-Text Citations
Thursday, November 27th, 2014
2%
Segments #4 and 5: Final Good Copy of Research Paper with In-Text
Citations and Bibliography in APA format and Presentation of ISU World
Issue Topic
My Due Date:
_______________________________
6%
3%
15%
Name: ___________________________________
Criteria
Knowledge & Understanding
- Final research paper demonstrates quality of
knowledge and understanding of background
information and other major elements of the selected
world issue. Clear understanding of major key
players, events and Canadian relevance with regard
to topic is demonstrated. Conclusions drawn reveal a
good understanding of topic and why it is a world
issue.
Thinking & Inquiry
- Final research paper reflects clear and well
constructed thesis, sufficiently documented
arguments and demonstrates a valid and logical
analysis of research
- Images, graphs, maps, photos, charts, etc. (two of
each) are relevant and explained and referenced in
the appropriate location (in body of essay or
appendix)
- Student effectively argues relevance of topic for
Canadians and other global citizens
- “Next Steps or Solutions” are plausible, reasonable
and demonstrate effectiveness
- Conclusion is strong and reveals valid and thought
provoking “food for thought” for the reader
Communication
- Use of research paper structure is effective, logical,
and persuasive
- Communication of language skills re: spelling,
sentence structure, grammar and other mechanics
are effective throughout
- Appropriate use of sources for images within body of
paper or appendix
- In-text citations are used effectively and are in
appropriate APA format
- Reference list is extensive (10 plus varied sources,
not heavily reliant on general websites) and is in
appropriate APA format
Application
- Arguments are well supported by evidence and
examples
- Next steps or “solutions” are reasonable
- Visuals are effective and dynamic
- presentation includes a dynamic and effective
interactive component for the rest of the class.
K/U: ____
T/I: ____
C: ____
Rubric: ISU Assessment & Evaluation (Final Paper)
Date: _____________
RR
R+
Student does not
meet even the basic
level of expectations
for criteria identified.
11
1+
Student
demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for
criteria identified.
22
2+
Student
demonstrates some
ability of working
towards the
expectations for
criteria identified.
33
3+
Student
demonstrates a
good ability to
meet the
expectations for
criteria identified.
44
4+
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student does not
meet even the basic
level of expectations
for criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates some
ability of working
towards the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
good ability to
meet the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student does not
meet even the basic
level of expectations
for criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates some
ability of working
towards the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
good ability to
meet the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student does not
meet even the basic
level of expectations
for criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates some
ability of working
towards the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student
demonstrates a
good ability to
meet the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
A: ____
Comments:
= _____ x 6% = ______
Name: ___________________________________
Date: ______________________
ISU World Issue Topic: _________________________________________________________________
Rubric: ISU Assessment & Evaluation for Segment #4: Presentation of World Issue
Criteria
RR
R+ 11
1+ 22
2+ 33
3+
Knowledge and Understanding
Student does not Student
Student
Student
- Includes all major components of
meet even the
demonstrates a
demonstrates
demonstrates a
research paper format (clear intro
basic level of
limited level of
some ability of
good ability to meet
with thesis statement, main body
expectations for
expectations for
working towards
the expectations
with supporting evidence, solutions
criteria identified. criteria identified.
the expectations
for criteria
or next steps, conclusion) without
for criteria
identified.
reading paper
identified.
Communication
Student does not Student
Student
Student
- Oral Language skills are effective
meet even the
demonstrates a
demonstrates
demonstrates a
re:
basic level of
limited level of
some ability of
good ability to meet
Tone of voice, pacing, enthusiasm,
expectations for
expectations for
working towards
the expectations
etc.
criteria identified. criteria identified.
the expectations
for criteria
- Written communication skills when
for criteria
identified.
included are effective re:
identified.
spelling, sentence structure,
grammar
- Presentation encourages student
attention and participation
Application
Student does not Student
Student
Student
- Specific World Issue is easily
meet even the
demonstrates a
demonstrates
demonstrates a
identifiable, as are key players,
basic level of
limited level of
some ability of
good ability to meet
influences, location, etc.
expectations for
expectations for
working towards
the expectations
- Next steps or “solutions” are
criteria identified. criteria identified.
the expectations
for criteria
reasonable
for criteria
identified.
- Visuals are effective and dynamic
identified.
- Student handout is effective, 1
page only, provides essential info
- Student’s own creativity is clearly
evident
K/U: ____
C: ____
Overall Mark: Segment # 1 =
+ Segment # 2 =
+ Segment # 3 =
+ Segment # 4 =
+ Segment # 5 =
Total =
A: ____
/2
/2
/2
/6
/3
/15 =
Overall Level = ______ = _______% x 3% = ______
%
Comments:
44
4+
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Student has
demonstrated the
ability to effectively
surpass the
expectations for
criteria identified.
Name: ___________________________________
Date: ___________________
Rubric: ISU Assessment & Evaluation for Segment #1: Proposal and 5 Source Annotated Bibliography
Criteria
Thinking & Inquiry
- Proposal is effective and shows promise
- Includes and describes broad topic,
specific focus, relevance to Canadians, and
other key areas that will be explored for
research paper
- Annotated Bibliography includes 5
different sources of various types
Communication
- Language skills are effective re: spelling,
sentence structure, grammar
- Annotations are effectively descriptive
RR
R+
Student does not meet
even the basic level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
11
1+
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
22
2+
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
33
3+
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
44
4+
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student does not meet
even the basic level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
T/I: ____ C: ____ Overall Level = ______ = _______% x 2% = ______
Comments:
Rubric: ISU Assessment & Evaluation for Segment #2: Research Notes
Criteria
RR
R+
Thinking & Inquiry
Student does not meet
- Notes are abundant and relevant to topic
even the basic level of
- Self notes are made
expectations for criteria
- Articles are included with highlighted
identified.
sections and notes in the margins
- Includes relevant images (pictures, maps,
graphs, charts, etc.)
Communication
Student does not meet
- Language skills are effective re: spelling,
even the basic level of
sentence structure, grammar
expectations for criteria
- Notes reflect aspects of research to be
identified.
covered (for intro, main argument support,
questions to be addressed, solutions, etc.)
T/I: ____ C: ____ Overall Level = ______ = _______% x 2% = ______
11
1+
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
22
2+
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
33
3+
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
44
4+
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Comments:
Rubric: ISU Assessment & Evaluation for Segment #3: Edited Rough Copy of Research Paper with In-Text Citations
Criteria
Thinking & Inquiry
- Includes all major components of
research paper format (clear intro with
thesis statement, main body with
supporting evidence, solutions or next
steps, conclusion)
Communication
- Language skills are effective re: spelling,
sentence structure, grammar
- Evidence of proofreading and editing
directly on the rough copy of paper
- In-Text citations are included an are in
APA format
RR
R+
Student does not meet
even the basic level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
11
1+
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
22
2+
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
33
3+
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
44
4+
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student does not meet
even the basic level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
limited level of
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates
some ability of working
towards the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student demonstrates a
good ability to meet the
expectations for criteria
identified.
Student has
demonstrated the ability
to effectively surpass the
expectations for criteria
identified.
T/I: ____ C: ____ Overall Level = ______ = _______% x 2% = ______
Comments: