English 102 Section 25 Spring 2017

English 102.25 Assignment Instructions: Project 3 Research a Rhetorical Problem – Creating an Annotated Research Scrapbook

Finding a Rhetorical Problem due: Sunday W9 on bblearn. Half a page double spaced. Rough draft due: Sunday W11 on bblearn. Final project: Sunday W13 on bblearn. Length: Must include at least 15 sources, the majority of which should come from academic sources, with at least 150 words annotated for each source. Overview At the end of this project, you will have compiled an annotated research scrapbook to investigate a rhetorical problem – this is not necessarily a bad thing, instead it is “something (in the world) that invites a response” (Nicotra 61). These problems can be event-based or everyday, and we will spend much time in class helping you to decide on your topic and question. The actual scrapbook will preferably be electronic, using Evernote or Onenote, or physical if you have limited computer access. For each source, you will write a brief 150+ word comment on each. Some More Details Conducting research is important for all writers in all disciplines for many reasons, including finding definitions for concepts or gaining understanding of what has already been said on a topic. For this project, the purpose will be to create a scrapbook of your research as you conduct it, with a comment for each source you find on your research travels. Each source comment or annotation should include where you found it, a brief summary, some key ideas or thoughts about the meaning behind it, and an evaluation of its effectiveness regarding researching your rhetorical problem. This means you may have sources that are more useful than others, which is great! Realizing what information is useful to you and what is not is incredibly important in all research. I want to see your research journey as you delve deeper into your chosen problem. The preparatory work will involve the finding of a rhetorical problem. You can ‘read around the area’ looking online to gain more of an overview of your topic before developing this. We will discuss examples in class and talk about what makes a good research problem. You will need to have a strong idea of this before entering library week in W10. The objective of the project is not to solve the problem – we are focusing on stating it only and investigating it in depth. Main Points While you are compiling your scrapbook, remember the key aspects the project:

o You must have a compelling rhetorical problem to research – find something you are interested in!

o You must include academic sources but you are also encouraged to find audio and visual clippings related to your problem – that is the great thing about a scrapbook style project.

o Citing sources for this project may be tricky, but it can be done. We will talk about this in class.

o The work you do in this project will be used in your final project – again, find a topic you are engaged with!

Library Week During this research project, you will have the chance to spend a week of classes learning how to use the library. As a class, we will attend sessions lead by our English subject librarians who will demonstrate how to research effectively, both in the physical library and online. You will also have access to library resources through the bblearn site. Please use this opportunity to its fullest – it will be incredibly helpful not just for English 102, but for your entire college career.

English 102 Section 25 Spring 2017

Writing Center The Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers, at all stages of the writing process. From interpreting an assignment to revising a final draft, and everything in between, the tutors are trained peers that can guide you through any kind of writing. You don’t need to be a ‘bad’ writer to use the Writing Center, in fact your teacher has used the resource several times! It is located in the Idaho Common, Third Floor, Room 323. To schedule an appointment, drop by or call 885-6644.

English 102 Section 25 Spring 2017

Criteria – Basic Standards of Proficiency 1 2 3 4 Comments

1 = Beginner (D), 2 = Developing (C), 3 = Accomplished (B), 4 = Exemplary (A)