Semester Project


Throughout the semester, you will research an area of interest in the field of sociology. This project is divided into two sections: Basic and Applied Research.  The first quarter focuses on basic research, meaning accessing existing information on your topic. During the second quarter, you will apply your knowledge by directly researching the area in the social environment.

First Quarter: Blogging
Ø By 3:00 pm each Friday, you will post to your blog with an article, website, video, photo, etc. pertaining to their area of focus.  
Ø By 3:00 pm on 5 select Wednesdays, you will post a response to another student’s blog post from that week. You may not post to the same student twice. Both sociology classes will be linked from our main page and you are encouraged to respond to students from the other section.
Ø As the blog owner, facilitate conversation within your posts. Reply to those who have commented on your blogs, post questions, and consider these perspectives in your future posts.
Ø Be creative… add different layouts, links, and images to enhance your audience’s experience.
Ø Each post should include a brief summary/synopsis of the article, website, video etc. (This should be about 1 paragraph)
Ø You will include your analysis/ reflection of the article as it applies to your topic and our class discussions (1-2 paragraphs).
Ø It is expected that you will make connections throughout the quarter and diversify your research. 
Ø Include hyperlinks (meaning, don’t just copy and paste a URL—create a hyperlink to a website or document)
Ø Embed videos (don’t just link me to YouTube…. Embed the video in your post. If you are using Hulu or another site that cannot embed, then a hyperlink is acceptable).
Ø Insert Images
Ø Be creative and analytical in your posts!

Point Breakdown- 200 POINTS TOTAL
120 points = Your own blog posts
50 Points = Your response to other students’ blogs
30 Points = Your discussion facilitation within your posts, critical thinking, and creativity on your blog
200 POINTS

QUARTER 1
Your Blogs
Respond To Another Student’s Blog
Week #
Date Due
Topic
Points
Date Due
Points
1
9/10/12
Introduction to your Topic
15
x
--
2
9/14/12
Article/Website
15
9/19/12
10
3
9/21/12
Choice
15
9/26/12
10
4
9/28/12
Video
15
10/3/12
10
5
10/5/12
Choice
15
10/10/12
10
6
10/12/12
Article/Website
15
x
--
7
10/19/12
Choice
15
10/24/12
10
8
10/26/12
Choice
15
x
--
TOTALS
120

50



Second Quarter: Applied Research
v  Utilizing a sociological research method, you will develop a plan to directly evaluate their topic. Methods include naturalistic observation, survey research, archival research, case studies, and experimentation.  More details will be explained in class.
v  Blogging: Students will blog their research plans and process by 3:00 on each assigned Friday.
v  Presentation: In January, you will present your research findings to the class. You will use Prezi or PowerPoint to aid in your presentation

Point Breakdown- 200 POINTS TOTAL
75 points = Your own blog posts
100 Points = Presentation
25 Points = Creativity, critical analysis, interaction with other students, participation during presentations
200 POINTS

Quarter 2
Your Blogs
Week #
Date Due
Topic
Points
1
11/2/12
Suggested Research Method/Why
15
2
11/16/12
Strategy/Plan For research
15
3
11/30/12
Research Update
15
4
12/7/12
Revised Summary/Plan/Update
15
5
1/4/12
Final Summary/Reaction
15
TOTALS
75


PRESENTATION RUBRIC
Max Points
Your Points
Presentation
·             Title slide w/ your name and Topic (2 pts)
·             Introduction to Topic (3 pts) – what did you study and why
·             Main Topics Summary (30 pts)
o    Key points-
§  Background information on topic
§  What/How did you study?
§  What were your results?
·             Conclusion (10 pts)
o    Brief summary statement—now that you found your results, what do you think it means?
·              Future Research Suggestion (15 pts) – What should people focus on studying in the future? Why?
60

Presentation Skills
·             Public Speaking Skills (15pts)
o    Eye contact, Voice, Posture
·              Limited text on slides, mastery of knowledge in presentation (15pts)

30

Other Requirements
·             Time Limit- 5-8 minutes (5pts)
·             Print a hard copy of slides (3 per page with notes section for PPT –or- PDF of Prezi) for me the day of your presentation (5pts)
10

Please Note: If you are absent on the day of your presentation, you will lose 5 points. You will present in the very next class. Extenuating circumstances should be communicated ASAP.
TOTAL: 100 POINTS

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