Content
Data collection and use are having a profound and unprecedented impact on our world. Data are constantly being generated by consumers and then collected, bought, and sold. This use of data mining presents many new possibilities to better understand and analyze human behavior, but data collection challenges existing notions of privacy.
Your goal is to learn about the use of data mining and privacy concerns associated with using it. Unlike in previous projects in our class, you will choose one of the primary sources for this project. Your choice should follow your interest but must include a field based on human-generated big data focused around an in-depth discussion of privacy. For example, if you want to become a medical assistant, you will use the library databases to learn about data use in the medical field. Another possibility is learning about big data’s effect in fields that might affect any of us, such as the use of big data in social media marketing, college admissions, the job market, law enforcement (federal or local), or marketing. Animal studies fields would not be acceptable for this project because privacy is not an issue.
You will develop a main argument about the pros and cons of data use, with an in-depth look at privacy concerns. Your evidence should support your claims and will be based mainly on your sources, not your personal experience. You will be integrating your ideas with others’ when you make multiple references to three reliable sources.
Medium
You will have three options for the final project. Select the form that you believe will best allow you to educate your audience about your stance on data and privacy in a particular field or area.
- Academic essay: 4-5 page essay, including Works Cited page
- Podcast: 4- to 6-minute podcast (3-4 page script) in interview or narrative format
- Video (choose one):
- 4- to 6-minute interview style video (3-4 page script) or
- 4- to 6-minute voice-over video based on 5-10 slide deck
Required Sources
- At least one text source from the sources listed on the Data Resources page
- At least two other reliable sources (these can be text, audio, or visual sources from the Data Resources page) or another reliable source that you located through UNE database. Any source that is not on the Data Resources page must be brought to class for review (printed and annotated).
Optional: other sources that may not be as in-depth, such as audio news segments in addition to the three main sources
Other Resources
- Little Seagull for guidance on assessing sources, research methods, MLA format, and other style issues
- They Say, I Say for guidance on integrating evidence from sources, constructing claims, structure, and reading academic texts
Due Dates and Expectations
- Working thesis, formal pre-writing, and choice of medium due as ePortfolio post by 11 am on Tuesday, November 12 (no class due to Veteran’s Day observance); group design of peer review and peer review in class on Thursday, November 14
- First draft with integration of three main sources due Thursday, November 14 (via Google Docs)
- Conferences: Thursday, November 14 thorugh Wednesday, November 20 (self-select conference provider: Jen or Vic; consider DigiSpace for tech support)
- Final draft due Tuesday, November 26 by beginning of class (via Google Docs and ePortfolio link for audio and visual presentations)
- No class on Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving break)
To view writing process and rubrics, click Data Project.
