Objective:  You will research, analyze and attempt to resolve a current world problem in a particular region or nation and create a PowerPoint presentation, magazine, or website using Microsoft: PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or other PC compatible program. The focus of your study will be to look at a specific problem facing our world today, the reasons why it exists, and to search for potential solutions that may alleviate or eradicate the problem.

Your project must include the following:

• The Problem
  • It needs to be thoroughly defined. 
  • Why is it a problem?

• Historical Background
• Where did the problem begin?
• When did the problem begin?
• • How and why did the problem receive widespread attention?

• Analysis
• What is (are) the cause(s) of the problem?
• Who or what is responsible for the problem?
• How do you know? What evidence do you have?
• • What are the political, cultural, religious, or economic aspects to the problem?

• Solutions
• What are some possible solutions to the problem?
• What obstacles stand in the way of any solutions — domestic & foreign?
• • Propose some viable remedies for the problem.

California State Standards

The following standards are addressed in this project:

10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post-World World War II world.

• 10.9.8 Discuss the establishment and work of the United Nations and the purposes and functions of the Warsaw Pact, SEATO, NATO, and the Organization of American States.

10.10 Students analyze instances of nation-building in the contemporary world in at least two of the following regions or countries: the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and other parts of Latin America, and China.

• 10.10.1 Understand the challenges in the regions, including their geopolitical, cultural, military, and economic significance and the international relationships in which they are involved.
• 10.10.2 Describe the recent history of the regions, including political divisions and systems, key leaders, religious issues, natural features, resources, and population patterns.
• 10.10.3 Discuss the important trends in the regions today and whether they appear to serve the cause of individual freedom and democracy.

Possible Areas of Study:

If you wish to select a topic other than one of those listed above, please email your instructor for permission.

Step I – Internet Search

Your research will begin with an Internet search, citing at least eight (8) sites dedicated to your topic. Look for sites of world organizations, interest groups, government agencies, etc. to get information on your topic. You must write a brief (half to a full page, typed-double-spaced) synopsis of the material found within each site. Each synopsis must include the full citation of the website using MLA standards for bibliographies.

Some suggested sites:

• United Nations

• CIA World Fact Book
• Organization of American States

• International Institute of Social History

• Encyclopedia Britannica Online

Synopsis Format – The format for each synopsis will include:

• The citation of the website, in MLA format.

• An annotation – a brief description and evaluative passage of the source that provides a critical summary of the content, scope, and context of the resource. This MUST include:

• A brief description of the website and the information found
• An evaluation on the validity of the source (credibility, bias, etc).
• An indication of how this source contributes to information relevant to your topic.
• Any relevant comparisons or contrasts to other sites you have cited.

Step II – Literature Search

The next step is to do a literature search of at least eight (8) different periodicals or books relevant to the study of your issue. While you may use the Internet to do your search, the material you find must be from either magazines, journals, newspapers, or books and may not include any material found to meet the requirements of Step I.

For each article you will write a (half to a full page, typed-double-spaced) synopsis of the information contained in the article/book as it relates to your topic. You may only use a unique periodical once. Once again, you will be expected to cite the source for each synopsis using MLA standards for bibliographies.

Synopsis Format â€“ The format for each synopsis will include:

• The citation of the article, in MLA format

• An annotation – a brief description and evaluative passage of the source that provides a critical summary of the content, scope, and context of the resource. This MUST include:

• A brief summary of the article/book
• An evaluation on the validity of the source (credibility, bias, etc).
• An indication of how this source contributes to information relevant to your topic.
• Any relevant comparisons or contrasts to other articles you have cited.

Step III. Annotated Outline

You must submit a typed annotated outline detailing the organization of your project. You must indicate on the outline which sources you are using for the various parts of the assignment.

Step IV. Compile Final Product

You may present your final project in either a PowerPoint presentation, Magazine, or Web site.  Your choice of medium should encompass the following criteria:

PowerPoint Requirements:

Will contain around 20 slides, including:

• Title slide with graphic
• Contents slide, outlining presentation
• Minimum of 15 slides covering your topic
• Minimum of eight (8) graphics included on your slides (e.g., pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
• Two editorial cartoons from two different perspectives related to your topic
• Slide with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
• In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes

Magazine Requirements:

Will contain:

• Cover page with title, logo, and graphic
• Contents page, outlining featured stories, etc.
• Minimum of eight (8) articles covering your topic
• Minimum of eight (8) graphics included within your magazine (e.g., pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
• Two editorial cartoons or editorials from two different perspectives related to your topic
• Page with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
• In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes

Website Requirements:

Will contain:

• Home page with title, graphic, and links to information within your site
• Contents slide, outlining presentation
• Minimum of ten (10) web-pages covering your topic
• Minimum of eight (8) graphics included on your slides (e.g., pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
• Two editorial cartoons from two different perspectives related to your topic
• Page with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
• In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes