This document outlines an assignment to research and analyze a current world problem. Students must define the problem, discuss its historical background and causes, analyze responsible factors and evidence, consider possible solutions and obstacles, and propose remedies. Research involves citing 8 websites and 8 publications on the topic and compiling the information into a PowerPoint, magazine, or website. The final product must define the problem, provide historical context, analyze causes and factors, discuss solutions and challenges, and cite all sources in MLA format.

1. Objective:
You will research, analyze and attempt to resolve a current
world problem in a particular region or nation and create a
PowerPoint presentation, magazine, or website using Microsoft:
PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or other PC
compatible program. The focus of your study will be to look at
a specific problem facing our world today, the reasons why it
exists, and to search for potential solutions that may alleviate or
eradicate the problem.
Your project must include the following:
The Problem
It
needs to be thoroughly defined.
Why is it a problem?
Historical Background
Where did the problem begin?
When did the problem begin?
How and why did the problem receive
widespread attention?
Analysis
What is (are) the cause(s) of the problem?
Who or what is responsible for the problem?
How do you know? What evidence do you have?
What are the political, cultural, religious, or economic aspects
to the problem?
Solution

2. s
What are some possible solutions to the problem?
What obstacles stand in the way of any solutions — domestic &
foreign?
Propose some viable remedies for the problem.
California State Standards
The following standards are addressed in this project:
10.9
Students analyze the international developments in the post-
World World War II world.
10.9.8
Discuss the establishment and work of the United Nations and
the purposes and functions of the Warsaw Pact, SEATO, NATO,
and the Organization of American States.
10.10
Students analyze instances of nation-building in the
contemporary world in at least two of the following regions or
countries: the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and other parts of
Latin America, and China.

3. 10.10.1
Understand the challenges in the regions, including their
geopolitical, cultural, military, and economic significance and
the international relationships in which they are involved.
10.10.2
Describe the recent history of the regions, including political
divisions and systems, key leaders, religious issues, natural
features, resources, and population patterns.
10.10.3
Discuss the important trends in the regions today and whether
they appear to serve the cause of individual freedom and
democracy.
Possible Areas of Study:
Aids/Disease
Sectarian War
Terrorism
Religious Conflict
Famine
Genocide
Women's Rights
Global Warming
Population Control

4. Pollution
Child Labor
Weapons of Mass Destruction
If you wish to select a topic other than one of those listed
above, please email your instructor for permission.
Step I - Internet Search
Your research will begin with an Internet search, citing at least
eight (8) sites dedicated to your topic. Look for sites of world
organizations, interest groups, government agencies, etc. to get
information on your topic. You must write a brief (half to a full
page, typed-double-spaced) synopsis of the material found
within each site. Each synopsis must include the full citation of
the website using MLA standards for bibliographies.
Some suggested sites:
United Nations
CIA World Fact Book
Organization of American States
International Institute of Social History
Encyclopedia Britannica Online

5. Synopsis Format -
The format for each synopsis will include:
The citation of the website, in MLA format.
An a
nnotation – a brief description and evaluative passage of the
source that provides a critical summary of the content, scope,
and context of the resource. This MUST include:
A brief description of the website and the information found
An evaluation on the validity of the source (credibility, bias,
etc).
An indication of how this source contributes to information
relevant to your topic.
Any relevant comparisons or contrasts to other sites you have
cited.
Step II - Literature Search
The next step is to do a literature search of at least eight (8)
different periodicals or books relevant to the study of your
issue. While you may use the Internet to do your search, the

6. material you find must be from either magazines, journals,
newspapers, or books and may not include any material found to
meet the requirements of Step I.
For each article you will write a (half to a full page, typed-
double-spaced) synopsis of the information contained in the
article/book as it relates to your topic. You may only use a
unique periodical once. Once again, you will be expected to cite
the source for each synopsis using MLA standards for
bibliographies.
Synopsis Format
– The format for each synopsis will include:
The citation of the article, in MLA format
An
annotation – a brief description and evaluative passage of the
source that provides a critical summary of the content, scope,
and context of the resource. This MUST include:
A brief summary of the article/book
An evaluation on the validity of the source (credibility, bias,
etc).
An indication of how this source contributes to information

7. relevant to your topic.
Any relevant comparisons or contrasts to other articles you have
cited.
Step III. Annotated Outline
You must submit a typed annotated outline detailing the
organization of your project. You must indicate on the outline
which sources you are using for the various parts of the
assignment.
Step IV. Compile Final Product
You may present your final project in either a PowerPoint
presentation, Magazine, or Web site. Your choice of medium
should encompass the following criteria:
PowerPoint Requirements:
Will contain around 20 slides, including:
Title slide with graphic
Contents slide, outlining presentation
Minimum of 15 slides covering your topic
Minimum of eight (8) graphics included on your slides (e.g.,

8. pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
Two editorial cartoons from two different perspectives related
to your topic
Slide with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes
Magazine Requirements:
Will contain:
Cover page with title, logo, and graphic
Contents page, outlining featured stories, etc.
Minimum of eight (8) articles covering your topic
Minimum of eight (8) graphics included within your magazine
(e.g., pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
Two editorial cartoons or editorials from two different
perspectives related to your topic
Page with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes
Website Requirements:
Will contain:
Home page with title, graphic, and links to information within
your site
Contents slide, outlining presentation

9. Minimum of ten (10) web-pages covering your topic
Minimum of eight (8) graphics included on your slides (e.g.,
pictures, graphs, charts, maps)
Two editorial cartoons from two different perspectives related
to your topic
Page with bibliography in MLA format, indicating sources used
In-text citations, no footnotes or endnotes