Hearth Research Assignment

AP Human Geography Research Assignment

Students will complete a research paper between 1000-1,500 words with popular culture as the general theme.  Papers must be typed in accordance with MLA style with a minimum of five sources.  Below are some examples of research questions.  Students may formulate their own research questions, but they must be approved by Dr. Haley.  Assignment is due in three weeks.

General Research Question:

How has popular culture affected my cultural hearth?  (too broad)

What effect has rap music had on ____________  youth?

Examples of appropriate research questions:

Should countries block Western media outlets to prevent culture loss?

How has Western shopping values affected your cultural hearth?

How does consumer culture influence holiday rituals?

How has American consumption affected your cultural hearth?

How is Chinese pollution connected to American consumerism?

Should China or India be held to the same pollution regulations as the US?

How has an invention (television, cell phone, etc.) influenced your cultural hearth?

What values and ideology are expressed by __________ (identify TV program)? 

Methods

“Methods to collect information include, but are not limited to:  selection of sources (type and range); questionnaires; surveys; interviews; observation; experiments; measurement; use of statistics and databases; formulation of questions.”

“Methods to record information (electronic or paper), include but are not limited to:  note-taking and summarizing; production of tables, graphs, maps, checklists; production of MindMaps; indexing; creation of visuals such as timelines; production of databases.”

Source:  International Baccalaureate Humanities Guide, 2013.

Suggested vocabulary:

Popular culture; folk culture; traditional folk societies; mass media; consumerism; conspicuous consumption; non-material and material aspects; cultural imperialism; neo-colonialism; diffusion; globalization; modernity; cultural landscape; physical landscape; custom; artifact; syncretism; cultural change; technology; individualism; innovation; division of labor;  transculturation; core-periphery model; socialization

Note:  The above vocabulary is just a sampling.  Students do not have to use every word, but must address many of these concepts which are appropriate.

Rubric:  Each criterion is worth 10 points.  (Note that this provides opportunity for extra credit.)

_____ uses human geography terminology appropriately

_____demonstrates detailed content knowledge through description, explanations, and examples that make for a well-supported argument

_____formulates and addresses a clear and focused research question

_____formulates and follows a detailed action plan to investigate a research question

_____uses methods accurately to collect and record appropriate and varied information consistent with the research question (see Notes)

_____completes a detailed analysis of argument

_____effectively analyses, evaluates, and documents a range of sources in terms of origin and purpose, recognizing values and limitations (Remember, every source has a view point that could be biased.)

_____interprets different perspectives and their implications

 _____communicates and information and sources effectively by using MLA style

_____structures information and ideas in a well-organized format

_____writing conventions and formatting (double-spaced, page numbers, font, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proper indention, capitalization)