Current Event on the Supreme Court

How to Produce a Current Event Summary

GOV 352.01

Step 1:  Research the relevant topic to find a current event that relates to the chapter we are studying.  To be “current” your event must have occurred on or after May 1, 2019. Your resource for your current event should be a well-respected newspaper, magazine or journal such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, The New Yorker, or The Harvard Civil Rights, Civil Liberties Law Review.

Step 2:  Summarize your current event by including all relevant details such as who, what, where, when and how.

Step 3:  Provide your analysis of the article and the event it describes. For example, explain if you disagree with the reporting of the event, if you know additional information about the event from other things you have read or discussed, and/or explain how the article broadened your knowledge of the topic.

Step 4:  Be sure to include a citation and link to your current event. Be sure the link works!Also, include any references that you used to conduct additional research (if needed).

LENGTH: Your current event essay must be between 300 and 450 words. Do not exceed 450 words (excluding citations/references).  Additionally, at least 200 words must be your analysis and reaction to the event. The summary of the event should appear first. Your analysis and reaction should appear in a separate paragraph.

Your summary will be evaluated based on relevance, completeness, clarity, critical thinking, and the degree to which your essay engages the reader.  Written products will also be evaluated for grammar, punctuation, and syntax.

A current event is due every week on Mondays at 9:00 AM. You will present a current event twice during the semester. See SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS and select your letter (A-K). Late assignments will be accepted for half credit.