Library Project
The Library Project is designed to provide you with experience in researching Congressional publications and databases to gain a better understanding of issues on American society, culture and legislation. After researching various topics, you will need to form your own opinion on the issues that dominate the political spectrum.
The Library project has vie components and counts for 35% of your grade in this class. The project is broken down into four components, each with it's own due date. If your assignment is late you will lose 10 points a day. You will receive a ZERO after three days.
The top of each page will be set up as follows:
Name
Period
Teacher
Date
Topic
The following tasks comprise this project:
1. CQ Researcher
2. SIRS database article
3. Controversial Book Topic
4. Letter to your representative
You MUST provide an MLA citation(s) for EACH source you use. Include it at the end of each component.
Component #1 – CQ Researcher
Select a CQ Researcher, available online in the CHS Library.
Follow the internet links directions. Using the CHS passwords, you will also be able to work on this at home.
The Task:
- Find a topic of your choice.
- Read the “ISSUES” sections in the CQ Researcher of your choice.
- Write a short summary of the issue/topic.
- Summarize the “Yes” Section
- Summarize the “No” Section
- Explain your opinion/ stand on the topic.
- MLA citation
Minimum Requirement: 1 typed page, 12 point font, double-spaced.
Component #2 – SIRS Article Evaluation
The SIRS Database offers articles on a variety of issues. Go to the CHS Library Homepage – Click on databases – Then the SIRS Knowledge Source – Then SIRS Issue Researcher – You may select any of the topics that interest you. Click on the Issue (At the Top Left you will see “At Issue” highlighted, Click on that, it will bring up you topic.)
The Task:
- Summarize the Issue
- Locate the Pro/Con Essential Question section. It will say “yes” for pro – click on ONE of the articles in this section.
- Summarize the “Pro” section. Read the article and summarize. You will need to cite this source.
- Locate the Con section. Choose one article.
- Summarize the “Con” section. Read the article and summarize. You will need to cite this source.
- Explain Your opinion/ stand on the topic
- Finally, go down to the Critical Thinking & Analysis Questions – Respond to each question in complete sentences.
Minimum Requirement: 1 typed page, 12 point font, double-spaced.
Component # 3 - Hot Topic Book Review
The Task:
- Choose a topic that interests you
- Write a brief summary of the topic
- Read one pro article in the book, summarize it
- Read one con article in the book, summarize it
- Write your own opinion
Minimum Requirement: 1 typed page, 12 point font, double-spaced.
Component # 4 - Letter to your Representative
The Task:
- Research the web page of one of the representatives listed at the bottom of this page and read through their issues.
- You may write in support or opposition to one of their issues or propose action on something that is of importance to you.
- Keep your letter short and on point.
- Only letters that are completed properly will be mailed out.
U.S. Senators:
The Honorable Charles E. (Chuck) Schumer
United States Senate
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator
780 Third Ave, Suite 2601
New York, NY 10017
U.S. Congress Member:
The Honorable Paul Tonko
United States Congressman
2463 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Antonio Delgado
United States Congressman
256 Clinton Ave
Kingston, NY 12401