This current events assignment is due weekly and scored up to 10 points per week
It's a major component of your grade (15%), reflecting the importance of following the news. Hopefully, you will make a lifetime habit of following the news; it will help make you a better critically-thinking, well-informed voter.
Relate your stories to what you are learning in class.
While we can't discuss politics in real time, this is the next best thing. I read them every week and comment as appropriate. Ideally, you will relate your stories to what you are learning in class.
Remember, please be kind to others, even if you disagree. Keep it civil: no insults, name calling, etc.
I've attached some suggested news sources.Download news sourcesDownload PoliticsInTheNews(SamplePosts).pd
STEP 1 RUBRIC - 0 to 5 Points
(see Rubric on the Submission Page, "REPLY" below)
It must be government or politics-related and contain at least 100 words.
Initial Post--due EVERY WEDNESDAY at 11:59PM
You MUST post your initial story by the deadline, otherwise you receive an automatic "0."
Format in the following, numbered five sections:
- NAME OF STORY
- SOURCE
- DATE OF PUBLICATION
- A FULL, WELL-WRITTEN PARAGRAPH DESCRIBING THE STORY IN YOUR OWN WORDS (quotes are fine, but no wholesale copy and paste, please)
- WHY YOU FIND IT INTERESTING, INCLUDING YOUR PERSONAL OPINION.
Example of Excellent A+ WorkDownload Excellent Work
Download PoliticsInTheNews(SamplePosts).pdf
STEP 2 RUBRIC - 0 to 10 Points (see Rubric on the Submission Page, below)
RESPOND TO TWO OTHER STUDENTS' POSTS-- due EVERY SUNDAY AT 11:59PM
(except on special assignments days) and contain at least 50 words each.
I'm looking for thoughtful commentary, not just "I agree."
- If you just post your initial story, without making any responses, your maximum score is 6 points (60%)
- If you post your initial story and respond to only one other student post, your maximum score is 8 points (80%).
- If you post your initial story and respond to two other student posts, your maximum potential score is 10 points (100%)
Helpful Hint: Please compose a response using word processing software, proofread a few times, and then copy and paste it into the text-entry box.