Beginning description of research project presented by Mr. Doris in preparation for in-depth analysis of a chosen news topic.

1. Contemporary Events
Course Overview

2. Research Domains •Governmental Concepts
•Economic Concepts
•Relationships
•Historical Perspective
There are four domains we will be using to
guide our research into the topics we will be
assessing. These domains will help us build
the thesis, design our research questions and
identify key terms. By starting this way we
begin to build a map and signposts to help
us understand where we are at through this
process.

3. Governmental Systems
It is important to consider how
contemporary events and the elements of
government (civics, government, laws, and
public policy, etc.) function in shaping and
changing each other.

4. Economic Concepts
In order to understand contemporary events,
it is important to consider the influence of
economic systems and policies on people
and institutions in the moments and issues
of today.

5. Relationships
Contemporary events and issues are
consequences of many factors. It is essential
to understand how elements such as groups
of people, geographic places, physical and
political environments relate to one another
and the consequences of these interactions.

6. Historical Perspective
Individuals, groups, ideas, events, eras and
developments; these are parts of our past
that shape today’s events and issues. With an
understanding of the history of these
elements we cannot gain the proper
perspective to understand the events of
today.

7. Identifying Sources
Before we begin to look at sources it is important to have a
plan. We must consider where the information we want is and
how it is organized. By doing this we make our efforts efficient
and purposeful.

8. Governmental Systems
Examples of Key Terms
• Rule of law
• Common good
• Socialism
• Conservative
• Propaganda
• Legislation
Types of Sources
• Government reports
• Local, state and federal websites
• Political reporting
• Journals
• Magazines

9. Economic Concepts
Examples of Key Terms
• Capitalism
• Multi-nation Corporations
• Resources
• Consumption
• Cost/Benefit analysis
• Fiscal policy
Types of sources
• Economic Blogs
• Academic Research
• Literature
• Magazines
• Statistics

10. Relationships
Examples of key terms
• Distribution
• Diaspora
• Culture
• Sustainability
• Migration
• Conservation
• Climate
Types of sources
• Google Earth
• CIA’s world site
• Census
• Interviews
• NPR

11. Historical Perspective
Examples of Key Terms
• Revolution
• Pandemics
• Social Justice
• War
• Religion
• Generations
• Modernity
Types of Sources
• Art
• Academic Research
• Smithsonian/National Archives
• Interviews
• Documentaries

12. Research Strategy
Graphic Organizer
This will be the tool you will use to organize your groups thesis,
identify your domain, write your key words, sources selected
and your research questions you will answer.

13. Name:
Topic:
Date:
Domain:
Strategic Research Organizer
Question 1 Question 2
Key Words Media Source
Thesis