AP Literature and Composition- 1984 Research Paper

Works of literary merit evaluate and challenge the world around us. Writers, like George Orwell, are significantly impacted by the ethical changes happening in their world. Orwell was specifically concerned with the development of science and technology post WWII. With this in mind, you will analyze a scientific dilemma presented in your modern world, determine your position about that subject, and create a product based on your position. Here is what you are to do:

1. Begin by thinking about some of the scientific challenges facing our modern world. Each topic is slightly controversial and has an ethical component that affects our modern world. I have listed a few topics below, but if you have one that is of particular interest to you, you may choose that.

2. Research the issue that you have chosen. You will need to research both sides of the argument to determine the ethical dilemma and your position on the issue. You are required to find five research articles on your subject. You will submit a notes page and an MLA citation page for your research. Attach both the notes page and the MLA citation page when you submit you PSA.

3. Using Animoto, Microsoft Movie Maker, YouTube or another online movie program, you will create a Public Service Announcement about your subject matter. This will be a (minimum of a thirty second to a maximum of three minute) commercial that persuades the viewer to agree with your position. You must create your commercial. If a PSA currently exists on your topic, you cannot use it. You may use online images, quotes, facts and statistics in your PSA that will persuade the reader to your position. Then, post your PSA on your Weebly site. *Be sure that your PSA persuades to your position. Length may vary, but be wary of cutting a PSA too short and not getting your point across. Manipulate words and images, music and voice-overs to support your position.

4. All PSA’s, notes, and citation pages must be submitted on or before Feb. 6 th 5. Based on your research, write a two page news article on your researched topic. The two page article

needs to be presented in a biased manner, using words, manipulating facts and incorporating rhetorical devices to convince your reader to your perspective. Your article should contain a Title (biased) and bi-line and photos/charts as needed. MLA format required (in text citations). Due No Later Than Feb. 9 th .

A Short List of Ethical Issues in Science and TechnologyNuclear Energy: Should we pursue new nuclear technologies and building second generation nuclear power plants?

Human Cloning and Therapeutic Cloning

Animal Cloning

Food Irradiation

Stem Cell Research

Nanotechnology

Evolution

Cyborg Research

Global Climate ChangeGenetically Modified Crops (GMCs)

Medical Research Using Live Animals

Research into Extending the Human Lifespan

Genetic Engineering

Eugenics (designer babies, who should have children, etc.)

Artificial Human Organs and Selling of Human OrgansGene Therapy

Medical Research Using Fetal Tissue

Chemical and Biological Weapons Research

Which is the best energy-producing strategy to pursue?

Research into bigger and better bombs (neutron bomb, particle beams, sound beams, etc

Vaccine Ethics

Fracking

Human Enhancements

Driverless Zip Cars

Government Surveillance

Data Collection and Storage

Chimeras

Drone Technology/Privacy

Ethics in Hacking

Video Gaming Ethics

AP Literature and Composition- 1984 Research Paper

Objective: Points:The student was able to create a PSA persuading to a particular point of view. The PSA was focused on one topic involving a current scientific/technological controversy. The PSA was clearly biased toward the student’s perspective. This bias was achieved through manipulation of words, sounds and images to achieve the desired effect.

/ 50 points

The student submitted notes that reflected an analysis of their subject matter. The notes were thorough and demonstrated an understanding of the student’s chosen subject and position. The student’s research (as reflected in the notes pages) analyzed all perspectives on the subject, and showed both positive and negative aspects of the subject matter.

/ 30 points

The student submitted an MLA citation page that accurately cited the material used for their PSA. The citation page includes both images used and research articles. The citation page is in correct format and contains all important information for each citation.

/20 points

Commercial Rubric:

Research Article Rubric:

Writing Trait Objective Points

Ideas and Development

The student was able to submit an article that presents their research in an analytical, but biased way. The student’s personal bias on their subject matter is clearly demonstrated through word choice and manipulation of facts. The student has several sources of evidence to support their position. The article includes several persuasive devices, pictures, charts, and/or graphs to emphasize point of view.

/50 points

Word Choice The student specifically chose words to persuade the reader to their point of view. The word choice is purposeful and specific. The student has eliminated “flowery” language (like metaphors) when unnecessary. The vocabulary chosen is at a higher level and might incorporate appropriate technological language.

/15 points

Sentence Fluency The student uses sentence structure to their advantage. The writing is a mixture of simple, compound and complex sentences. Paragraph lengths are not formulaic. Sentences are used to help persuade.

/20 points

Organization The student has organized the article in a readable and relatable manner. The argument flows logically from one point to another. The argument is clear and developed. The student has exposed the reader to several relevant facts/arguments to their position.

/ 15 points

Total Points /100 points