Annotated Bibliography: 50 points

By April 2nd, each individual group member will submit a literature review outlining five annotated citations (APA 4th edition format) that demonstrate research undertaken to date. This assignment (between one and two pages) cannot be turned in late. Your goal is to describe the resources you've consulted and illustrate their potential contribution to the group project. Your bibliographies must be typed, double-spaced, stapled, and employ professional margins and fonts (12 point Times New Roman font is best).

Summary Essay: 50 points

When you present your oral presentation, you will also submit a 7-10 page essay that is organized according to a problem/cause/solution pattern. Do not go under or over the page length if you wish to earn full credit. Attach a reference sheet in APA 4th edition format to your essay (does not count as part of page length). Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, stapled, and employ professional margins and fonts (12 point Times New Roman font is best).

Five primary grading goals (worth 10 points each out of a total of 50):

• Provide three separate in-text citations per person (from each group member's annotated bibliography).

• Essay is well organized. Dedicate your first paragraph to an attention-grabbing introduction and thesis which offers a clear forecast of major body points, develop specific transitions that point backward and forward between body point-paragraphs, and construct your final paragraph around a complete review and thought-provoking conclusion.

• Essay paragraphs are well structured, logically organized, and packed with information. Think of the topic and conclusion sentences as pieces of homemade bread for a sandwich. We need lots of meat (or veggies, or whatever) between the bread to make a tasty paragraph. Pay very close attention to your topic sentences, ensuring that they relate to your thesis and provide an overview for your paragraphs. Also, keep in mind that short newspaper style paragraphs, as well as paragraphs lasting a page or more, risk the appearance of being poorly developed.

• Essay is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Use one of the newer word processors that offer spell and grammar-check. Also, feel free to share your draft with a trusted colleague to get advice. Of course, I will be pleased to examine drafts and provide comments - assuming that you edit your work carefully before sharing it with me. Keep in mind that the closer to deadline you provide your manuscript, the less time I'll have to examine your work.

• Essay meets basic requirements of this assignment.

Presentation: 50 points

The group presentation is a 30-45 minute presentation that is organized according to a problem/cause/solution pattern. This presentation cannot be a series of "talking heads." I'm looking for a dynamic and engaging display of your talents and teamwork. Indeed, a primary part of the grade for this aspect of your group project will be your demonstration of group cohesiveness.

Five primary grading goals (worth 10 points each out of a total of 50):

• Presentation offers a clear introduction, conclusion, and use of transitions.

• Presentation makes a reasoned and compelling justification for your claims.

• Presentation enables meaningful audience feedback and participation.

• Presentation effectively employs more than one medium (eg., skits, overheads, etc.).

• Presentation demonstrates group cohesion and individual participation.

A note concerning electronic media. I support your efforts to use the most contemporary media available to gain audience interest. But you must make sure that your choice of electronic medium does not interfere with the primary goal of this exercise: clear and effective communication. If you choose to use a video or PowerPoint presentation, provide me advance notice and I will attempt to help provide the necessary equipment. However, the responsibility for any presentational problems stemming from the use of electronic media is ultimately yours. So, if you plan to dazzle us with an electronic display, cool. But have a backup plan just in case the medium gets in the way of the message.

Unless it is apparent that certain individuals performed extensively above or below par for this assignment, each team member will receive the same grade for the summary essay and group presentation. However, 50 participation points of the group project are based upon peer critique. Toward the end of the semester, I will pass out anonymous critique sheets. Each team member will provide a numerical and written evaluation of his/her colleagues.

Five primary grading goals (worth 10 points each out of a total of 50):

• Colleague is dependable, fulfills assignments in a timely manner.

• Colleague is open-minded, listens to the contributions of others.

• Colleague makes original contributions to the group's efforts.

• Colleague is supportive, provides help and camaraderie to other individuals.

• Colleague is patient, endures occasional group hardships without getting stressed.

Bottom Line:

This assignment will test your research, reasoning, persuasive, and team-building abilities. Remember, though, it is supposed to be fun. Enjoy each other's company, provide an entertaining and stimulating presentation, and develop professional and dependable relationships, and you should do well.

As always, see me if you have any questions or concerns.

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