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**Sociology Semester Research Project**
Select a topic in which you are genuinely interested within the scope of our studies. You may choose to begin by looking through the table of contents of our textbook.

You will be expected to produce the following:
 * A multi-page wiki that will serve as a pathfinder to future researchers. Resources included on your pathfinder will be critically annotated. Think **//quality//** of resource, rather than quantity! The pages of your wiki should resemble the list found below.
 * A video essay reflection (in [|VoiceThread]or another appropriate tool for [|digital storytelling]) that expresses your [|thesis] supported by evidence, as well as your learning.
 * A script posted for approval prior to filming your video reflection.


 * Thesis**
 * Begin by exploring a topic and reading extensively. Narrow your topic to one that is //researchable// As you read, look for related issues, positions, and controversies. Ask questions of what you read. List at least three essential questions relating to your narrowed topic. As you read and question, begin to develop a tentative thesis. As your research progresses, you are to develop an appropriate and acceptable thesis in line with our Research Standards. You may consult [|Thesis Development] for ideas or consult Mr. Eickhoff and Dr. Valenza for help.

You will demonstrate your understanding and mastery of topic knowledge and your thesis, as well as your ability to synthesize the materials you've examined in the script you prepare and in your video reflection. The script and/or video should clearly express your thesis, supported by the **//best//** evidence you discovered. It should also describe your reflection on your research journey.
 * Video essay and script:**

In addition to expressing your thesis, use your script and/or video essay to offer general advice to student researchers. Are there truly important specific starting places any researcher must check out before doing further research? What are the must-see introductory videos? Who are the real experts? What are the must-read articles or documents?

Pathfinder
A pathfinder is a guide for researchers. Pathfinders have been used in libraries for many years to save researchers time, and to help them avoid frustrating dead ends. By creating a web-based pathfinder, in addition to learning about the particular resources for the topic you are exploring, you are also performing a service to your fellow students and our library.

Creating a pathfinder will demonstrate your searching and evaluation skills, your ability to discern quality information sources, your ability to synthesize information, and your ability to thoughtfully reflect on your work. Your annotations should justify the placement of a resource on the pathfinder. Again, think //**quality**//! This work is NOT for your teacher's eyes only. We hope to use your pathfinders as reference tools. Do a thorough job, be creative, be critical, find the best possible resources, think outside the research box, and publish your pathfinder appropriately and attractively.

**Resources**
To collect resources for your pathfinder and to correctly document your resources, use: [|New Social Issues Pathfinder] Social Issues Pathfinder [|Catalogs and Databases] [|MLA Style] [|NoodleBib] [|Alexandria Catalog] [|Google Books]

**Creating your Wiki** Use [|Wikispaces for Teachers] to create your wiki. You'll want to create a number of pages for this project. Paste the following into the edit navigation menu on the left side of your wiki. (Note: the double squared brackets are html code for creating pages.) Home Thesis and questions Vocabulary, search terms Script and Reflection Scholarly articles Popular articles Media Books, ebooks, reference Experts Major Websites and Portals RSS and News Feeds Pages of your choice


 * To make your wiki more attractive:**
 * Consider [|copyright friendly] images and media to enhance your work and to represent sections of your pathfinders
 * Consider using [|Glogster] to create an attractive index for your work.