Term Paper
Introduction
The term paper is one of the most important assignments you will complete during this course.  The term paper is an opportunity for you to research a topic relating to our course that you have found interesting and desire to learn more about by conducting your own research.  The term paper can be on a topic of your choice, but does require instructor approval, which you will have received during week 11 when you submitted your term paper topic proposal. In your term paper, you should demonstrate your knowledge by successfully synthesizing and incorporating at least three or more key course concepts into your paper, demonstrating how they relate to your chosen topic.

TOPIC OF MY CHOICE: VIDEO GAME ADDICTION

The Assignment
Note: the term paper must be turned in by the end of week 14.
Each student will be required to submit a term paper as part of this course. The term paper must be on a topic approved by the instructor, but generally any topic that addresses the impact of technology on society, whether past, present or future, would be acceptable. Term paper should successfully incorporate and synthesize at least three or more key concepts from the course. Term papers should be no less than five full pages of text and should not exceed ten pages, although longer papers will be accepted. The term paper must be done in MLA format, using 12 Times New Roman font, and double-spaced. All term papers will use a minimum of two printed sources (books, magazines, professional journals, etc) and two electronic sources (legitimate websites, NC Live, etc). Students are encouraged to use more and varies sources such as interviews, site visits, etc. Note: for more information on legitimate websites and how to recognize them, visit the FTCC Librarys informative website and read their guidance. If still in doubt about the validity of a potential online source, feel free to discuss such potential websites with the instructor before using them.
Course concepts you might incorporate include but are not limited to:
Law of the Hammer
Law of the Possible
Technology as a System
Technology as a Subversive Force
The Technological Fix
Technocracy
Scientific Management
The Unintended Consequences of Technology
Social Constructivism
Technological Determinism
Technological Closure
The Social Processes Model of Technological Advance
The Great Men and Women View of Technological Advance
Pollution
Depletion
Global Warming/Climate Change
Alternative Energy
Cultural Lag Theory
Convergence Theory
Action and Reaction
Arms Control
Mutually Assured Destruction
The Digital Divide
TV/Video Violence
The Network Effect
Social Networking
Video Game Addiction
Privacy in the Digital Age
Telework/Telecommuting
Technologys Effects on the Workplace
Outsourcing, Offshoring, and Economic Globalization
etc.
If you have a question about a concept not on this list, feel free to ask!

Acceptable Length
5 or more full pages of text.  There is no penalty for exceeding five pages.

Formatting Requirements

Paper will be in MLA format.
Use one-inch margins.
Use a 12-point Times New Roman or Ariel font.
Use double line spacing in the document.
Grading Criteria

Content:  Student turns in a paper of five or more pages that reflects the topic agreed upon during the term paper
proposal assignment. Content is accurate and supported. Extensive use is made of course concepts (at least 3 or more). Up to 70% of term paper grade.
Grammar: Paper is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, capitalization, word usage, etc. Up to 10% of term paper grade, but instructor reserves the right to deduct additional points for papers that contain excessive errors.
Research Sources: Student has at least four legitimate (scholarly) sources in addition to the textbook, of which at least two are valid print sources and at least two are valid electronic sources (retrieved from school database or valid scholarly websites). Up to 10% of term paper grade.
Format: Student makes good use of MLA format to include a proper header on page one with all required information in the correct order, MLA style page numbering with student’s last name and page number on each page in the upper right corner, correct parenthetical citation in text to show sources of quotes and information, and a works cited page listing all sources Up to 10% of term paper grade.

Discussion 8

The Discussion Assignment
After completing this weeks reading assignment, answer two of the following questions (one from each module), and then read and comment on at least four of your fellow students postings. Note that two of these questions come from last weeks reading and two from this weeks reading. You may answer a third questions for up to 30 points extra credit!  In addition to your textbook, you are encouraged to use the FTCC Library database resources (NC Live, Issues and Controversies, Opposing Viewpoints, etc) as a source of supporting information for your posts. If you use an outside source, be sure to mention what it was and where you found it.  For information on accessing the FTCC Library databases, see the Resources in the weekly assignments folders.

1. (From Module 15) Many key industries are dominated by a handful of large firms. This tendency has been increasingly evident in recent years, as many separate firms have merged into larger ones. How might this trend affect technological innovation? Could it pose a threat to the overall development of the economy? Explain your views. (
2. (From Module 15) Who comes to mind when you think of present-day entrepreneurs? To what extent are they similar to the classic entrepreneurs of the past who propelled industrial innovations?  Does today’s organizational environment promote or retard entrepreneurial efforts?
3. (From Module 16) What is meant by a focusing event with regards to the support of new technologies? What are some examples?  What are some social movements that have created a sense of urgency or crisis when opposing new technologies? When are large scale protests against a technology most likely?  When are they less likely?
4. (From Module 16) In what ways has technological advance increased the opportunity for democratic participation of the individual?  In what ways have advanced technologies possibly harmed the democratic process?  How do our own personal lives and challenges possibly prevent us from being more engaged with larger issues like climate change or fuel depletion?

Grading Criteria
NOTE:  Your answers to 2 of these topics/questions are 60% of the grade for this discussion board and your responses to at least four other students and days of participation make up the remaining 40%! Answers to topic questions must be at least 100 words in length and at least four responses to classmates must be at least 40 words in length.  You must post to this DB on at least 3 separate days to get full credit. If both questions answered are from the same module you will lose five points.
Late posts answering two of the topic questions will be eligible for no more than 60% if made within one week of the discussions closure. After one week this cannot be made up.
Resources
Course Textbook: Society and Technological Change (8th edition) by Rudi Volti  ISBN: 978-1-319-05825-8
FTCC Library Databases (scroll down on library web page for complete list) https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/library/ (Link opens in new window)