USVA Government Issues Project
Second Semester 2011
The project for the second semester is a three part assignment. The major portion of the assignment will
be the completion of a position paper on some governmental issue. You will also be making a short 3
minute video using “moviemaker”, or some other video production software highlighting the
governmental issue developed in your position paper. Finally, you will be asked to compose a short 3-5
paragraph letter to a governmental official.
Your “issue” may focus on a local, state, national or international issue for which governmental action is
either necessary or desirable. Although we will several dates scheduled for the computer lab for this
project, it will be necessary for a significant portion to be completed on your own time as homework, or
utilizing JAYEM AM. To ensure that all students are utilizing the time allotted to the computer lab, this
assignment will be broken into several parts and there will be specific due dates for the various aspects
of this assignment.
Key Components of Issues Project:
A. Research-based Position Paper
a. MIN 3 pages typed (double-spaced)
b. Academic writing, proper grammar and syntax
c. Correct MLA format
d. appropriate parenthetical citations/ works cited page
e. Meet deadlines for due dates
B. Video-Issue
a. 2-3 minute format
b. use of both pictures/video
c. creative, highlights the issue and actions to be taken
d. high quality editing, narration
C. Letter to Government Official
a. 3-5 paragraphs
b. Sent to either local, state, federal governmental official
c. Address your issue to the representative in proper and appropriate academic writing
Schedule of Computer Lab time/ Deadlines
Computer Lab: (Tentative) Some portion of the following dates
Dec. 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 & 19; Jan 5, 6, 10, 12
Due Dates:
Topic/Thesis
Friday Dec. 9
Minimum 3 viable resources
Friday- Dec. 9
Position Paper Introduction (1-3 paragraphs)
Monday, Dec. 12
Introduction Peer Edit
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Rough Draft Position Paper
Monday, Dec. 19
Rough Draft-Peer Edit
Tuesday, Dec. 20
Video Storyboard
Wednesday, Jan 4
Rough draft-Letter
Friday, Jan. 6
Final Paper
Monday, Jan. 10
Video-Final
Thursday, Jan 19