Final Final Project Assignment Update Post

I think this is the final list of information for the Final Project before converting it into formal assignment form (my first group of students will begin the project Tuesday):

Ok, so here's the list of what was established:

• I want them to create a presentation of some sort based onThe Daily Show. The content of the presentations will be based on places and times we have studied throughout the year (prehistory -> Renaissance in the West, and Ming Dynasty in the East)
• The final product needs to be completed the week of June 20
• Groups will have 5-6 people
• Each group will have the option of presenting a video or "live" in class. Groups presenting live will be required to submit a script.
• Each group will have the option of choosing to concentrate on either a certain time, or a certain place, with teacher approval.
• Each group will be assessed on [at least] Humor/Entertainment Value, Accuracy (and existence) of historical content, Professionalism of presentation (sets, visual aides, costumes, etc). Once we actually get started with putting the projects together, we will discuss and construct a very specific rubric so each group knows what the expectations are.
• There will be a blogging requirement for each group
• Individuals will have assigned roles in the group.
• I will make groups
• On the first day of the project, the groups will be responsible for turning in a list of a) assigned roles b) a list of check-points. The individual groups will determine what both the roles and check-points are, but I must approve them.
• Each group will have a blog set up for them. Students will be required to post to the blog before each class meeting. I will provide a discussion topic for each meeting. There will also be a smaller requirement to post comments on other groups' blogs.
• There will be both a group and an individual grade. The group grade will be based on meeting the check-points and the final product. The individual grade will be based on participation and effort in the blog. I reserve the right to also grade an individual different from the group if she/he does not make an equal contribution to the group (note that this is not just someone who does no work, but also someone who dominates the group).

The last additions:

• The total grade for the project will be determined by the presentation (60%), participation in the group blog (30%), and meeting the project deadlines (10%)
• All deadlines will be set by the group, with my approval
• The final presentation will be about 22 minutes long
• The final presentation will be made up of 3 different segments.
• The first segment will be an in-depth report on a major news story. This segment must include at least one "on the scene" report from a correspondent. This segment also must include at least one "news clip" (i.e. you need to re-enact the news story you're reporting on to some degree)
• The second segment can be another news story, a feature story, a "where are they now" segment, a "Back in Black" rant on the stupidity of something, or anything else they do on the Daily Show with approval.
• The third segment will be an interview with a celebrity, artist, or politician.
• There will be a "task" to complete during each class meeting. Completing these tasks will count as grades for the 4th quarter (County policy is that I have to have 2 grades/week, otherwise I wouldn't do this. These should be gimme points)

Some thoughts on picking groups and group sizes to come later this evening (I hope).
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Hit the comment link and share your thoughts.