Entering Public Debate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thus far this semester we have surveyed the work of published authors and filmmakers who have examined workplace and labor-related issues.  For our final project, you will be developing an independent research project that takes up a current labor-related issue on a national or local scale.  The purpose of your argument (e.g. to assert, to prevail, to inquire, or to negotiate differences) is entirely up to you, as is your audience and form.  
Your project will be made up of four components:  an annotated bibliography, a prospectus, a multi-modal presentation, and an argumentative research essay of 2,500-3750 words.  
Grade Distribution:  
Annotated Bibliography:   15%
Prospectus:     10%
PechaKucha Presentation:  5%
Entering Pubic Debate Paper: 25%

Annotated Bibliography:  An annotated bibliography is a works cited page with a brief summary and analysis of each work.  As an early step in the research process, it provides the author with an inventory of information that can be referred to quickly while drafting.  For this paper, you will be providing bibliographic citations and short (200-word minimum) analytical summaries of at least ten sources, including no fewer than three peer-reviewed academic sources.  Your analytical summaries should incorporate concrete detail and quotation.  Consider using the writing strategies we discussed in class:  the believing game, rhetorical precis, etc.    

Prospectus:  A prospectus is a short proposal for your research.  It includes a provisional thesis, a description of background or context explaining the timeliness of your research, and a plan for how you will develop your writing in terms of intended genre and audience.  Approximately 500-600 words.  

Argumentative Research Essay:  Examining a "problem of consequence" connected to labor on a national or local scale.  2500-3750 words (8-12 pages) with bibliography in MLA format containing at least 5 citations.      

PechaKucha Presentation:  Your final presentation will recast the argument of your research project as a PechaKucha slideshow, using 20 slides for 20 seconds each (6:40 total). 80% of your presentation grade will be based on your own presentation. The remaining 20% will be based on your attendance and participation for your classmates' presentations.    

"Umbrella Topics":  An umbrella topic is a "big idea" that contains within it many subtopics.  For this assignment, you will want to narrow your focus as much as possible, looking for a "problem of consequence" that 1) affects a large number of people; 2) requires a complex solution; and 3) is a site of ongoing disagreement between stakeholders.  Potential umbrella topics for this paper include subjects such as:  

• Income Inequality (Minimum Wage, Living Wage, Universal Basic Income, etc.) 
• The Gig Economy
• Wage Theft
• Child Labor Laws (Undocumented workers in meatpacking, roofing, etc.)
• Work from Home 
• Non-Compete Clauses, Non-Disclosure Agreements 
• Salary and Treatment of Campus Staff  
• Higher Education (Return on Investment)
• On-site Childcare, Support for Breastfeeding Mothers  
• Individual and Collective Bargaining ("Right to Work" legislation, labor unions, etc.)
• Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Generational Differences in the Workplace  

 

Summary of Epidemiological Findings

 

The Reuters article reports on the release of a new analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), which is a key outlet for public health surveillance and epidemiological findings in the U.S.

The study examined data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a large, cross-sectional national survey, focusing on self-reported workplace injury and illness rates across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States from 2017–2020. This type of analysis, which studies the distribution and causes of health-related states in populations, is a classic example of epidemiology.

 

Key Quantitative Findings:

 

The report's findings highlight significant racial disparities in occupational health, supporting the idea that a "problem of consequence" exists.

Injury/Illness Prevalence:

The overall prevalence of self-reported work-related injuries or illnesses over the past 12 months was 3.5% for all working adults.

Disparity for Hispanic Workers (High Risk):

Hispanic workers reported the highest prevalence of work-related injuries or illnesses at 4.1%.

The article notes that this group is disproportionately represented in high-risk industries like construction and agriculture, which are known for high rates of occupational injury.

Disparity for Black Workers (Low Reporting/Underestimation):

Black, non-Hispanic workers reported the lowest prevalence at 2.8%.

The epidemiological analysis, however, suggested this rate may be an underestimation due to employment patterns, such as a higher proportion of Black workers in healthcare and social assistance jobs, where injuries are less visible but more often go unreported due to fear of retaliation or the nature of musculoskeletal injuries.

White and Asian Worker Rates:

White, non-Hispanic workers reported a prevalence of 3.4%.

Asian, non-Hispanic workers reported a prevalence of 3.2%.

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sounds like an engaging and comprehensive final project! To help you start your research, here is a mass media article published within the last year that describes findings of a current epidemiological study related to a labor-related umbrella topic: Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Generational Differences in the Workplace.This sounds like an engaging and comprehensive final project! To help you start your research, here is a mass media article published within the last year that describes findings of a current epidemiological study related to a labor-related umbrella topic: Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Generational Differences in the Workplace.

Aced Essays

Free Resources