Senior Project Proposal - Due January 11, 2012

Assignment: Copy and paste this template to your blog. Answer each question in COMPLETE SENTENCES.

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

What do you already know about this subject?

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

                                                                                                                                                

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

Example:

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

 Are books such as Twilight damaging social relationships and expectations for life in teenagers?

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

 After reading all four of the Twilight books I found myself disgusted by the subject matter and the lack of consequences for the main character. I saw the national obsession with these books, and began to wonder if a book could have any real impact on society, such as changing the way women view men?

What do you already know about this subject?

 I have read all of the books and have my own solid opinions. I've also read a few news articles about Twilight, both positive and negative.

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

 I would like to learn if a book can truly affect society. Is there any research that has been done on Twilight? If so, is it a positive or negative effect?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

 I would like to see if there are any others out there who share in my opinion regarding the books. I know they are nationally loved, but I cannot be alone in my anger at them. 

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

 What if there is no research? How will I change my topic? Also, will I be able to find something viable to do for my community service/field work? Perhaps I can work at a library for a day.

Beginning the Process - What should I choose for my topic?

 

Sample Subjects for Senior Project

Environmental

• Earthquake preparedness/disasters
• Fire preparedness/disasters
• Pollution
• Population Pressures
• Industrial Impact
• Human Impact
• Urbanization and Housing
• Epidemics

Problems of Hierarchy

• Economic Inequality
• Sexism
• Racism
• Ageism
• Separation of Church and State

Problems of Violence

• War and Terrorism
• Effects on Those that Serve and/or Their Families
• Familial
• Non-Familial

Intolerance

• Civil Rights Issues
• Drug Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Prostitution
• HIV/AIDS
• Religious Issues
• Cancer

Cultural

• Music’s Effects on Society (Pick a Genre)
• Lack of Musical Programs in Schools
• Art’s Effect on Terminally Ill Patients

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After reading through the list of sample subjects for your senior project, do any of them stand out to you? Is there one that you can add to the list that appeals to you?

Assignment: In your blog, I would like you to write FIVE "I believe" statements that will help flush out an idea for you. Once you have finished writing the five statements, choose one that stands out most to you and write SEVEN sentences explaining why you believe this.

*Even if you feel you already know what you want to write about, go through this process as it is always nice to have backups.

Example:

1. I believe that all sexual orientations should have the same rights under our government.
2. I believe that technology is lessening student ability to think and remember on their own.
3. I believe that television shows like "Teen Mom" glamorize teen pregnancy, and need to show a more realistic (and less fame-making) view on the subject.
4. I believe that a study of literature from the past can enlighten our future.
5. I believe books such as Twilight send unhealthy messages to teens.


5. Literature can be an escape from the reality of the world. Fiction, by its name, is made-up, not real, not factual. It is a simple reflection of imagination that is meant to entertain and inspire thought. Despite this, literature can be damaging to a person's psyche if they allow it to take over their world. When a book becomes more than a piece of fiction, and tips over into the realm of obsession, it can set unrealistic expectations for relationships, for consequences, and for life. One such book is Twilight, in which the main character falls in love with a vampire (yes, one who has EATEN PEOPLE), and risks everything to be with him. During her journey, Bella goes through major depression, toys with another young man, willingly risks losing her family to be with a boy, gets married at the too-young age of 19, and ends up sparkling. Either young adults need to realize just what Fiction is, or they need to find a better source for their obsession (like Harry Potter).