Writing Assignments | |
First Paper: | Select any conspiracy theory with which
you are familiar and write about it based on your own
knowledge. Include a the basic outline of the theory as
you understand it. The heart of your paper should be your
own speculation about why this theory was (or is)
popular, who its adherents were, the conditions in
society which gave rise to it, and how one might decide
whether to believe it or not Be sure to proofread your paper and use your computer's spelling and grammar check. Initial Draft Due: September 11. Bring two copies to class. Final Draft Due: September 24 Format: First draft, three pages. Final draft, five pages. |
Second Paper: | Evaluate any conspiracy theory/theories
we have studied so far for its use of evidence. Due: October 22 Format: Seven pages. |
Third Paper: | Compare and contrast evidence on
President Kennedy's assassination presented in Oliver
Stone's movie, JFK, and Gerald Posner's Case
Closed. Decide whether you agree with Stone that a
conspiracy was involved in Kennedy's death or with Posner
that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin and that
Oswald and Ruby were unconnected. Address the portion of
the controversy assigned to your team. Due: November 23, Noon Format: Seven pages, plus a team presentation. An individual's grade will be based on both his or her own paper and the group presentation. The group presentation will account for 20 percent of an individual's grade for this assignment. Team presentations will begin Monday, November 15, with Teams 1 and 2. Teams 3 and 4 will present on Wednesday, November 17. Teams 5 and 6 will present on Friday, November 19. Plan on 15 to 20 minutes for your presentation, plus time for questions. |
Fourth Paper: | Design your own conspiracy theory, based
on the concepts developed in this course as
characteristic of conspiracy theories. Or: Write a review of Gerald Posner's Case Closed. Due: December 9 Format: Seven pages. |
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