Introduction
The independent Study portion of GWIOA is designed to have students become exceptionally familiar with any aspect of World Issues that is of interest. The format of the I.S. is limited only by your imagination - the only "rule" is that there be process and product, i.e. research and presentation. Any project idea is potentially workable so long as you can convince me that you are earning your marks.
There is an opportunity to go beyond the framework of a "normal" I.S., possibly within a group, and create a project which highlights any range of expertise. Students choosing to create their own I.S. must meet with me to agree on details, including a marking scheme, timetables and so on. Students creating their own I.S. must indicate their intention when Topic Selections are due. All students, regardless of their I.S. format, must participate in the seminar.
That said, it is likely that most will choose a standard I.S. format, which will see each student working alone on a specific topic related to World Issues. You might select a general issuesuch as Nuclear Energy, Resource Pollution or Agriculture, or a particular case study, such as Ontario Hydro, Child Labour or Landmines. The guidelines below regarding Process and Report are for a standard I.S.
Process - 50 marks, 7.5% of final mark.
The process mark involves the topic selection, research and organization of you Independent Study. This is a critical skill required for success in university, and will be closely monitored.
There are several deadlines to meet in this process. Marks will be deducted for lateness, and all steps must be completed in their proper order. Full instructions for the completion of each step will be provided in class beforehand.
1. Topic Selection - 5 marks
2. Thesis and Focus - 15 marks
3. Annotated Bibliography - 30 marks
Report - 50 marks, 7.5% of final mark
General instructions regarding format, style, organization and so on will be covered in class, while specific concerns may be dealt with in an optional conference. The report should be long enough to adequately cover the issues relating to the topic you have chosen.
The report should examine an issue or case study along an issues-based structure. You may choose any topic, but be practical - try to choose a topic which is current and important enough to be researchable. Remember that the debates and arguments are found in teh solutions to the issue, not just identifying a problem.
You must include plenty of visuals informationm whcih can be placed in the body of the report or in appendices, depending on appropriateness. This includes, but is not limited to, maps, charts, graphs and diagrams. These must be sourced, and should not be photocopies. There must be a table of contents, introduction, issue analysis, and a thoughtful conclusion which includes a projection about what the future might hold in relation to your issue.
The report must be based on at least 5 sources, excluding the text, encyclopedias, CD-ROMs and most internet sites.
Essay Evaluation Form
Area of Evaluation |
Criteria |
Comments |
Mark |
Table of contents |
Complete and clear in thesis and plan of attack |
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Content |
Complete coverage of issue; |
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Visuals |
Maps, charts, graphs etc. meaningful, original and well used |
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Summary |
Thoughtful, fair projection of future of issue |
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Overall Organization |
Logical & unified |
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Sentences, Paragraphs and Grammar |
Proper sentence and paragraph usage, correct grammar, clarity |
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Citations and Bibliography |
Required number of sources, proper citations, balanced use of sources |
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