DEMOCRACY: Governmentof the people, by the people, for the people?

T.Francis

PS/MS 46

 

Introduction

 

Poet Laureate Audre Lorde once wrote, “Your silence will not protect you.” Lorde, who was specifically speaking to women, wanted women to understand that being silent on issues of sexism, rape and other acts of violence will not prevent it from happening. Matter of fact, Lorde would argue that silence worsens the issue.

As American citizens, we have the right to use our voices to speak out against all forms of injustice. Like Dr. King, there are movements happening everyday where citizens are speaking out against racism, Islamaphobia, unfair immigration policies, sexism, body-shaming, homophobia and a slew of other unjust act that poison our society.

 

 

Task

YOU get to take a creative stance against an issue that affects you and/or your community through either poetry, music, art (poster) or narrative writing. Your mission is to choose a social problem and research the causes and effects of it and propose a political or ethical solution to this problem.

 

Specifically, you will work in groups to create a multimedia presentation on this issue that incorporates images, music, media, art and some narration that teaches others and aims to address it creatively and powerfully.

 

 

Process/Resources

 

You will work in groups of four on the problem of your choice. Each member of your group will have a specific role:

1.       Social Issue description, (Step 1 of the PPA)

Your role is to introduce the social problem that is affecting members of our society.

Here are some questions you will have to address in your presentation:

·        Why did you choose this issue to address?

·        Who are the people affected?

·        How are they affected?

·        Why are these citizens important?

·        How can this social issue worsen the quality of life for the next generation?

 

2.       Cause of this social problem, (Step 2 of the PPA)

Your role is to explain how governmental policies has either caused or contributed to the problem.

Here are some questions you will have to address in your presentation:

·        What are the historical roots of this problem?

·        What has happened politically or socially that has contributed to this    problem?

·        What are some cultural, racial or social beliefs that has led to this issue?

·        Who are the people who perpetuate the problem?

·        How does this problem cause others to behave?

 

3.       Proposed Solutions (Step 5 of the PPA)

Your role is to propose three or more solutions to end or decrease this issue.

Here are some questions you will have to address in your presentation:

·        Is this problem one that can be solved by the government alone?

·        What role or responsibility does the government have to address this issue?

·        What can the average citizen do to help alleviate this problem?

 

4.       Feasibility Study, (Step6 of the PPA)

Your role is to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed solution(s).

Here are some questions you will have to address in your presentation:

·Is this proposed solution realistic?

· What are some obstacles/challenges in implementing the solution?

· What can the average citizen do to get involved?

 

 

List of Social Issues You May Choose From

(You may come up with your own topic)

•Ageism in the Workplace: prejudice or discrimination on the basis

of a person’s age

 

•Domestic Violence: violent or aggressive behavior within the home,

typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner

 

•Gang Violence in Urban Communities: illegal acts of violence carried out by gangs against  other civilians

• 

•Gender Injustice in the World: The unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals wholly or partly due to their gender.

• 

•Poor Infrastructure in NYC Public Housing:

 

•Islamaphobia in America: Discrimination against Muslims based on

 

•Police Brutality against African-American Males

 

•Sexual Harassment in Schools and in the Workplace

 

•Unhealthy Foods in Urban Communities

 

•Homelessness

 

Presentation

·                     Option 1

Each member of the group is responsible for contributing ONE-to-TWO SLIDES to the Powerpoint presentation. The ENTIRE PRESENTATION SHOULD BE EIGHT-TO-TWELVE SLIDES LONG.

Each member of the group will also be responsible for verbally presenting their slides

 

·                     Option 2

Each member will present different facets of their research into a PSA.

 

·                     Option 3

Students will use their knowledge and skills learned in technology to create a commercial that brings awareness and solutions to their social justice issue.

 

·                     Option 4

Group Spoken Word Video

 

·                     Option 5

Digital Poem

 

 

Evaluation

1. Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.txla.org/sites/tla/files/groups/YART/docs/2015SPOTHigh-Fehlbaum_AcademicProgram_PowerPointRubric.pdf

 

2. PSA (Public Service Announcement) Rubric

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-Q9acT8Zj5PF00hR9OKIFPYQcQv-uw_fnnpZB95bkBU/edit

3. Student Commercial Project Rubric

Student Names:__________________________________________________________

Product Name: ________________________________________________________

Persuasive Technique(s) Used: _____________________________

Figurative Language Used: ____________________________________

Target Audience:                 ___________________________________________________

 

TOTAL POINTS EARNED_______________

 

4. Spoken Word Rubric Video

 

Total Score: __________                                               

Judges Comments: _______________________________________________

 

5. Digital Poem Rubric

file:///C:/Users/Student/Downloads/iMovie_Rubric.pdf

 

 

Conclusion

The problem you have been working on this WebQuest has required you to spread awareness of a social justice issue that affects specific members of society and its overall impact on society as a whole. By helping to spread awareness, you also are thinking of ways to become a part of the solution to these issues. You have had the opportunity to think critically, conduct research, communicate clearly, responsibly and express yourself creatively using modern multimedia presentations and working as part of a team.

 

 

Standards

 

English Language Arts Standards

CCLS W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

CCLS W.7.4:  Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCLS W.7.5:  With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

CCLS W.7.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.

CCLS W.7.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

CCLS L.7.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCLS L.7.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

CCLS L.7.7: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

CCLS CCR.7: Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.