Elections 2010 Portfolio Artifact

Project Description:
We have reviewed this year's candidates and propositions, analyzed voting culture and party image, and deconstructed the system that employs government, big business, mass media, special interest groups, and finance.

     Now for a case study research task - a magazine expose portfolio artifact.  You will work as a team of reporters, hunting down data on a proposition or candidate from the 2010 mid-terms, analyzing their backgrounds, finances, & media coverage.  You will gather facts, but dig deeper into secrets and contradictions.

     You must question everything you read, see, and hear.  You must choose your team, set and meet your own deadlines, and adhere to your team contract at all times.

Unit Norms:
-ENGAGE: every single one of us
-Wrestle the angel     -Challenge everything  
-Consider: Everything you know is wrong
-Research with wild abandon (and research your research)
-Know your enemy     -Be scientific     -Trust outrage, but dig deeper

Research Prep: Reading
1. "For Governor, Vote None of the Above"
2. Ch. 11: Special Interest Groups 
    Notes: Special Interest Groups
3. Ch. 7: Mass Media
    Notes: Mass Media
4. CA Elections Cheat Sheet

Research Prep: Video Analyses
1. Don't Vote
2. Democrats are For the People (Paid For By Liberals)
3. The Tea Party is For the People (Paid For By Conservatives)
4. The Voting Trap

Artifact Materials
1. Artifact Assignment
2. Artifact Example

Teaming
1. Marshmallow Tower Video
2. Team Contract

Research Links