Is the election process fair to everyone? Is the current taxation system fair to everyone? Do cameras enforced by law invade privacy? Is handgun ownership a right? Is a two-child policy a good idea? Are we too dependent on technology? Are athletes paid more than needed? Is marketing to children morally wrong?

ROGERIAN PROJECT

The final project will be a multimedia presentation. Imagine that you’re giving this presentation to an audience as a way to reach a common ground and resolve a problem.

Although this is to be completed as a multimedia presentation, you will still need to show a strong use of the Rogerian structure (more below).

What Does Multimedia Mean?

Any of the following artifacts can be compiled as part of a multimodal project: advertisements, audio files, blogs, collages, comic books, video clips, interviews, phone conversations, lectures, field observations, photos, blogs, posters, presentations, charts, graphs, skits, films, videos, television shorts, websites, performances. You can convey information and images in any way you like to communicate your message.

A few apps you might consider using on their own or in combination:

Powtoon
Prezi
Animoto
Audio Voiceover
Instagram
Storbird
PowerPoint
Screencast (Jing)
Google Sites
Canva

*Instructor’s Note: PowerPoint and Prezi seem to be the best base resources to house the slides of your presentation.

Feeling stuck? Here’s some inspiration:

More app options: https://digitalwritingworkshop.wikispaces.com/websites_and_apps
20 Great Presentation Apps: https://zapier.com/blog/best-powerpoint-alternatives/
How to make a Multimodal Presentation: https://youtu.be/DEZa8Ml3mEg
How to create a Multimodal Composition: https://youtu.be/F1ghx1i3EVE

Choosing a Topic

Begin with ONE of the following research questions, determine your position (yes or no), then craft your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should present your position + the reasoning why.

Is the election process fair to everyone?
Is the current taxation system fair to everyone?
Do cameras enforced by law invade privacy?
Is handgun ownership a right?
Is a two-child policy a good idea?
Are we too dependent on technology?
Are athletes paid more than needed?
Is marketing to children morally wrong?
Is torture ever acceptable?
Does cheating aid learning?
Is testing a good way to judge a student’s skill or efficiency?
Are television shows and movies increasing or encouraging criminal minds?
Should beauty pageants be banned?
Is there any crime the death penalty should be made mandatory for?
Should energy drinks be made illegal?
Should college be free for everyone?
Should SAT or ACT scores be considered in college admissions?
Should all primary and secondary schools switch to a year-round schedule?
Should core standards exist in school?
Does the U.S. have a police brutality issue?
Should citizens who are medically classified as obese pay more for their insurance/healthcare?
Is hunting good for the environment?
Should supermarkets ban the use of plastic bags?
Does being a vegetarian/vegan help the environment?
Are landfills a good idea?
Are alternative energy sources effective?
Do “helicopter parents” harm their children?
Should the U.S. ban interracial adoptions?
Are older parents better parents?
Do cell phones bring families closer together?
Do the expectations set by romantic novels and movies damage real relationships?
Should parents read their teenager’s journals?
Should schools switch entirely to e-texts?
Should teachers be armed?
*Instructor’s Note: If you would like to attempt a topic not on this list, please reach out to me in advance via email for approval.

Your thesis begins with your response to one of these questions: yes or no.

For example:

Older parents are better parents due to . . . (reasoning).

Energy drinks should not be banned because . . . (reasoning).

Structure of Presentation

Make sure to include the following sections in your presentation:

an introduction and claim
background for your topic and the problem you’re addressing
body (following the Rogerian model) which includes a discussion of the various sides of the debate, including core values or warrants underlying their arguments
your universal common ground + solution

conclusion
A Rogerian argument will contain a claim + support, the opposing view, and a universal common ground.

A universal common ground is an aspect of the argument that both sides can agree on. For instance, you may argue that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children while the opposition claims they should not be allowed, but both sides can agree that children deserve a safe and happy home. That “safe and happy home” is the common ground between the two sides.

Your presentation may look something like this:

Title Slide (1 slide)
Introduction/Background (1 slide)
Thesis and Support (1-2 Slides)
Opposing Views (1-2 slides)
Universal Common Ground (1 slide)
Compromise/Solution (1 slide)
Conclusion/Final Thoughts (1 slide)
References (1-2 slides)

Expectations

The project’s text should contain 500-1000 words, but do not let these dominate your slides. Slides hit the highlights only. Your main text should be incorporated as a speech/presentation notes or voice recorded (please upload your scripts along with your slides to ensure the word requirement has been met).

Four sources should be referenced within the presentation: two scholarly, peer-reviewed sources from the APUS library + two credible sources of your choosing.
In-text/source citations should be formatted in MLA, APA, or Chicago style.
Note that all writing in the project should be original; the projects will be run through Turnitin upon submission, and all distinctive matching information caught by Turnitin must be formatted as a quotation. DO NOT copy-paste material without immediately marking it as a quotation and citing it. Any multimedia (art, music) inserted or linked in the presentation should also include full bibliographic information.

Cover Sheet

Before submitting your project, please also respond to and submit the following cover sheet. You may either include it at the beginning of your speech/notes file or copy and paste your responses into the dialogue/comments box before uploading.

1. How many words does your presentation contain?

2. In one sentence each:

What is your claim (i.e. thesis statement/argument)?

What opposing view for this claim is presented?

What is your universal common ground?

3. What formatting style did you use (APA, MLA, or Chicago)?

4. Is this style used consistently across all slides, including the references page?

5. Was this project edited/proofread carefully?