America on Trial Rubric

America on Trial Rubric

	Presentation Rubric
	1	2	3	4	Total
Organization	Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information.	Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around.	Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow.	Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.
Subject Knowledge (4 strong arguments must be made)	Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject. Only one vague argument was made.	Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions, but fails to elaborate. Two or three not very strong arguments were made.	Student is at ease and answers most questions with explanations and some elaboration. Three or more relatively strong arguments were made.	Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Four very strong arguments were made.
Eye Contact	Student makes no eye contact and only reads from notes.	Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads mostly from notes.	Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes.	Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.
Verbal Techniques	Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for audience to hear.	Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.	Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.	Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
Strength of Evidence	Student had very little or no evidence to support their evidence.	Student made effort to support with adequate evidence.	Student used evidence to support every argument.	Student had strong evidence to support every argument.
Q/A	Was not able to field questions.	Made an attempt to answer questions, but answered questions weakly. Did not have developed counterarguments.	Student had developed counterarguments and answered questions adequately.	Student had very well developed counterarguments, and answered all questions showing thorough knowledge of the subject.
Mechanics (3-5 minutes, no more or less)	Cannot work with others in most situations. Cannot share decisions or responsibilities.	Works with others, but has difficulty sharing decisions and responsibilities.	Works well with others. Takes part in most decisions and shares in the responsibilities.	Works very well with others. Assumes a clear role in decision making and responsibilities.
				Total Points:
A= 26-28	B= 24-25	C= 21-23	D= 19-20	F= 0-18

Rockin' in the USA...

Who: You.
What: Rockin' in the USA
Where: TBD
When: June 11/12
Why: Because music rocks, son AND to learn about American history through the lens of the American Musical Tradition.

Requirements

Pregame:
Choose one of the following music genres that had a significant impact on American history, including modern history:

1. jazz
2. blues
3. musical theatre
4. pop music (focus: 50's/60's)
5. reggae/ska
6. electronic
7. country western
8. rock
9. hip hop/rap
10. salsa/latin
    

It will be first come, first serve...so make a quick informed decision (and obviously, you have to let ME know!)

Various assignments:

1. vocals
2. percussionist
3. bass
4. keys
5. guitar
6. lyricist
7. horns
8. strings
   

Preparation:
Once you have chosen your genre (and group members), you will need to conduct research on how it was significant to our American history, as well as its evolution...not only will you need to discuss its context in our history, but also what the musical characteristics of the genre are (what makes it jazz/blues/etc.)

Presentation:

1. Introduction of genre
• historical context
• musical characteristics
• songwriting process (any stories about why the song was written, why you chose the cover you did, the relation between the two, the significance of either song to you or the members of your group, challenges, highlights, etc)
  
2. Perform a cover song in your genre's style
   
3. Perform an original composition in your genre's style
   

Where: TBD
Due date: Tentatively, June 11/12

Blogger Error

For some reason, it seems as though you can not read a portion of the trial requirements... However, it's a magic trick! :)

The text is all there...you just need to highlight the text that isn't showing, and it will show up.

Good luck! :)

Elika

Trial Requirements

Who: You.
What: America on Trial
Where: Our very own Model United Nations Conference Room
When: Wednesday, June 4th (and tentatively, June 5th, if necessary)
Why: Keep reading below

America on Trial

Length: 3-5 minutes (no more, or less)

Content/Organization: anything you need for this is within your research (historical essay and persuasive outline)

• The introduction is a road map.
  
• Your introduction should include whether you are defending or indicting America, and WHY - be specific.
  
• You are going to tell the panel what they will be hearing, in a broader sense, during the rest of your presentation. Look at it as a five paragraph essay with potentially more paragraphs.
• Minimum of four (4) arguments should be in the body of your presentation.
  
• You only want to use your strongest arguments. Using a weak argument will only open the door for potential questions about your case.
• If you can find a strong hook (not cheesy or forced) to start your arguments, your case will be better remembered, and your arguments will stand out more. Remember, there are 24(ish) other arguments the panel has to hear. Why would they remember yours?? Being clear and concise, and potentially having a strong hook is KEY.
  
• The body of the presentation should give evidentiary and in depth arguments as to why you are indicting or defending America. Rely on your critical thinking skills to develop these arguments. You want to delve deeply into each of the arguments presented in the introduction.
• The conclusion should wrap up the presentation. Therefore, reiterate your strongest points, and why you are indicting/defending America.
  
• Pretty much: First , "We tell 'em what we're gonna tell 'em; Second, "We tell 'em;" Finally, "We tell 'em what we told 'em."
  
• After you plead your case, be prepared to answer questions:
• clarifying questions
  
• evidentiary questions
• suppositional (hypothetical) questions
• etc. (any other challenging questions)
• Keep in mind your weakest arguments, and challenges that could be made to your position.
  
• Be prepared to hear the counter arguments.
  
• Predict what may be asked/argued against you.

Purpose/Goal: To persuade the panel that America has failed or succeeded with regard the issue you are discussing.

Trial Update (and other important info)

Congrats y'all!! You have worked very hard, and I am very proud of you...I am staying in (again) today so that the antibiotics kick in and I won't be contagious...Don't want to get you sick after how hard you worked this week!!! This will be the last day I ever stay home. I HATE staying home. I HATE not being with you in class. I HATE that I can't just suck it up and watch soap operas. I HATE reverting to a teenager and spending my days watching Real World and Sweet 16...or, do I?? ;) Thus, all I do is count the dots on my ceiling or just read like a big nerd...I mean, reading is FUN! :) Hee, hee.

Make sure you get some rest over the weekend...and make sure you check the blog periodically. Good luck on your vocabulary today, and I hope you have some strong and interesting current events!

So, I wanted to give you an update on how the trial will work next week. We will practice earlier in the week, but on WEDNESDAY, you will stand before the tribunal and plead your case...you will tell them why America should be indicted (or why not, if you are defending). Be prepared to answer questions from other experts on your subject. Your case will rely, not only on your own research, but also how well (and quickly) you can counter any arguments. We will have international experts, as well as some very domestic ones sitting on the tribunal. ;) I imagine we may take more than our two hours...I am working out the exact schedule with Susan - to see when we can actually use the MUN room...and I am trying to coordinate with our international expert friends.

Besides the trial, the rest of our time this semester will be focusing on music history! :) We will have a jazz musician come in next week (yes, I do know his name, Nathaniel: James Romeo)...and I am working on hip hop, as well. I would start thinking of the genre you want to delve into, and who your group members may be - I will post the requirements of this project on the blog by the end of the weekend...But email me your ideas (don't forget to do this), so we can sort through them together. I cannot wait to see how this goes!

Have a great weekend! I can NOT wait to see you next week!!!

All my love,

Elika

I am sorry...

So coming back to school on Thursday was apparently a bit of my high hopes. But know that I did not come back early out of love...I don't wish upon ANYONE what I feel like right now...But please know that I have missed you, and I wanted to get closer to moving forward on this project and your preparing for Exhibition.

I have a doctor's appointment for 5:15 today...if I can even get out of bed long enough to make it there safely. Please know that it absolutely KILLS me to know that I am not at school supporting you...I am very proud of all the work you have done. I really wish I could be there with you.

Don't forget that we will have a vocabulary quiz tomorrow - if you have any questions, please contact me!! Also, we will be doing current events...

Again, please forgive me for not being around this week. I would give anything to get out of bed and be with all of you.

Miss and love you,
(And very proud of all the work you’re doing. Seriously, I really am!)

Elika :)

Exhibition Requirements

Hi all,

Exhibition, as we should all know, is Thursday night from 6:30-8:30. Please be here ON TIME (I would suggest getting here a bit early as well). We have a tight schedule of documentary viewings/novel readings, so you should be here at least 5 minutes before you are due to show your documentary to make sure you can set it up, and all is working smoothly.

If you are introducing your documentary, I want you to include a couple things in the introduction (1 minute?):

1. the various positions held (identify person with role)
2. why you chose the specific war
3. how the process was for you (overall)
4. what you learned
5. challenges in the process
   

Be prepared to answer questions from the audience...

If you are reading an excerpt from your novel, I want you to include a couple things, as well (1 minute introduction; 2 minute excerpt read):

1. how you decided to write the book
   
2. why that genre/style
3. how was the process for you
4. where did you draw inspiration from
5. where do you go from here with your writing
   

Be prepared to answer questions from the audience, as well...

For the non-profits, you need to make sure you have a laptop that is fully charged, and that your website is ready to display...I will have brochures for you to hand out, as well. You will be responsible for getting at least five (5) people to sign that they have learned something from you (each person needs 5), and comment on your non-profit (a mere signature will not suffice). Thus, you have to actually interact with people who are walking by...isn't this a point of any non-profit/company? To get the word out?! Especially because this is for a cause you believe in, you should be excited to share what you have learned with anyone and everyone, while asking for their support (in whatever way). If there is anything else that can help attract individuals to your table, feel free to bring it with you...You may need to bring a petition to sign, or donation slips, etc. That is up to you...but you need something to bring you closer to your goal.

Capish?!

Almost done guys...good job!