Choose a geographical area from one of the World Regions

Current Events Online Discussion and Comment Requirements:

Choose a geographical area from one of the World Regions in your text and write about a current problem or issue affecting that area within one of the World Regional Geography themes: environmental; medical; political; population and settlement; cultural; or economic and social development.

For example, you might focus on the degradation of our oceans by exploring the Great Pacific Garbage Patch; the impact of AIDS in South Africa; the political vacuum in Afghanistan and its potential effect on women's rights; or the growth of squatter settlements in middle-income nations as a result of rural-to-urban migrations. Choose a geographical area or issue that interests you! For ideas, browse through the World Events articles (in the course menu) and the Online Resources and Culture sections of the Learning Modules.

Your paper will be submitted through SafeAssign, located in the Course Menu.

-

Requirements

1.Length – each discussion (which is your paper) should be 8-10 paragraphs in length.

2.Content:

a.Paper: For the geographic region you choose to focus on, find a current issue or

event. Provide an overview description of the topic, discuss how it correlates with material covered in class, the text, or news, and give your opinion on the issue.

b. Bibliography: you will need to list your references. You must use 2 sources in addition to the textbook and Case Studies.

3.Research – read from various sources to familiarize yourself with the topic so that you are presenting an informed opinion.

4.Sources – include the textbook, newspaper articles, internet articles, magazines such as Discover, Scientific American, the journal Science, the library, or any others that you might have access to. The Online Resources and Culture sections of the Learning Modules, and the World Events page in the course menu also have web links to articles.You must use *at least 2* sources in addition to your textbook.

-

Checklist for Evaluation – postings will be graded on the following****Rubric****

1.Length – 8 to 10 paragraphs

2.Content – explain your topic and viewpoints as they relate to the information found in your sources

3.Timeliness – all submissions must be posted by the due date

4.Clarity – organize your thoughts so that your paper can be clearly understood. You may find it helpful to do an outline first.

5. Sources - you have used at least 2 sources in addition to your textbook.

As always, ask if you have any questions! You are welcome to send me your topic for approval, as well as a rough draft for comment before posting. Also, don't forget the FREE online writing tutoring available at CSM! See the Contacts page for information.

-

Current Event Paper Grading Rubric: Points Range
Choice of Topic: Does the topic reflect a current issue dealing with one of the major World Regional Geography themes? 0-10 points

Content: Is the issue current and relevant? Is the significance or importance of the event clearly stated, with brief but appropriately detailed background information? Does it discuss the current status of the issue and the outlook for the future, indicating what additional work or research needs to be done? Does it demonstrate critical thinking when evaluating ideas? 0-15

Conclusion: Are the main points summed up? Are the conclusions related to the importance of the current event? Are they explained and backed by reasons?0-10 points

Spelling and Grammar: Are there spelling errors and sloppy grammar in the text? Is it presented as a college level paper? 0-5 points

Sources: Are in-text citations appropriately identified and used to credit all material from other sources? Has the information been paraphrased in your own words? Are direct quotes clearly indicated by quotation marks? Are the sources appropriate as indicated in the paper instructions? 0-10 points