As teenagers you face peer pressure every day. In order to
fit into a particular group, you may or may not conform to the patterns
that others follow. For this assignment, you are being asked to
address the question:
By the end of this unit, you should be able to answer this question in
your own way. You may choose to answer this question by writing a
short story, making a movie, composing a song, or creating a PowerPoint.
Let your imaginations run wild!
So, what do you do? Although the final product for your project
is up to you, there are a few steps and guidelines for you to follow. (Of
course!)
1. First and foremost, you need to understand the definition of
conformity. Look up the word in a dictionary, but also look beyond
the dictionary definition to determine what sorts of people and events in the world
have helped to define and coin the image of conformity.
2. Next, investigate different aspects of the idea behind conforming.
Answer these questions: What are the advantages and disadvantages of
conforming to society's expectations? Why do people conform?
What standards are they conforming to? Who sets and maintains these
standards? What happens to non-conformists?
3.
Develop a theory
about conformity. This theory (or conclusion) may be based on a
person, place, event, or thing (etc.). For example, you could
identify the difference between fad and fashion by examining bell bottoms
or hip huggers. Or, you could examine a particular person in history
and develop a theory about the impact this person had on the masses.
4.
Create a question concerning your theory. Using the above example,
your question could be "How do your clothes determine if you
are a conformist or non-conformist?" OR "How does the music of
non-conformist musician Bob Marley affect the popular music of
today?"
5. Once your
question is developed, you need to investigate all aspects of that
question. Collect research using a variety of sources to support
your theory. As you conduct your investigation, your focus may
change slightly. Make sure that your question reflects the
investigation. Reword your question if necessary. Think about the
following information:
- What is the significance of this individual, group, or event?
- How has this individual, group or event been accepted in society?
- How has society influenced this particular individual, group or
event?
- In what areas of life does this individual, group or event
conform?
- In what areas of life does this individual, group or event
non-conform?
- Does this particular individual, group or event have any advice
for society?
6. Consider what will be
the best way to present your theory to the class. Continuing with the
topics above, you could create a fashion show of fads throughout the
century. Or, you could play music by Bob Marley and other artists
who have utilized his style.
7.
Once you have decided how to present your theory, make sure there is
plenty of content. It will not be enough to have a fashion show if
you don't explain the history behind the trends. How will this relate to
the overall driving question about conformity? Don't lose sight of
that.
8. Cite your
sources!!! If you are reporting when and where Bob Marley was
born, tell us where you found that information. Obviously the
information did not just appear in a crystal ball before you. Cite
your sources!!!
9. Organize
your presentation. Make sure it has a logical pattern of
organization, and includes a list of sources that follow proper MLA
format.
10. Rehearse your
presentation. Whether it is a PowerPoint on Bob Marley, a fashion
show, or poems you wrote and plan to share, practicing will point out
any glaring errors you missed, help you prepare properly, and decrease
any stage fright you may have.
