Joining a Community

For the final project, you will be using the library and Internet to look for sources that deal with a local community to which you would like to belong. This might be an academic community (like a student advisory council), a social organization (like a fraternity or sorority), or even an online community (like a Purdue-based newsgroup or blog). You will need to read these texts carefully and critically. Try to understand them the best you can. Some of the language may be unfamiliar, but that’s ok. This is part of how you come to understand a new community.

Your job is to investigate the community of your choice and to explain to an audience of your classmates (who may or may not be members of that community) what you have discovered.In your planning, you need to answer the following questions:
• What is the purpose of this community?
• Why is it interesting or attractive to you?
• Who are its members? How does one join? When and where does it meet?
• What problems, questions or issues does this community address?

Research
You should look for sources that are not merely informative, but which also allow you to express opinions on the topic. I expect you to be able to weave more than one voice (other than your own) into your argument. Therefore, make sure you select sources wisely. It might be best to focus your research specifically on one aspect of your overall topic. The research you do for this assignment may come from websites, newspaper articles, books, or academic journals

In-class Presentation
You will give a 6-minute presentation (4-5 minutes of speaking plus 1 minute for Q&A) on the topic that you researched for this project, focusing on the main findings and details that you think would interest your audience.

Final Paper: Length and Format
Your final paper should be at least 5 pages (approximately 1250 words), not including any references. You are required to cite your sources. Not citing your sources (whether word-for-word, paraphrased, or summarized text) will be considered plagiarism.

Additional Documentation
You are required to hand in your outline, first draft, and peer review sheet along with the final draft of the paper. Put all of these materials together in your folder or binder.

Grading and Due Dates
This entire assignment is worth 130 points. The individual parts are worth the following:
Outline: 5 points, due Wednesday, Nov. 13
First Draft: 15 points, due Monday, Nov. 18 (in class)
Peer Review: 10 points, in class Monday, Nov. 18
Presentation: 40 points, in class Monday, Dec 2 – Friday, Dec. 6
Final Paper: 60 points, due Friday, Dec. 6

If you have any questions or concerns about this assignment, please contact me.

Goals for this Assignment
• To gain experience conducting online and library research
• To learn more about a local community
• To write and speak for a specific audience and for a specific purpose
• To practice documenting and citing sources
• To construct a valid argument and support it with details