SOCIAL ISSUE REPORT AND PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT – WMST 2010
Value: 25% of final grade (report = 20%, presentation = 5%)
Instructions:
In this assignment, you will explore a current event or social issue in Canada related to gender and
critically examine how it is understood by 1) popular media, 2) gender studies scholars and 3) your social
network. You will write a report between 1250-1500 words long and using either MLA or APA format,
then share the key take away from your report in a brief 5-7 minute presentation to the class.
Your report should provide a brief explanation of the issue and why it is currently relevant in a Canadian
context. You will then discuss the issue using a minimum of three critical articles (course readings, case
studies, lectures, and/or library research) and three mainstream media sources (magazine articles,
newspaper articles, credible online media).
Come up with an arguable thesis about how your chosen issue impacts Canadians and what should be
done about it. Think critically about the following questions: How is the issue portrayed in the media?
Compare how the media versus our course readings deal with the issue. Are there differences?
Similarities? What might the social and political implications of the various representations be?
Topics : You can choose any topic related to content covered in this course, but you must have your
topic approved by me before proceeding. Please submit your planned topic in the Topic Approval
dropbox on Moodle. Try to choose a topic that is specific and focused. For example, transgender rights is
too broad a topic; barriers to accessing gender-affirming care is the right size of topic.
Part 1 – The Report:
Your report should be 1250-1500 words long and use either MLA or APA format. Be sure to properly cite
all paraphrases and quotations. Include a proper reference or works cited page listing your scholarly and
popular. Your report should make an argument about how your chosen issue is impacting people, and
what needs to change to either support or change that impact.
Part 2 – The Presentation:
Prepare a brief 5-7 minute presentation including: essential information about your issue or event; your
argument for what needs to change; key findings from your sources.
Your presentation can be either a Powerpoint with recorded video or voiceover, OR a podcast-style
voice recording. Upload your file along with your presentation to the drop box.
