SUBMISSION FOUR FIELD RESEARCH

Purpose? See controversy from a different perspective Gain more information about the controversy Get Feedback about your tentative solution

Three Parts Two Fieldwork components 1.Interviews 2.Civic Engagement Final Conclusion

EXPERT INTERVIEWS

Identifying experts Education and/or work experience in the area (usual) Not just people with opinions

How Many Experts Two total – 1 For Each Side You must include the contact information in your research file No anonymous interviews

What You Cannot Do Interview family members SEU affiliates Interview via telephone

Finding interviewees Ask your professors Check library. – List of organizations Check the internet Get a directory of elected officials

THE QUESTIONS

Writing your questionnaire P in Handbook About issues (3-5 questions) About moral reasoning (consequences) About your conclusion/solution Ask each interviewee the same questions.

WRONG QUESTIONS! What do you know about the controversy? Where do you stand on the controversy? (This is too much in your face) Personal information, questions that put people in awkward situations.

Setting up the interviews Start now. Contact at least 3X as many people as you need. Be professional – these people are doing you a favor. Prepare to describe Capstone and your controversy quickly.

Setting Up the Interviews Have a phone where you can be reached or a message can be left. Ask for a time you can call back. Ask for referrals. Be persistent.

THE INTERVIEW

Conducting the interview Be on time. Dress appropriately. Taping: – Pre-ask – Be prepared Take notes efficiently.

Conducting the Interview Listen. – You are a reporter, not a debater. Maintain control. – Keep the interview focused. Remain courteous and open-minded. Thank you note- you are representing future generations of St. Edward’s students.

WRITING IT UP

Writing Up the Results Do it as soon as possible You can always come back to it

Write-up: The questions Report on every question Direct quotation: – Use sparingly

Write-up: The analysis “Feel” of the interviews Interviewees: – Knowledgeable? – Open-minded? – Demeanor? Did they change your mind?

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Civic Engagement and the Mission Statement of SEU The University mission urges you to take action to solve problems You are required to take action supporting your position

Requirements Part of Paper 4 It does not need to be particularly extensive or time consuming. It should be a meaningful action that connects your project with the problem

What you can do Attend a meeting of involved groups Speak to a group Attend a march Circulate petitions Volunteer Write a letter- you must turn the letter and stamped envelop into me so that I can mail it (verification)

What you cannot do Plan to take an action- you have to have it completed before you complete your Capstone project Make a Donation- this is too easy, and too effective Sign up for a Newsletter Anything else that does not consist of a concrete action

The Reality In politics, one person really cannot make a difference unless they are politically, socially, or economically important Grassroots is a euphemism for either “poor” or “unorganized” Money is the best form of political activity because it converts itself and it is identifiable

Understanding this… You should consider an activity that involves the greatest political impact Involves the least cost (direct, indirect, opportunity) Fulfills the requirements of the paper

Where to Go for help Capstone Handbook pp Come see me

Writing Up Civic Engagement Write about: – what you did – why – how it impacted you, others Finish by predicting the future of your controversy

THE FINAL SOLUTION

The Final Solution Make a clear stand on the solution Personal Reasons Moral reasons PP

You final solution to the controversy If your mind has changed completely- – Discuss how and why If you change your solution partially- – Discuss why and in what ways If your mind is not changed at all- – Counter argue, i.e., how would you refute the positions of the interviewee on the other side

SPECIFICS OF PAPER 4

The Research File Include – Civic Engagement Activity Data – Expert Questions – Contact Information of experts

Submission Four – 15% Content Approx. 5-7 new pages Write-up and analysis of TWO in-person expert interviews. Civic Engagement (supporting action) and Reflection Concludes with your supported final conclusion and moral reasoning.

Form Perfect MLA Organization Full Works Cited No spelling/grammar errors