Thus far this semester we have surveyed the work of published authors and filmmakers who have examined workplace and labor-related issues. For our final project, you will be developing an independent research project that takes up a current labor-related issue on a national or local scale. The purpose of your argument (e.g. to assert, to prevail, to inquire, or to negotiate differences) is entirely up to you, as is your audience and form.
Your project will be made up of four components: an annotated bibliography, a prospectus, a multi-modal presentation, and an argumentative research essay of 2,500-3750 words.
Grade Distribution:
Annotated Bibliography: 15%
Prospectus: 10%
PechaKucha Presentation: 5%
Entering Pubic Debate Paper: 25%
Annotated Bibliography: An annotated bibliography is a works cited page with a brief summary and analysis of each work. As an early step in the research process, it provides the author with an inventory of information that can be referred to quickly while drafting. For this paper, you will be providing bibliographic citations and short (200-word minimum) analytical summaries of at least ten sources, including no fewer than three peer-reviewed academic sources. Your analytical summaries should incorporate concrete detail and quotation. Consider using the writing strategies we discussed in class: the believing game, rhetorical precis, etc.
Prospectus: A prospectus is a short proposal for your research. It includes a provisional thesis, a description of background or context explaining the timeliness of your research, and a plan for how you will develop your writing in terms of intended genre and audience. Approximately 500-600 words.
Argumentative Research Essay: Examining a “problem of consequence” connected to labor on a national or local scale. 2500-3750 words (8-12 pages) with bibliography in MLA format containing at least 5 citations.
PechaKucha Presentation: Your final presentation will recast the argument of your research project as a PechaKucha slideshow, using 20 slides for 20 seconds each (6:40 total). 80% of your presentation grade will be based on your own presentation. The remaining 20% will be based on your attendance and participation for your classmates’ presentations.
“Umbrella Topics”: An umbrella topic is a “big idea” that contains within it many subtopics. For this assignment, you will want to narrow your focus as much as possible, looking for a “problem of consequence” that 1) affects a large number of people; 2) requires a complex solution; and 3) is a site of ongoing disagreement between stakeholders. Potential umbrella topics for this paper include subjects such as:
· Income Inequality (Minimum Wage, Living Wage, Universal Basic Income, etc.)
· The Gig Economy
· Wage Theft
· Child Labor Laws (Undocumented workers in meatpacking, roofing, etc.)
· Work from Home
· Non-Compete Clauses, Non-Disclosure Agreements
· Salary and Treatment of Campus Staff
· Higher Education (Return on Investment)
· On-site Childcare, Support for Breastfeeding Mothers
· Individual and Collective Bargaining (“Right to Work” legislation, labor unions, etc.)
· Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Generational Differences in the Workplace
· Career-Related Issues Connected to Your Major (Future Prospects, Educational Challenges, etc.)
· Automation, Artificial Intelligence
· Sex Work
· The Effect of Work on Academic Performance
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