Course Political Science I. Unit I Political Theory

Transcription

1 Course Political Science I Unit I Political Theory Essential Question How has political theory evolved over time? TEKS (c) (1)(B)(C)(D)(E) Prior Student Learning ne Estimated Time 3 to 5 hours Evolution of Political Theory Rationale Introduces students to the ways that political theory has evolved over time in American society and career opportunities in the United States. Objectives The students will be able to: 1. Identify the political theories of the classical political theorists. 2. Analyze how the classical political theories evolved into modern contemporary political theories. 3. Identify historical events that caused the evolution of political theories. 4. Explore how political theories may continue to evolve into the future. 5. Understand how the evolving political theories develop career opportunities. Engage Post the following quote for the class: Man is born free, but is everywhere in chains, by Jean Jacques Rousseau. Ask the students to reflect in writing on the meaning behind the quote. After the students reflection time, discus the quote and the students thoughts about it. Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment. Key Points I. What are the major political theories of the classical political theorists? A. Natural Rights 1. Natural rights are inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property a) The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke s theories about government and was widely accepted among America s Founders b) John Locke s theory of natural rights (1) People exist in a state of nature in which there are no formal laws or governments; instead, laws of nature govern people, laws determined by people s moral sense (a) Natural law (i) Brings natural rights, which include life, liberty, and the right to property (ii) Can justify a challenge to the rule of a tyrannical king because it is superior to manmade law (2) Became the basis for the concept of the consent of the governed (a) This concept was adopted 100 years later by the 1

2 Founding Fathers of the United States of America while writing the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution (3) Adapted from other classical political theorists (a) Plato (i) Had a concept of natural law (ii) One of the first philosophers to write about the concept of natural rights (iii) We live in an orderly universe which we call nature (iv) Laws should guide by an order that is natural and rational (v) Plato s important question: What is just? (b) Aristotle (i) Wrote mainly about a natural Aristocracy, but was greatly admired by the Founding Fathers (ii) Believed that the characteristics of other types of governments were also important to support the natural rights of citizens (iii) Considered natural rights to also be the rule of God B. Popular Sovereignty 1. The notion that ultimate authority in society rests with the people 2. Adapted by John Jacques-Rousseau from John Locke s social contract theory a) Rousseau stated that each individual possesses the Godgiven right of self-determination and the ability to be governed b) Rousseau s theory on government was belief in a true Democracy c) He compared representative government to slavery 3. The only legitimate government is one that promotes the interests of the people and governs with their consent a) Government is the instrument for carrying out the people s will 4. Sparked the American Revolution in 1776 a) The concept of individual rights is eventually what led to the creation of a capitalist economy in the US b) The concept of capitalism is the exact opposite of classical political theorist Karl Marx (1) Marx believed that government should control all means of production and remove any sort of social class in society II. What caused these classical political theories to evolve into contemporary 2

3 political theories? A. Belief in universal foundations 1. Schools and universities a) The Age of Enlightenment (1600s 1700s) a cultural movement of intellectuals that began in Europe in the 17 th /18 th century and eventually spread to the US b) Before the Age of Enlightenment, education was a privilege for only the most wealthy citizens in society c) During the Age of Enlightenment, education was provided to citizens of all classes (1) Literacy rates in Europe rose to around 60 percent by the 18th century (Melton, p.81) (2) The increase of literacy rates led to an increase in (a) College/university attendance (b) Printing educational materials d) Schools and universities allowed citizens to share ideas and philosophies about subjects like politics, government and religion 2. Books a) The increase in literacy rates (1) Created a higher demand for books in Europe (2) Caused a change in the content of the books (a) Most printed books prior to this time were religious books (b) By 1790 only 10 percent of books printed were of religious content (Melton, p.82) b) The Age of Enlightenment ushered in a new type of literature (1) Citizens became more interested in the writings of political and scientific thinkers (2) This allowed citizens to learn and share ideas about different subject, including politics, philosophy, and government B. Ending Oppression 1. Expansion of rights to citizens a) The expansion of education in society allowed citizens to become more educated about social issues (1) The concept of natural rights expanded to more social groups within society (2) Citizens could read books about the structure of government and their rights within society b) When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence the rights they spoke of only applied to white, male property owners c) As education progressed in the US and social ideas were exchanged, oppression of the people began to subside d) There have been several historical events in American history during which rights were expanded to an 3

4 oppressed group of people 2. Ending oppression in the US a) Although the Declaration of Independence states, All men are created equal, this only applied to white, male property owners until 1850 (1) The idea of expanding voting rights to all white males began in 1820 by Andrew Jackson (2) By 1850 all voting restrictions on white males had been eliminated (3) This was known as Universal Manhood Suffrage b) This was the first time that evolving political theory in the US expanded rights to a group of people, ending their oppression in society c) This occurred several more times in the US and continued to shape political theory among American citizens d) Ending oppression in the US was the result of social events like war and large social movements (1) The Civil War (2) Women s Suffrage III. What historical events in the US caused a change in political theory? A. 1700s 1800s 1. The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution and Declaration of Independence which expanded rights to citizens following the American Revolution a) Prior to the American Revolution the rights of citizens were protected under the law of the British Royal Government b) Colonists believed that since they were being governed by the British, they deserved representation in the British Parliament c) The British did not comply with this request and so the colonists began fighting the American Revolution against the British 2. Victory against the British ushered in new concepts of political rights and freedoms a) The Founding Fathers gained inspiration from John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau when writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution b) The Founding Fathers deeply admired these classical political theorists and their thoughts on natural rights and rule of law c) Although the theories gave rights to Americans, they were specific to only a small group of white, male property owners 3. As political parties began to form in the US and citizens became more educated, political theory in the US evolved a) The US began to expand westward, and Andrew 4

5 Jackson s concept of Universal Manhood Suffrage was widely accepted by US citizens 4. Although the US expanded rights to all males, they excluded any rights to slaves 5. The issue of slavery became a polarizing issue in the US by the mid-1800s 6. By 1861 in the US, the issue of slavery was one of the reasons that caused the division of the states into the US and the Confederate States 7. The Civil War was fought over issues such as slavery a) The war was fought between the Union and the South until 1865 b) In 1864 Abraham Lincoln worked with the House of Representatives and the Senate to ratify the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in the US c) The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments (a.k.a. the slavery amendments) expanded rights to African-American citizens in the US 8. The 15th amendment extended the right to vote to African- American males, but still excluded all females in the US B. 1900s 1. By the 1900s, women were the only citizens in the US who were still not afforded the right to vote 2. Women organized and petitioned political leaders that they too deserved the right to vote under the concept of all men are created equal a) In 1920, the US finally ratified the 19th amendment which granted women the right to vote in the US b) This amendment meant that all citizens in the US over the age of 21 could vote 3. As more and more people became involved in the political process, politics began to change in the US 4. By World War II, the US began to see the change from classical political theory, to contemporary political theory a) During this time the US saw Developmentalism Theory begin to develop b) The US had just finished fighting World War II, and after the men returned home, the US saw a dramatic increase in the demand for household appliances and products c) The US economy had shifted from a wartime economy to a developing economy d) The developing economy and victory over the Nazi s propelled the US to become one of the world superpowers and a major economic figure e) The US remained this way until a major social change began to occur in the 1960s 5. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s a) Although African Americans had the right to vote, most of 5

6 the southern states had enacted a law known as the Jim Crow Laws (1) These laws meant that public facilities could be separated by race as long as they were of equal standards b) Obviously unhappy with the segregated facilities, African- Americans began to mobilize social forces and protest the laws c) These protests gained national attention and had a dramatic effect on the political agenda of the early 1960s d) The Civil Rights Movement is an example of Behavioralism Theory because the behavior of African Americans in this group setting was beyond the expected norms and truly impacted the political agenda of this time period C. 2000s 1. Social Networking a) Has changed the political process since the creation of social networking 2000s b) Allows candidates to cheaply and effectively send information to voters using social networking and video sharing sites c) Considered an example of David Easton s Post- Behavioralism Theory by some (1) This technology has been used to effect the political process in a positive way (2) More citizens are becoming involved in the political process because of the easy access to social networks (3) It has also been helpful with getting younger voters involved in the political process 2. Scientific Research a) New technology has opened up several new career fields in political science b) Politicians now hire researchers who use scientific research to predict voter trends and turnout c) This information is crucial to a candidate s campaign because it can determine areas to which campaign money should be directed IV. How will political theories continue to evolve in society? A. Constant change of the needs and wants of citizens 1. Systems Theory a) An abstract way of examining the political process today b) Helps predict how the political landscape will change in the future c) There will always be competition in society, which in turn will always create a demand for change 6

7 d) Issues are cyclical and will always be in a continuous cycle of social and political change (1) Recently the issue of gun control is a great example of the Systems Theory in use (2) Society has created a division about gun control and political groups are competing to create legislation that will protect their viewpoints about it (3) Once a decision is made, Systems Theory will start over again with a new issue e) Will continue to be the model for decision making for years to come because there are a wide range of topics that are highly controversial and polarizing, such as (1) Abortion (2) Same-sex marriage (3) Taxes (4) Immigration 2. As society creates demand over issues the political agenda will evolve B. Political parties must win office to survive 1. In order to influence the decision making process, political parties must win offices on the local, state, and national levels a) Voting rights were expanded to all citizens ages 18 and older, which broadened the voting base b) The 26th Amendment to the US Constitution expanded these rights to citizens 2. Rational Choice Theory a) Explains how candidates are elected in contemporary politics b) w that the concept of natural rights has expanded to all groups of people in the US, there are many different opinions in society and all groups can influence elections c) Candidates must try and influence all groups in society in order to gain votes d) Because candidates often shift their opinions to a more centrist position so that it will appeal to more voters (1) Candidates with strong conservative or strong liberal opinions rarely gain enough popular support to be elected on the national level e) May become obsolete in the future (1) As politics has become more polarized over the past several years, candidates with strong political beliefs are gaining more and more support on the state level (a) Sarah Palin in Alaska (b) Rick Perry in Texas (2) These strong conservative candidates have created a faction among the Republican Party that is known as the Tea Party 3. Political theories will continue to evolve throughout society as 7

8 opinions change and citizens become more involved in the political process V. What career opportunities will be available as political theory changes? A. Political Consultant 1. Plays many different roles during a political campaign a) Can be responsible for coordinating grassroots campaigns, fundraising events, performing public relations during the campaign, and even serving as the campaign spokesperson b) Have become highly valuable to campaigns because they also handle any sort of damage control that might be necessary 2. Most often requires a bachelor s degree in a field such as political science, public relations, or communications 3. Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a flexible environment a) Since political consultants work on political campaigns, they mainly work long hours, but only during election cycles 4. Must also be up-to-date on current political trends and political platforms a) Since platforms are continually changing, a political consultant is responsible for broadcasting a candidate s stance on political issues 5. Continue to be an important part of the political process 6. Can be a very profitable career, depending on the level of consulting B. Lobbyist 1. Must persuade politicians to vote on legislation that favors the interest(s) they represent 2. Most have college degrees with majors such as political science, journalism, law, communications, public relations, or economics 3. Very influential when it comes to legislation a) Cannot personally give money to politicians but can help to raise money from outside sources for their campaigns b) Corporations and organizations pay lobbyists substantial salaries to influence legislation Activities 1. Political Consultant. Divide the students into groups of five. Assign one student from each group the role of a politician running for office. Have the remaining group members act as political consultants who organize a campaign for the politician. Have the students present their campaign plans to the class. Use the Presentation Rubric and the Group Evaluation Rubric for assessment. 8

9 2. Lobbying for African Americans. Have the students research the political attitude during the time period prior to the ratification of the 15 th Amendment and identify why African Americans were not allowed to vote. Then have the students act as lobbyists for the African American community and create a presentation to persuade legislators to ratify the 15 th Amendment. Use the Presentation Rubric or the Role Play Rubric for assessment. 3. Systems Theory in Use. Have students identify a political issue (economic or social) and create a flowchart showing the sequence and the stages of the American political process that it must move through. The flowchart should clearly identify the differing ideologies, how these ideologies impact society and the decision-making process of the legislators. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment. Assessments Evolution of Political Theory Quiz and Key Discussion Rubric Group Evaluation Rubric Individual Work Rubric Presentation Rubric Research Rubric Role Play Rubric Materials Evolution of Political Theory computer-based presentation Evolution of Political Theory Key Terms Resources Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Bose, Meena, John Dilulio, and James Wilson. American Government: Institutions and Policies. 13th. Boston: Wadsworth Cenage Learning, Ch. 4. Print Edwards, George, Robert Lineberry, and Martin Wattenberg. Government in American: People, Politics and Policy. 15th. New York City: Pearson Education, Ch. 1, Ch. 11. Print Harrison, Brigid, and Jean Harris. American Democracy w. 2nd. New York City: McGraw Hill, Ch. 1, Ch. 9. Print Kraut, Richard, "Plato", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Mathews, John Mabry. Legislative and Judicial History of the Fifteenth Amendment. Union, N.J.: Lawbook Exchange, 2001 Melton, James Van Horn. The Rise of the Public in Enlightenment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Print. O'Conner, Karen, Larry Sabato, and Alixandra Yanus. American 9

10 Government: Roots and Reform. 11th. New York City: Pearson Education, Ch. 1. Print. Patterson, Thomas. The American Democracy. 9th. New York City: McGraw Hill, Ch 1. Print. Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Wolff, Jonathan, "Karl Marx", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Alexander Keyssar, The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States (2nd ed. 2009) "Career: Lobbyist." Princeton Review. 2013: n. page. Web. 13 May Accommodations for Learning Differences For reinforcement, the students will create a timeline that identifies certain historical events in the US and the major political platforms/theories of that particular time period. After creating the timeline, the students will identify, in their opinion, which historical events most affected the change in political theory of that time period. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment. For enrichment, the students will write a 3 5 page research paper about how the Age of Enlightenment affected Europe on a social basis. The paper should also include how this eventually affected the US, following the American Revolution. Use the Research Rubric for assessment. State Education Standards Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education Political Science I (One to Two Credits). (1) The student analyzes classic and contemporary political theories. The student is expected to: (B) draw conclusions about the classic political theorists such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Confucius, Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, and Marx; (C) define the characteristics of contemporary political theories such as behaviorialism, postbehavioralism, systems theory, modernization theory, structuralfunctionalism, developmentalism, rational-choice theory, and new institutionalism; (D) compare the evolution of classic and contemporary theories; and (E) predict and defend opinions about the future of political science theory. College and Career Readiness Standards Social Studies Standards I. Interrelated Disciplines and Skills C. Change and continuity of political ideologies, constitutions, and 10

11 political behavior 1. Evaluate different governmental systems and functions. 2. Evaluate changes in the functions and structures of government across time. 11

12 Evolution of Political Theory Key Terms 15 th Amendment the amendment to the Constitution granted African American men the right to vote by declaring that the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude 19 th Amendment the right of citizens of the US to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any state on account of sex (O Conner, Sabato, Yanus. 2011) Consent of the Governed the idea that in a democracy, the government s power derives from the consent of the people (Harrison, Harris. 2011) Lobbyist attempt to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. (The Princeton Review, 2013) Natural Rights are inherent in human beings, not dependent upon government, which include life, liberty and property. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke s theories about government and was widely accepted among America s Founders. (Edwards, Lineberry, Wattenberg, 2011) Political Consultant are hired by political parties and candidates. Their job responsibilities can include overall strategic expertise, whereas specialist services include such diverse talents as survey research, television or radio production and placement, telemarketing, direct mail, fund raising, media relations, computer use, and a host of additional forms of expertise (American Association of Political Consultants, 2013) Popular Sovereignty the theory that government is created by the people and depends on the people for the authority to rule (Harrison, Harris. 2011) Rational Choice Theory a popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians; it assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives (Edwards, Lineberry, Wattenberg, 2011) Systems Theory a highly abstract view of politics; has the main tenet that the political system is always changing when it comes to the decision-making process Universal Manhood Suffrage this concept was created by Andrew Jackson which would extend voting rights to all white, male, adult citizens regardless of whether or not they owned property; often known as one man, one vote 12

13 Name Date Evolution of Political Theory Quiz 1. The concept of Natural Rights was central to which of the following English philosophers? A. Thomas Hobbes B. Thomas Paine C. John Locke D. Karl Marx 2. Popular Sovereignty can be best defined as which of the following? A. Inherent rights of human beings, not dependent upon government B. Government is created by the people and depends on the people for the authority to rule C. The idea in Democracy that the government s power derives from the consent of the people D. Laws which naturally guide order and create an orderly universe 3. Which of the following reasons caused classical political theory to evolve into contemporary political theories? A. Schools/Universities B. Books C. Ending oppression of certain groups in society D. All of the above 4. Universal Manhood Suffrage expanded the right to vote in the US to which group in American society? A. All African American males B. All women C. All white males D. All citizens who are 18 years of age or older 5. Which of the following statements best describes David Easton s Rational Choice Theory? A. Voters will act in their best interests when voting for a particular candidate B. The political system is always changing and is continually affecting the decision-making process C. Attempts to influence the decisions made by elected officials D. Promotes the election of candidates by coordinating political campaigns 6. Which of the following US Constitutional Amendments expanded voting rights to all African American males? A. 13th Amendment B. 14th Amendment C. 15th Amendment D. 16th Amendment 13

14 7. After the end of World War II, the US shifted into which of the following contemporary political theories? A. Systems Theory B. Developmentalism Theory C. Rational Choice Theory D. Post-Behavioralism Theory 8. In order for political parties to be successful in the US, they must do which of the following? A. Raise more money for their campaign than the other political party B. Have a centrist political agenda to appeal to more citizens C. Have more media exposure than the other political party D. Win political office to influence decision-making 9. Political Consultants are often responsible for all of the following duties during a political campaign except which of the following? A. Coordinating grassroots campaigns B. Coordinating fundraising events C. Drafting legislation for elected officials D. Public Relations 10. Which of the following political concepts was not used by the Founding Fathers when drafting the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence? A. Natural Aristocracy B. Popular Sovereignty C. Natural Rights D. Natural Law 11. Which of the following US Constitutional Amendments expanded the right to vote to all women? A. 14 th Amendment B. 18 th Amendment C. 19 th Amendment D. 21 st Amendment 12. Which of the following statements best describes the Jim Crow laws? A. Laws that segregated African American and White citizens in all public facilities B. Laws that segregated men and women at voting locations C. Laws that expanded voting rights to African American males D. Laws that expanded rights to non-property owners in the early 1800s 13. All of the following political philosophers were influential to the Founding Fathers of the United States, except which of the following? A. John Locke B. Thomas Hobbes C. Jean-Jacques Rousseau D. Karl Marx 14

15 14. The Civil Rights Movement in the US during the 1960s is an example of which contemporary political theory? A. Systems Theory B. Behavioralism Theory C. Post-Behavioralism Theory D. Rational Choice Theory 15. Which of the following statements best summarizes the reason for the American Revolution? A. Colonists were being taxed for goods, but did not have representation in the British government B. The British soldiers attempted to overtake the city of Boston C. The British loyalists in the colonies were the only citizens allowed to serve in a public office D. King George II of England ordered that all crops produced in the Colonies were to be shipped to England 16. Which of the following US Constitutional Amendments expanded to voting rights to all citizens ages 18 or older? A. 19 th Amendment B. 22 nd Amendment C. 24 th Amendment D. 26 th Amendment 17. Which political philosopher s theory most truly represented a true Democracy? A. John Locke B. Jean-Jacques Rousseau C. Thomas Hobbes D. Thomas Paine 18. During the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, which of the following social factors caused political theory to evolve? A. Expansion of the middle class society B. The Industrial Revolution created more jobs C. Voting rights were expanded to include all citizens ages 21 and older D. An increase in the literacy rates among citizens 19. Why do politicians often hire researchers during their political campaigns? A. To coordinate grassroots campaigns B. To make public speeches C. To predict voter trends D. To create a budget for campaign expenses 20. Which Founding Father of the US was highly influenced by John Locke when writing the Declaration of Independence? A. George Washington B. John Adams C. Alexander Hamilton D. Thomas Jefferson 15

16 Evolution of Political Theory Quiz Key 1. C 2. B 3. D 4. C 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. D 9. C 10. A 11. C 12. A 13. D 14. B 15. A 16. D 17. B 18. D 19. C 20. D 16

17 Name Date Group 1 Group Evaluation Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score Group 2 Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score 17

18 Group 3 Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score Group 4 Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score 18

19 Group 5 Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score Group 6 Did the group take the assignment seriously? Could you tell what the group was trying to portray? Was the group portrayal creative? Did the group include the correct elements? Would you like to see this group demonstrate their talent for you in the future? Total Score 19

20 Name Date Objectives 4 pts. Excellent Discussion Rubric 3 pts. 2 pts. Needs Some Good Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Participates in group discussion Encourages others to join the conversation Keeps the discussion progressing to achieve goals Shares thoughts actively while offering helpful recommendations to others Gives credit to others for their ideas Respects the opinions of others Involves others by asking questions or requesting input Expresses thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively Total Points (32 pts.) Comments: 20

21 Name Date Objectives Follows directions Student completed the work as directed, following the directions given, in order and to the level of quality indicated Individual Work Rubric 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Time management Student used time wisely and remained on task 100% of the time Organization Student kept notes and materials in a neat, legible, and organized manner. Information was readily retrieved Evidence of learning Student documented information in his or her own words and can accurately answer questions related to the information retrieved *Research/Gathering information (if relevant) Student used a variety of methods and sources to gather information. Student took notes while gathering information Total Points (20 pts.) Comments: 21

22 Name: Date: Presentation Rubric Objectives Topic/Content Topic discussed completely and in-depth Includes properly cited sources (if used) Creativity/Neatness Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to create a professional presentation (transition and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are included, using acceptable format Mechanics Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are correct Image and font size are legible to the entire audience Oral Presentation Communicates with enthusiasm and eye contact Voice delivery and projection are dynamic and audible Audience Interaction Presentation holds audience s attention and relates a clear message Clearly and effectively communicates the content throughout the presentation 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Total Points (20 pts.) Comments: 22

23 Name Date Objectives Question/goal Student identified and communicated a question or goal of the research 4 pts. Excellent Research Rubric 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Research/Gathering information (if relevant) Student used a variety of methods and sources to gather information. Student took notes while gathering information Conclusion/Summary Student drew insightful conclusions and observations from the information gathered. Information is organized in a logical manner Communication Student communicated the information gathered and summary or conclusions persuasively. Student demonstrated skill in the use of media used to communicate the results of research Reflection Student reflected on the importance of the research and its potential application Total Points (20 pts.) Comments: 23

24 Name: Date: Role Play Rubric Objectives 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Relates to the audience Provides fluent rendition of the scenario All required content is included Acts with feeling and expression Varies intonation Presents characters appropriately Gives the scenario its full range Breaches are easily identified Total Points (32 pts.) Comments: 24