American Government and Economics - Dillon Insight Papers and Presentation Assignment Introduction: As we study American Government and Economics this year, you will choose two current U.S. news articles about a specific topic that discusses important ideas, issues and questions that relate to either American Government or the U.S. Economy. Specifically, you will choose a news topic related to the class you are currently enrolled in, American Government or Economics. You are to research, read and annotate the two articles and use them as the basis of a paper where you provide the importance of the topic as it related to your chosen topic. Insight is defined as the ability to understand clearly or deeply. Insight Paper Details: 1. Format/Length: You will write two (2) insight papers each semester, two (2) pages in length, single-spaced and 12-point font. Please write in complete grammatically correct paragraphs, using academic vocabulary and do write in the first person. You must print out copies of both annotated news articles and staple it to the back of your insight paper. 2. Paper Organization: Each paper should include the name of the sources of the articles, the dates, the titles and the authors of the articles. Your paper should include an introduction that includes a summary of the topic, detailed body paragraphs that discusses the issues, unanswered questions about the topic, related events, people, etc. found in the article. Lastly your paper should have concluding paragraph that does not simply restate what you have already written. Rather, your conclusion should include your insights about the topic, show your readers why your paper was important and/or gives your reader something to think about. 3. Insight Component: Your paper must include insights about what you have learned and understand as a result of your research and reading your article. Insight is defined as the ability to understand clearly or deeply. Simply, your paper should show your clear understanding of the and or questions, etc. related to your topic and both articles. Your insights should discuss important issues, ideas, people, places and your questions as a result of your research that are answered and not answered in the articles. 4. Research: Your insight papers must include a detailed discussion of two different and distinct news articles about your topic from reputable newspaper or online news sources. The following is a list of acceptable news sources (either online and print) to use for your research: The New York Times, The Economist, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, PBS, New York Times, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle and The Chicago Tribune. Do not use Wikipedia, or other “Headline News” sources that have short articles that provide only a summary of the story like CNN.com, BuzzFeed, Yahoo news, etc. 5. International Paper: One of your two insight papers will have an international focus using a foreign news source. Your international insight paper must explain how the American Government (first semester) or how the U.S. Economy (second semester) relates to another country or the politically (first semester) or economically (second semester). For the international focused insight paper, your news articles you must be a foreign news source. There are many foreign news sources in English to use. Here is a list of just some of them to get you started: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/news.html#News%20Agencies Paper Presentation (present one paper each semester): You are required to orally present one of two your insight papers to the class each semester. Prepare a five minute oral presentation that summarizes the theme(s), important ideas, issues, places and people related to your topic. You should rehearse your presentation; it should have a clear beginning, middle and end. You are expected to stand, make eye contact and speak clearly. You will not be allowed to read from your paper during the presentation. Therefore, during your presentation you should use bullet point notes or note cards to have important information written down and stay organized. Make sure to review the presentation rubric before presenting. Due Dates: To allow you enough time to research, read, annotate your articles and write your papers, your first insight paper is due on or before Monday, October 17 and your second insight paper is due on or before Monday, December 12. Insight papers must be turned in by the dates above to earn credit and you must present your insight paper to the class on or before its due date to earn credit. Papers turned in by Monday, October 3 and Monday, November 28 guarantees that you will have an opportunity to present to the class. Grading and Points: Please carefully read and follow both the insight paper (25 possible points) and oral presentation rubric (20 possible points) to ensure you are submitting your best work. Ask me if you have any questions. INSIGHT PAPER RUBRIC (25 possible points) RESEARCH, TOPIC, UNDERSTANDING AND INSIGHTS Research: Paper discusses at least two detailed and distinct current U.S. news articles on the same topic as the basis of paper. Topic: Paper is about an important/significant current news topic about the U.S. Government or Economy (depending on the semester). Format: Paper is 2 full typed pages, single spaced and 12 point font with proper margins. Organization: Paper is clearly organized with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion that adds to the paper. Insights/Understanding: Paper makes clear and meaningful insights about the topic (which may include thoughtful and unanswered questions about the topic). ALL elements present 5 MOST elements SOME elements LITTLE or NO present present elements present 4 3 1 5 4 3 1 5 4 3 1 5 4 3 1 5 4 3 1 INSIGHT PAPER ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC (16 possible points) ORGANIZATION, SPEAKING AND DELIVERY Understanding: Presenter is able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding (i.e., is able to easily expand on topic and can answer reasonable questions about topic.). Organization and Delivery: Presentation is well organized with a clear beginning, middle and conclusion. Presenter shows enthusiasm, doesn’t rush and avoids “likes, ums, kind of, you know,” etc. Posture and Eye Contact: Presenter keeps stands up straight, keeps their head up, does not read notes like a script and looks at and speaks to whole audience Clarity and Volume: Presenter can be clearly and easily heard by all. No gum, etc. ALL elements present 4 MOST elements present 3 SOME elements present 2 LITTLE or NO elements present 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1
Purchase answer to see full attachment