Current Event

What is a current event?

A current event refers to something that is happening at present in the world, often discussed in the news or media (though this is not a requirement). It must be something that has been reported on within three months of the due date(s) of the assignment.

Structure of the Paper

Students should write a 1500-2000 word analysis of the current event. This paper should be in 12 point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced with standard margins. Students will use ASA style for references/formatting (link).

What happened? (No more than 3 paragraphs).

Start by summarizing the event discussed in the article(s). Feel free to use multiple articles that describe the event, but make sure to include all of them in your reference page.

Provide The Who, what where, when, and why of the event. Do not say “I chose this article because…”. Make sure you include at least 2 concrete details.

Summarize the Theoretical Orientation (At least 300 words)

Choose one of the following theoretical orientations and summarize:

Racial Capitalism

Critical Race Theory

Colonialism

Intersectionality

Analysis (At least 1,000 words)

Students must analyze the current event utilizing one theoretical orientation above. They are also expected to bring in other knowledge they have accumulated throughout this course, meaning you will include other resources from the class in your analysis. Here, your analysis is not opinion. Instead, your analysis should be grounded in the theoretical orientations mentioned above as well as the scholarly research that exists on social phenomenon related to the current event you choose.

Conclusion (Summarize your paper at the end in no more than one paragraph).

References (Not included in the 1500-2000-word count)

Students should have at minimum 5 references from materials offered in class. They should also bring in 3 references not offered in class (this MAY include resources mentioned by the readings/podcasts from the course).

The reference page should be in ASA format. Make sure you also provide in-text citations.