The final blog post will be a 1500-word post that has a clearly defined argument supported by evidence. The difference with the final blog post is that you will be required to analyze data collected via a survey that will be done in the course.
Think of the final blog post as combining a data assignment with an op-ed blog post.
There are three sections.
Opening: What’s the hook (the reason the reader should pay attention)? What’s the main point and argument of the post?
Evidence: Support your argument with evidence. In the final blog post, you will be using survey data collected in the course. You should create a figure or graph that conveys the main point of your post or provides evidence for your argument. In addition, you should also bring in other studies that you find independently to buttress your points.
Ending: What idea do you want the reader to be left with? Is there a call to action?
References: A list of sources you used for your blog post. In-lieu of credentials, the references will signal some level of expertise on the topic. The more sources the better.
Any topic that you can generate that will allow you to use the data in the survey (religion, mental health, alcohol/drug usage, honor code, major in college). Your topic must include religion. Here are some examples: Does religion improve mental health?, Does religosity lead to decreases in binge drinking?, Are STEM related majors less likely to be religious?.
Select a point that you want to make regarding the topic.
Find a figure or graph that best conveys your point or provides evidence in favor of your argument. You typically can capture an image of it (on a Mac use: Shift+Command+4 ) and save as a .png in the same folder as your markdown file. You can then insert this in your markdown file like this {width=80%}
Generate a figure or graph from the survey data that either provides evidence or motivates your argument.
Basic: A blog post that has an opening with a main point, evidence, and an ending. Use a figure/graph from another study or source in the evidence section. No tables! If you find a table that you want to use, convert it to a figure. Expected number of sources (+3). Think of doing a standard blog post for this tier.
Complete: Basic + evidence using the survey data from the class. An additional figure/graph using data from the class survey. A presentation is prepared and delivered on the assigned class day. Expected number of sources (+6) Think of combining a standard blog post with a data assignment for this tier.
Extensive: Complete + a well written blog post where the writer clearly controls the pace, rhythm, and variety of sentences.Sentences move smoothly from one to the next. Aesthetically the post is clear and easy to read; this includes any figures or graphs. All coding should be hidden in the html. There should be a compelling hook in th opening to grab the readers interest as well as a thought-provoking ending. Expected number of sources (+9).
I can review your work and give guidance on the likely tier of your proposal. I can also offer suggestions on what can be done to reach the next tier. Please allow up to 5 days for a review.