The assignment: Students give numerous speeches (presentations) in this course. The following assignment is one in which information competencies become extremely important.

"Description of Event/Issue"

Over the course of the semester, you will give a series of presentations pertaining to an event/issue that has multiple or controversial explanations. It could be an international event (Richard Bliss, employee of Qualcomm charged as a spy in Russia), national (Gulf War Syndrome), local (a failed business venture), historical (John F. Kennedy assassination), political (weaknesses of the IRS), personal (a friend's drug addiction), etc. Competency #1 articulate a research question, issue or problem;

The "Event/Issue" presentation is a 2-3 minute summary or description of the event that addresses the question of "what happened." You should focus on presenting the "facts" or observations about the occurrence such as when, where, what, who, etc. You will specify the audience to whom you are speaking (i.e., business meeting, economic advisors, students in Business 101 class). Competency #4 make selections from, integrate, and synthesize information retrieved in the search; and Competency #8 develop long-term, adaptable, cross-disciplinary research skills.

You should use at least two research sources such as news magazines, newspapers, eyewitness accounts, etc. Purpose of the assignment is to incorporate outside sources, to organize information for a listening audience, and to present effectively your message without calling attention to stylistic weaknesses (such as awkward or nervous fidgeting). Competency #2 make multiple and different determinations about the types of sources necessary to complete the research;

Turn in a copy of an outline in complete sentences on your speaking day. Competency #6 use computer literacy skills.  The outline should be typed, in outline format, with formal grammar usage, punctuation, spelling, and with the outline structure discussed in class. The main points should be clearly organized, and you should provide evidence to support each main point. One of each type of evidence discussed in class should be used somewhere in the outline. Do not forget a reference page using proper APA format. Competency #7 demonstrate an understanding of fair use of copyrighted material and intellectual property.  Grade is based on content and attention to detail in formatting, punctuation, grammar, APA, etc., as well as the organization of content and use of evidence.