Economics Paper and Presentation

You are required to complete a short research paper for this class. You will have the option to do a paper or a book review which covers a topic within this class. Only a select few students will be able to do the book review for this class. I will provide the book to be used to complete the book review. This will be limited to three students per class. For those students who do the paper, you will have a number of topics to pick from that deal with content. Your topic ideas will be taken from a wide variety of areas that deal directly with content we have gone over, or will cover by the end of the semester. You must also due a 5-7 minute presentation (8-10 minutes for honors) on your topic. This can be done through a power point presentation, a mini lesson, a skit, a video taped lesson, or lecture. These presentations will take place December, 16th-22nd.

Paper Due- December 16th, 2009 by the end of the school day

You will be given three days in class to do online research for your topic. Those students who are doing a book review will be given time to read their book in the library while the rest of the class is researching. I will point you in the right direction when it comes to research. I will do my best to lead you towards reliable resources that can be found online.

The paper must have a well structured thesis. Before you begin writing your paper I must OK your thesis paragraph. I will look for continuity and strength within the thesis. I will be trying to make sure that you are covering the important details within your topic. Once I have given the ok for your thesis, you may begin to write your paper. You are all Juniors and I expect that you will take this paper seriously. If you have any questions concerning the construction of your paper I am here for assistance.

The paper must have a thesis paragraph stating the main idea of your paper. Your thesis paragraph must consist of three ideas on your topic to be discussed. Your paper must have a body, giving your thesis its proof and validity, and a conclusion which describes why your thesis is correct.

Your paper must also have a bibliography which sites your resources. You will have to have three resources. One resource must be a book, magazine, or scholarly journal, and the other two may come from online resources.

I will provide you with the MLA format for citing resources. Your paper, bibliography, and citations must be in MLA format.

Paper must be at least 4-5 (7-10 pages for honors) pages in length, 12 font, double spaced

Rubric- Total points 90

I. Well Formed Thesis Paragraph- 20 points

a. Must have a thesis sentence that outlines your main idea for your report. You must include three ideas that will be supported in your body to prove your thesis sentence within your thesis paragraph.

II. Body- 20 points

a. Must include three parts which give supporting details that provide validity to your thesis.

III. Conclusion- 20pts

a. Must be able to wrap up your ideas and show how your body proved your thesis statement.

IV. Grammar- 10 pts

a. Must use proper grammar throughout your paper

V. Cover Page, Bibliography, Length of Paper- 20pts

Book Review Rubric

I. Thesis- 25pts

a. Must have a thesis sentence on the main ideas of the book and have three supporting details that backs up your thesis within your thesis paragraph.

II. Body- 20pts

a. Must include supporting details that prove your thesis sentence and the three main ideas within your thesis paragraph.

III. Conclusion- 25pts

Must provide one paragraph that wraps up your paper and proves why your thesis is correct.

IV. Cover Page, Grammar, Length of Paper- 20 pts

Books for Book Review

Are The Rich Necessary?

Freakanomics

The World Is Flat

Topics for Paper

Reasons Behind the Great Depression

Warren Buffet

Creation of Microsoft and Bill Gates

Effects of Globalization on American Workers

Dot.com Boom of the 90’s

Rise of Google

Events Leading to Current Housing Crisis

Rise of Nike Shoe Company

India’s Emerging Economy

Economic Growth in China

NAFTA

American Recovery Act (Stimulus Package)

Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

Role of Government and the Economy in the former U.S.S.R.

Economic Benefits of Green Technology

Energy Crisis In America

Pennsylvania’s Economy

Why the Steel Industry in Southwestern PA Collapsed

Brazil’s Emerging Economy

G-20 Summit

Pro’s and Con’s of Wal-Mart

Rise of Sheetz

Rural Poverty

Alternative Fuels

Russia’s Emerging Economy

European Union

OPEC

Costs of Hurricane Katrina

Economic Effect of 9/11 in NYC

Financial Cost of War on Terror

Cost of Running a School District

Cost of Running a Family Through College

How to Go About Getting Financial Aid for College

Wind Energy

Solar Energy

Affect of Credit Crisis on Small Business

Cost of Running a Family Farm

Natural Gas as a Form of Alternative Fuel

Oil Industry Northwestern PA

Cost of Raising a Dog from a Puppy to Dog

Cost of Buying a New Truck

Cost of Opening up And Running a Garage

Cost of Operating a Salon

Costs of Building a New Home

Role of Unions in the Workplace

Impact of Illegal Immigration on the Economy

Budgeting a Family Vacation for Four

Economic Impact of Hurricane Ike

Rise of EBay

Power of Disney Corporation

Budgeting and Financially Managing A Pro Sports Team

South Korean Economy vs North Korean Economy

Economic Impact of Hosting Olympic Games Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

Rise of Apple (impact of I-Pod and I-Phone in the Market Place)

Should the Dollar Remain the World’s Currency?

How is the International Community Handling Current Economic Crisis