College Knowledge----A Focus Assignment of Sorts

 

 

One of the most important decisions that you will ever make is the choice of a university/college.  There are many factors that should be included in making a decision of this magnitude, however, many students fail to think through their choice and end up back at home in the spring.  This focus assignment will allow you to conduct research in hopes that you will make an informed decision regarding college.

 

What should I look for?

1. Size
2. Academic offerings
3. Student body characteristics
4. Location
5. Academic challenge
6. Cost/financial aid
7. Activities available
8. Fitting in

 

Web links

 

http://www.powayusd.com/pusdphs/counseling/titancenter.htm

 

·         This link on the PHS website will give you access to the UC system, the CSU system, the California Community College system and private colleges within California.

 

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php

·         US News and World Report’s view of their picks for the top 100 colleges in the US.

 

http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/rankings/rankings.asp

·         The Princeton Review’s look of the top 361.

 

http://www.ctcl.com/

·         Colleges That Change Lives website.  Smaller, more diverse college options.

 

 

 

Hardcopy

 

• The library has many sources that will be able to help you along your journey.

 

 

 

 

The written work---

 

 

 

Step one—

 

• Complete the worksheet on how to determine which college is right for you.  This will help you narrow your search.

 

Step two—

 

• Bases upon your findings from step one, conduct a “freestyle” search for colleges that would fit your criteria.  Remember to keep in mind majors, climate, etc.  Compile a list of ten (10) colleges/universities that you feel would be right for you.  A maximum of six can be from California and your list must include two community colleges.

 

Step three—

 

• Narrow your search down to your “perfect” three.  Conduct a virtual tour of each college.  You much be able to answer the number one question… Why do I want to attend this college?  Make sure to note the plus and minuses.  (You might want to make a pro and con list for each).  Note--You must have a realistic chance of acceptance.  Make sure to double check the admissions standards.

 

Step four—

 

• Prepare an essay (bulleted information is fine for this) for each of the three final choices.  Incorporated in your paper, must be the criteria created above.  Remember, just like in APUSH:  state and defend.  Relate the ways in which your college and you would be the perfect fit. (Note that I have left the parameters of this essay rather loose.  This should allow you to concentrate on the areas that have greater meaning to you.)

 

 

 

 

Due date---turn in any time between now and June 1st     Total points  80

 

Post AP-Exam Project #2

The 50’s-90’s---A Social and Cultural Perspective

 

This project is designed to look at the social and cultural aspects of US history from the 1950’s-1990’s. 

 

Concentration will be in two areas----each time period will have two groups, each taking one of the focus sections below:

 

Focus #1

• Movies
• Literature/poetry
• Theater

 

 

Focus #2

• Lifestyles
• Music
• Teen trends/fads

 

Each section will also have a “hero” component.  You will describe three individuals that you consider to be worthy of the title and defend your selection.  They can be from any field but must be from the time period you are representing.

 

Extra Credit---- extra credit will be given to any student who dresses the part for all of the time periods J

 

1950’s      ___________

1960’s      ___________

1970’s      ___________

1980’s      ___________

1990’s      ___________

 

Topics/time periods chosen on a first come-first served basis.

 

 

Facing the Problems of Society

A Hysterical (historical) Approach

 

     Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is the final Focus Assignment of the semester.  In this project you will incorporate many of the things you have learned this year and add to it, a little flavor of your own. 

     Our country has been and is currently, besieged by an assortment of maladies.  The critical nature of each problem directly relates to one’s own perception of the issues.  Illegal drugs, terrorism, global warming, the homeless issue, are but a few of the many situations that will confront you as you move on from high school.  Identifying a problem is easy.  Finding a solution for a problem is a much harder task.  Gathering support for your plan is an even greater challenge.  It is in this arena that you will conduct your final assignment.  Follow the guidelines below.

 

1.      This project may be completed individually or in groups of 2 or 3 max.

2.      Think of a piece of music that you have heard, that discusses an issue in which you feel strongly or which to learn more about.  The song can be from any type of music.  Rock, soul, country, spiritual, etc.  You may even find a song that moves you and you do not even like that type of music.

3.      Songs dealing with a specific event in American history are also acceptable. 

4.      Obtain the song.  Buy, borrow, rent, record, or what-have-you.

5.      Print out the words to the songs so that everyone in class can read along with the music. NOTE:  No profanity or inappropriate lyrics will be allowed.  Any question, please allow me to preview the material first.

6.      Research the topic.  The song is just the vehicle that will take you to your destination.  The most important part is the topic itself.  Material should be taken from at least three sources.

7.      Prepare a five-eight minute (not including the length of the song) oral presentation, discussing your topic.  Please include the following questions below:

 

Ø  Discuss the problem itself.

Ø  What attempts are being made to correct the problem?

Ø  What obstacles are they facing?

Ø  How would you solve the problem?  (this is the most important question)

***** For the historical song, use the first three above only. *****

 

8.      The only written information to turn in will be your bibliography page or note card.

9.      Visual aids need to be present in order to round out your project.  Be creative, but go beyond the usual shock value used in many campaigns.  PowerPoint slides used in conjunction with music is very effective.

 

Presentations will begin _____________________

 

Songs will be chosen on a first come, first served basis.  No repeats of songs or topics shall be allowed in the same class.