Topic, Rationale, and Annotated Bibliography

Overview: In this first activity, you will select one topic area for the series and conduct preliminary research. This preliminary research on a topic that interests you will help ensure that you'll be able to find enough information and credible resources to write about the topic's history, current challenges, and current or proposed solutions. You will also create an annotated bibliography - a list of resources you will use in your assignments, with a brief summary of each. An annotated bibliography shows that you have carefully chosen and critically assessed your resources. Scenario This week, you begin your work as: An investigative reporter for a major publication. You can choose an existing publication, such as the New York Times, or use a fictional one. You have been assigned to research an important ethnic, racial, gender, or class issue that is evidencing problems and affecting people in a specific community. (Remember that a community can be geographic, social, or professional, such as a region, a group of people sharing a common characteristic, or a workplace.) Your goal is to provide an in-depth analysis of and put a human face on the issue, the problems being evidenced, and changes proposed or implemented to bring about improvement for those affected. Preparation Topic: Gender equality issues in the U.S. Remember that you are focusing your article or report on issues within the larger topic area, reporting on the impact of current challenges affecting a specific community or group of people. You will want to keep your examination of history relevant and focused, shedding light on the current issues. Make sure your specific focus, though, is still large and/or well-documented enough to allow you to research all the elements of your article or report. As you begin your research, collect the most valuable and relevant resources for your annotated bibliography. Each annotation both describes and evaluates the resource. It can include a brief synopsis, information on how the resource is relevant to the topic or field, and information on the author. It shows that you have carefully chosen and critically assessed your resources. Requirements Write a 2-3 page paper using the headings in bold, below: Topic Description. Describe one topic area you would like to research for your article or report. The topic area selected should involve problems for those affected. Topic Rationale. Provide a rationale with three reasons for selecting the topic area. Annotated Bibliography. Create an annotated bibliography of five credible, relevant, reliable sources for the selected topic area.