Current Affairs Assignment

Current Affairs SummativeDUE: July 12th, 2013

Civics CHV2O

Reason:

One of the main goals of the Civics course is to encourage students to become increasingly aware of the events and issues taking place around them. Becoming an informed citizen is the first step towards acquiring a sense of purpose and a plan of action needed to effect positive change in the world in which we live.

Towards this end each student will be encouraged to increase their level of informed understanding of current events and to share their new perspectives with their peers.

Task:

Students will select an issue of civic concern as it develops across a period of time. (Not older than a year)Attention will be given to the sources of information behind the news story, the reasons why citizens should be informed and connections to the broader discussion of citizenship held throughout the Civics course.

Collect your sources, keep a record of the information which document your issue. When the possibility exists, multiple sources of information and/or perspectives should be consulted and documented.

You will present your current affair to your peers in the Civics program in the class time provided. Presentations will include:

a)a visual component (including but not limited to a very brief video clip, still photo, map)

b)a succinct answer to each question below

c)an opinion based question to ask the class upon conclusion of the presentation

Category A—Answer all questions in your presentation.

1. What is the issue at the center of the article?
2. Who are the people involved in the news story?
3. Where is this event taking place?
4. When does this event take place?

Category B—Answer at least 3 of the following questions in your presentation

1. Why is this event/issue taking place
2. Is this a “cause and effect” story? (Not all articles will discuss a cause and effect relationship)
3. What is the cause and effect behind this story?
4. Does the article make the reader “care” about the issue? How? Why?
5. Is a future course of action clear? Implied? Taken by whom?
6. What methods are used to make this article connect with its audience?
7. Is there both a written and visual account?
8. Is the method/effect consistent across print and visual media?
9. Which medium presents a stronger message to the audience?
10. Is coverage of this news item found in other sources of information?
11. How do the different sources treat the issue?
12. Is there a common source behind the varying accounts?
13. If someone wanted to follow up on this story and pursue it in greater detail, and from varying perspectives, how would you direct them?