Each individual student will prepare a memo identifying and discussing the societal problem that you would like to study and research with your group. It should include a discussion of why you think the problem is important and should be addressed, what level of government or other policy making agency is responsible for dealing with the problem (it may involve more than one). It should also look at any current policies that address the problem either in your community (jurisdiction) or other communities and what the disadvantages and advantages that policy has and how it may be improved or replaced. Include what other “big picture” policy implications are involved with this particular issue. The memo should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words (about three pages, Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1 inch margins, double spaced) and include a bibliography including the citation of the sources used for the memo.

Grading Rubric

Grammar, Punctuation, spelling: 20%

Identification of Societal Problem & Discussion of its Importance: 15%

Identification & Discussion of Governmental or Policy Making Entity(ies) Responsible: 15%

Identification and Discussion of Current Policies covering the Issue/Problem (in your jurisdiction/community): 20%

Identification and Discussion of how other Jurisdictions (States, Cities etc) Address the Issue/Problem: 15%

Discussion of the “Big Picture” Societal Policy(ies) Implicated with the Issue/Problem: 15%