COM450 Research and LAP Requirements

Media and the Black Experience

Research Paper – RACIAL STEREOTYPES (a single, specific example)

Students are required to complete a research paper of not more than 7-10 pages. The research paper MUST be in MLA format. For more info, please go to http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.

Students will do the following to complete the research paper:

• Find a contemporary example of a racist stereotype. 1/31
• Write a proposal to research the stereotype (1/2 page). 2/7
• Find five sources, and write an annotated bibliography. 2/14
• Write a draft of the research paper. 2/14 – 3/21
• Turn in the completed paper NO LATER THAN 3/21.

Creative LAP – WHAT IS RACE? (a documentary video project)
Students are required to complete a documentary Life Arts Project of not more than five minutes. The LAP will be completed on digital video.

Students will do the following to complete the LAP:

1. Write the documentary proposal.

• Select an interview subject. 1/24 – 2/21
• Complete the LAP worksheet. 2/21
• Write a project proposal (1/2 page). 2/21
• Find 3 sources. Write an annotated bibliography. 2/28
• Complete and sign the LAP contract. 2/28

2. Prepare for the documentary. 2/28 – 4/4

• Conduct background research (2-3 pages). 4/4
• Prepare interview questions (1 page). 4/4

3. Complete the documentary. 4/4 – 4/18

• Film the interview (5 minutes max.) 4/18
• Transcribe the interview (3-5 pages). 4/18 – 5/9

4. React to the work you have done (2-3 pages). 4/18 – 5/9
5. Turn in the final LAP paper (7-10 pages). 5/9
6. Share your project. ☺ ☺ ☺

• Give an in-class presentation of your LAP (3-5 minutes). 5/16
• Invite friends and family to attend a public screening and pizza party on the last day of class! 5/23