Assignments: Informal Proposal

Initially, please take a look at the Wiki Article Assignment

Once you are familiar with the Wiki Article Assignment, I would like your group to collaboratively author a 250-500 word memo, sent as e-mail to me (jim.collier@vt.edu), that proposes a topic and approach to the assignment. The purpose of the memo is to get the group started on the project. At this stage, the more developed and detailed the informal proposal, the better.

I offer the following thought questions as a basis for the content of the memo. You need not answer these questions directly:

• What scientific or technological controversy has the group selected for the project? What, exactly, is the controversy and how is science or technology involved?
• What position will the group take on the controversy?
• Do members disagree about the group's position? If so, how will the disagreement be expressed? (Please consult the Background section of the article assignment.)
• How will the group structure the wiki article? What will be the responsibilities of individual group members (what will individual group members do)?
• What resources have you gathered for the wiki article? What are, or will be, your major sources?
• What questions do you have for me regarding the assignment?


An important component of your informal proposal will be a schedule of tasks. As you write this proposal, please take a look at the course calendar, due dates and the like, and set forth tasks and deadlines for the group's work. While you will not follow the schedule slavishly, please be as specific as possible about the responsibilities of group members and when those responsibilities will be met. Please provide specific dates for the project's deadlines.

Requirements

Due: No later than midnight June 13:

• A 250-500 word informal proposal, written collaboratively, as e-mail sent to me — jim.collier@vt.edu.
I will respond with recommendations for your project.