Course Project
Description The course project for this class will be divided into three parts. The first two parts will consist of a 2,500 word paper, and the third part will be a 12 minute video presentation. This will be a group project with each group consisting of roughly six students divided into three pairs. Each group will select or be assigned a topic, pending instructor approval, and for the first paper each pair will choose a stance on that topic, either for or against. For the second paper, each pair will have to take the opposite stance on the same topic, while still presenting the most persuasive arguments for that stance. Each pair is expected to turn in an original work for their side of the argument for both papers. Thus, by the end of the course, each group should produce a total of six, original papers. Each paper will be evaluated on a per pair basis.
For the video presentation, each group will need to, as evenly as possible, divide itself into a for and against side. The video will need to be roughly 12 minute in length with each side having 6 minutes to briefly introduce the topic and then provide their strongest arguments for why their side is the best. Students can use music, footage, images, interviews (provided the source has some direct connection to the event or is an expert in that field), or rhetorical methods to convince the viewers during their 6 minutes. While a touch of humor can keep your audience interested, the main point of this video is to inform and persuade. Please keep your videos professional and check your audio levels before you submit. Additionally, each group member must be in the video for at least one minute (in some way) and must have a speaking roll. Further, this video should NOT resemble a PowerPoint presentation in any way, shape, or form. There will be a significant point deduction for the entire group for any group who submits a video having either used PowerPoint or generated a video in that style.
Paper Requirements ? Format: The ACM SIG Proceedings Template. References, the title, and section headers do not count towards word count. ? Introduction o Introduce the event/issue o Point out whether you are for or against it o Introduce which ethical frameworks you will be using o Provide your hook ? Background o Discuss the history of and events leading up to the event ? Ethical Framework o Information about the framework o Why is this appropriate for this situation o How is this situation viewed through the framework ? Your position o Where do you stand on the issue o Evidence to back up your stance o A persuasive argument for why others should agree with you ? Conclusion o Summary of your arguments, evidence, and position o Closing remark (use this to really sell your side of the argument) ? References o Should be in the ACM Reference Style for a Conference Proceeding
Video Requirements
? Format: One, 12 minute long movie that has been uploaded to YouTube. ? Each side of the issue, pro and con, must have 6 of those 12 minutes to present ? Introduction o Introduce the event/issue o Point out whether you are for or against it o (Each side will need to do this) ? Your Time to Shine o Use whatever means appropriate to sell your side of the argument o You can use, but are not limited to: ? Music videos ? Interviews (the subject of the interview must have some direct connection to the issue) ? Footage from other videos ? Images ? Action scenes ? Voice overs ? Animations ? Rhetorical skills o Please keep it professional: No nudity and keep the graphic violence to a minimum o Absolutely no PowerPoints in any way, shape, or form o While it can be entertaining, the purpose of the video is to persuade so keep that in mind ? Please check your sound levels before you upload your videos
Good luck to you all and I look forward to seeing what you come up with for both your papers and your videos. Let me know if you have any further questions.
