submission four field research. purpose? see controversy from a different perspective gain more...
TRANSCRIPT
Purpose?
• See controversy from a different perspective
• Gain more information about the controversy
• Get Feedback about your tentative solution
Identifying experts
• Education and/or work experience in the area (usual)
• Not just people with opinions
How Many Experts
• Two total– 1 For Each Side
• You must include the contact information in your research file
• No anonymous interviews
Finding interviewees
• Ask your professors
• Check library.– List of organizations
• Check the internet
• Get a directory of elected officials
Writing your questionnaire
• P 57-59 in Handbook• About issues (3-5 questions)
• About moral reasoning (consequences)
• About your conclusion/solutionAsk each interviewee the same questions.
WRONG QUESTIONS!
• What do you know about the controversy?
• Where do you stand on the controversy? (This is too much in your face)
• Personal information, questions that put people in awkward situations.
Setting up the interviews
• Start now.
• Contact at least 3X as many people as you need.
• Be professional – these people are doing you a favor.
• Prepare to describe Capstone and your controversy quickly.
Setting Up the Interviews
• Have a phone where you can be reached or a message can be left.
• Ask for a time you can call back.
• Ask for referrals.
• Be persistent.
Conducting the interview
• Be on time.
• Dress appropriately.
• Taping:– Pre-ask– Be prepared
• Take notes efficiently.
Conducting the Interview
• Listen.– You are a reporter, not a debater.
• Maintain control. – Keep the interview focused.
• Remain courteous and open-minded.
• Thank you note- you are representing future generations of St. Edward’s students.
Write-up: The analysis
• “Feel” of the interviews
• Interviewees:– Knowledgeable?– Open-minded?– Demeanor?
• Did they change your mind?
Civic Engagement and the Mission Statement of SEU
• The University mission urges you to take action to solve problems
• You are required to take action supporting your position
Requirements
• Part of Paper 4
• It does not need to be particularly extensive or time consuming.
• It should be a meaningful action that connects your project with the problem
What you can do
• Attend a meeting of involved groups• Speak to a group• Attend a march• Circulate petitions• Volunteer• Write a letter- you must turn the letter and
stamped envelop into me so that I can mail it (verification)
What you cannot do• Plan to take an action- you have to have it completed
before you complete your Capstone project
• Make a Donation- this is too easy, and too effective
• Sign up for a Newsletter
• Anything else that does not consist of a concrete action
The Reality
• In politics, one person really cannot make a difference unless they are politically, socially, or economically important
• Grassroots is a euphemism for either “poor” or “unorganized”
• Money is the best form of political activity because it converts itself and it is identifiable
Understanding this…
• You should consider an activity that involves the greatest political impact
• Involves the least cost (direct, indirect, opportunity)
• Fulfills the requirements of the paper
Writing Up Civic Engagement
• Write about:– what you did– why– how it impacted you, others
• Finish by predicting the future of your controversy
The Final Solution• Make a clear stand on the
solution
• Personal Reasons
• Moral reasons
• PP 67- 71
You final solution to the controversy
• If your mind has changed completely-– Discuss how and why
• If you change your solution partially-– Discuss why and in what ways
• If your mind is not changed at all-– Counter argue, i.e., how would you refute the positions of
the interviewee on the other side
The Research File
• Include– Civic Engagement
Activity Data
– Expert Questions
– Contact Information of experts
Submission Four – 15%
Content• Approx. 5-7 new pages
• Write-up and analysis of TWO in-person expert interviews.
• Civic Engagement (supporting action) and Reflection
• Concludes with your supported final conclusion and moral reasoning.