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Instructions
For this assignment you are required to attend a local government meeting or observe a virtual recording of a public meeting. This assignment can be completed any time prior to the due date. The meeting must be open to the public and part of the planning process but can be at any level of government. You are to attend the meeting then write a summary that might be publishable on the local government website. The assignment should be approximately 3-5 pages long. It should include information such as who sponsored the meeting, what was proposed, what the reaction by those in attendance was, results of a vote, and proposed future action. The largest part of the write up should be your analysis of the main issue addressed. Think along the following lines as you compile your summary: brief overview of the issue (situate in its local context and identify its importance in that context), relate how (and if) the meeting articulates what is at stake in the issue, and for which interested parties, report at what stage of the policy making process the issue is currently at along with any relevant antecedents, outline the roles of the various participants, determine who has the most influence on this issue, etc. Here is an example of a real summary dealing with “Downtown Financing Options.” While it is a little succinct and does not contain all of the elements outlined above, it does an excellent job of situating the issue, noting what is at stake, and organizing a wealth of information into a clear, persuasive report.
Grading Rubic
Thesis/Topic is clearly defined and well-constructed to help
guid

e the reader through the paper. Student builds upon the thesis statement
with well-documented and exceptional supporting facts, figures and/or
statements with appropriate citations. Student uses appropriate scholarly sources
Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject
matter. Written product shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability
to relate disciplinary content to practical examples and applications. Student
provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical
sequence.
Student demonstrates high-level critical thinking
necessary for graduate level work. Student provides a strategic approach in
presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing
logical conclusions that are not immediately obvious. Student presents a
genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout his/her written product.
An original, unique and/or imaginative approach to
overall ideas, concepts and/or findings is presented. Overall format of written
product includes an appropriate introduction, well-developed paragraphs, and
conclusion exist. Finished written product demonstrates Student’s ability to
plan and organize research material in a logical sequence. Student uses correct
citation style.
Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar as
well as presents materials in a clear and concise writing style. Student
presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage and sentence
structure. The written product is virtually error-free and reflects Student’s
ability to prepare graduate-level writing for possible peer-reviewed (refereed)
journal.