Generic Transformations

In this part of the course, you'll recreate your Conspiracy Theory Research Paper ideas into different forms. Called "genres," these transformations will give you an opportunity to be creative, innovative, and inspired about the issue that you've come to know so well. You'll also learn about specific conventions of a genre as you compose.

You must do the generic transformations in the order listed below. Click on the item to see its description. Have fun!

1) Biopoem

2) Evening Newscast Report

3) Cheer

4) Fake Website

5) Political Cartoons

News Literacy Assignments

Below are four newspaper articles that describe how a Marine is being prosecuted by the military, as he criticized President Barack Obama on his Facebook page, including allegedly putting the president's face on a Jackass movie poster.

Project Look SharpEvaluating WebsitesCommentary on Publication Reliability"What's the Difference Between Fox News and the Oxford University Press?"First Drafts: Research Papers

Writing the Introduction

Retrieve the mini-play you wrote in class earlier in the week. To refresh you memory, you created a character who (fictitiously) had been somehow involved in your conspiracy. You composed a detailed description of the character --- including the 5W's and 1H--- and you designed dialogue and frozen statues of moments of high emotional intensity.

Now you're going to write that mini-play up into two paragraphs. This will become the majority of your introduction, as it will set the tone for the paper you'll write. Be as creative and imaginative as possible while successfully allowing your reader to feel as if she or he was there as the conspiracy occurred.

The Official Story

Revisit the information you accumulated in your 1) research proposal; 2) research outline. Extend that information outward into multiple paragraphs (about 4). Be sure to include in-paper citations and a correctly formatted (per MLA) Works Cited page.

1. Outline the generally accepted sequence of events, otherwise known as the “official story.”

2. Describe the story as supported by as many different authorities as possible:

a. the government

b. the media,

c. a majority of the population

3. Take time to describe how the authority figures presented the official story, through what channels, and how the majority of the population received the message at the beginning of the event and through to today.

Background of the Conspiracy

Revisit the information you accumulated in your 1) research proposal; 2) research outline. Extend that information outward into multiple paragraphs (about 4). Be sure to include in-paper citations and a correctly formatted (per MLA) Works Cited page

1. Detail and summarize the alleged sequence of events that comprise the conspiracy. Remember: Always include as much evidence as possible that supports the theory.
2. Give a history of what allegedly happened (“the 5W’s and the 1H”):

· Who/ · What/ · When/ · Where/ · Why/ · How

1. Be sure to list the proper names of people and their roles in the event.
2. Try to find out who reported or witnessed the events. Describe how reliable the people were who witnessed or reported on these events.
3. Make a list of individuals who would benefit from hiding information from the public around this conspiracy.
4. Clarify why a minority of people believes this conspiracy occurred, even if the majority insists it is just theory or a fantasy.
5. Note any other, differing accounts.
6. Indicate the danger to the public if the conspiracy is, in fact, verifiable.

Social and Historical Contexts

Revisit the information you accumulated in your 1) research proposal; 2) research outline. Extend that information outward into multiple paragraphs (about 4). Be sure to include in-paper citations and a correctly formatted (per MLA) Works Cited page

1. Conspiracy theories arise because of contexts in society that offer power to some individuals and prevent others from gaining access to power. Give a specific and detailed overview of what the power structures were like in the impacted society of the time.

2. Include typical people’s cultural habits, practices, and trends as they might relate to the event.

3. Describe how average people of the timeperiod viewed their lives, the forces in their communities, and the role of government as factors in average individuals’ lives.

4. List important timeperiod events that may have influenced the creation of the event and the eventual conspiracy.

Outlining 2012

Research Source List and Outlining Template [Word file]

Additional Sources for You

South Park Plagiarized Humor

Plagiarism: You Just Can't Change a Few Words

Paraphrase: Write It In Your Own Words, from the OWL at Purdue University

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics, from the OWL at Purdue University

Basic Style for Citations of Electronic Sources, from the OWL at Purdue University

Research project proposal [Word file]

Research project overview [PowerPoint]

Helpful hints about writing a research proposal

Internet Validity