SOCIOLOGY 3350 GROUP RESEARCH PROJECT INFORMATION:

1. The starting point for preparing your group research project is the material we've read and discussed. The lectures, readings, and videos should provide a good foundation for your research. The first step in preparing the group research project is selecting a topic. Given the amount of time we’ve spent discussing and reading about Argentina and Brazil, each group should focus on other countries, rather than simply covering things we’ve already learned. The simplest type of group project to organize would be to pick a country and then have each group member look at different aspects of the country (e.g. one person research key historical events and trends, one look at the key features of the economy, one look at the political system, etc.). An alternative way to organize a project would be to pick a major social institution (e.g. religion) and then have each group member look at a different country or religion, and then compare and contrast these different cases. These are just some possible formats; you should get together as a group this week and decide on a format and who is responsible for each part of the project, since you need to turn in an outline on Wednesday, May 27. I will provide comments on the outlines and return them to each group.

2. Each group member should find at least five references from sources outside class that deal with their aspect of the topic. Prepare your segment of the group research project based on the information on the topic from these references. Group members should also share references with each other, since the references may be useful for other group members as well. Each group member’s section of the group research paper should be 4-5 pages long, double-spaced. Each group should also write an introduction and conclusion for the research paper that tie together the entire paper. The total length determined by the number of group members. One good idea groups have used in the past is to appoint one member as coordinator; the coordinator will write the introduction and conclusion (4-5 pages total) rather than an individual section, and the coordinator is responsible for putting together the final version of the paper and putting the pieces of the Powerpoint together into one presentation.

3. The group research project will have two parts: the research paper and a PowerPoint presentation that will be shared with the rest of the class electronically. The PowerPoint presentation should summarize the main points of the research paper. The PowerPoint presentation should be emailed to me by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 so I can make it available to all class members. There will be questions on the final exam drawn from the group research project PowerPoint presentations.

4. The final group research paper is due in class on Wed., June 17.

5. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ANY POINT IN THIS PROCESS: please call me (387-3594) or send me an email message: paul.ciccantell@wmich.edu

6. WARNING: Groups are allowed to “vote members off the island” for failure to contribute (missing group meetings, not turning things in by the deadline, etc.). If you are voted off the island, you will have to write an individual 20-page paper and prepare an individual PowerPoint presentation on your own topic.