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Assignment Overview
Title: Multimodal Argumentative Research Project on a topic relevant to the culture of UAE

Objective: To present compelling arguments to support your point of view
* Students are required to start with an outline before they start working on their multimodal projects.

Project Components

1. Length and Format:
   • Slides: 10-12 slides (excluding title and reference slides)
   • Presentation: 5 minutes in length
   • Visual Elements: Use images, videos, infographics, or other multimedia elements to support arguments
2. Slide Breakdown:
   • Slide 1: Title Slide
     • Title of the essay
     • Student`s name
     • Course details
     • Date
   • Slides 2-3: Introduction
     • Briefly introduce and define the topic
     • Explain its significance
     • Include a hook
     • State the thesis statement
   • Slide 4-5: Argument 1
     • Write down your first main argument
     • Find 2 or 3 supporting arguments related to your main argument
     • Provide evidence from your sources
   • Slide 6-7: Argument 2
     • Write down your second main argument
     • Find 2 or 3 supporting arguments related to your main argument
     • Provide evidence from your sources
   • Slide 8: Addressing a Counterargument
     • Present a common counterargument against your argument
   • Slide 9: Rebuttal
     • Offer a rebuttal to the counterargument
     • Provide evidence or examples supporting it 
• Slide 10: Strategies / Recommendations
  • Suggest ways and strategies (e.g., education, community programs, policies)
  • Highlight any existing initiatives in the UAE
• Slide 11: Conclusion
  • Summarize the main points
  • Reiterate the thesis and the importance of your argument
• Slide 12: References
  • List all sources used in the presentation

Additional Guidelines

• Research Requirements:
  • Minimum of 5 credible sources (academic articles from ZU library, articles websites)
  • Encourage the use of local resources (e.g., cultural institutions, government websites)
• Multimodal Elements:
  • Incorporate various media formats (e.g., images, videos, graphs) to enhance the argument and engage the audience.
  • Ensure all multimedia elements are relevant and well-integrated.
• Presentation Skills:
  • Students need to practice clear speaking and eye contact.
  • Students need to engage the audience and respond to any questions.

Assessment Criteria

• Content: Clarity and strength of argument, depth of research, understanding of the topic
• Organization: Logical flow of slides and ideas
• Multimodal Use: Effective incorporation of visual elements
• Presentation: Delivery, engagement, and clarity of speech
• References: Proper citation and credibility of sources

Some suggested applications you may use for your project:

• Powerpoint
• Canva
• Prezi
• Imovie
• Lumen 5 etc.

SUGGESTED TOPICS

Topic 1: Preserving Cultural Heritage in the UAE: Balancing Progress and Tradition
Assignment description: In this assignment, you will compose a multimodal argumentative essay that explores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the UAE while navigating the challenges posed by modernization and globalization. You are expected to present a compelling argument for the preservation of cultural heritage, address potential counterarguments, and provide rebuttals to those counterarguments.

SAMPLE:

Assignment components:

● Research Phase:
Conduct research on the cultural heritage of the UAE, including traditional practices, historical sites, and cultural artifacts
Identify key challenges to the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of modernization and globalization
Gather data, statistics, and case studies to support your argument

● Composition Phase:
Develop a clear thesis statement that presents your argument for the preservation of cultural heritage in the UAE
Organize your argument and supporting evidence into a coherent essay structure
Identify a potential counterargument that may challenge your thesis and a rebuttal to further argue for your position.

● Multimodal Presentation Phase:
Create a multimodal presentation of your argument, incorporating the modes chosen in the composition phase.
Deliver your presentation to the class, highlighting key points from your essay and addressing the counterargument and rebuttal.
Engage in a Q&A session with your peers to discuss your ideas and receive feedback 

By engaging with this assignment, you will not only develop your critical thinking and writing skills but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue on cultural preservation in the UAE, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex issues and engage in informed debate.

Topic 2: Youth Empowerment in the UAE: A Call to Action
Assignment description: In this assignment, you will compose a multimodal argumentative essay that addresses the topic of youth empowerment in the UAE. You are encouraged to explore various dimensions of youth empowerment, including education, employment, civic engagement, and cultural preservation. Your essay should propose actionable solutions and advocate for meaningful change to empower youth in the UAE.

Topic 3: Sustainable Development in the UAE: Striking a Balance
Assignment description: In this project, you will create a multimodal argumentative essay that explores the concept of sustainable development in the UAE. You will present arguments in favor of sustainable development, address potential counterarguments, and provide rebuttals to those counterarguments.

Topic 4: Visual Advocacy: Addressing Plastic Pollution in the UAE
Assignment description: In this project, you will create a multimodal advocacy piece to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the UAE. You will use visual elements, such as photographs, videos, infographics, and artwork, to convey your message and engage your audience. Your goal is to inspire action and promote sustainable practices to reduce plastic waste in the UAE.

FYE-140 Multimodal Project Outline

Plastic pollution in UAE

I. Introduction: 100 words

1. Hook:
   According to an Environment Agency Abu Dhabi survey, it is estimated that the average person in the UAE uses around 500 single-use plastic bottles per year Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD, 2023)
2. Context:

Background on Plastic Use and Waste in the UAE

3. A whopping 11 billion plastic bags are used annually, according to statistics from UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water. This goes on to add up to an annual overall waste of 912.5 kilogram per capita (Zhang et al., 2023)

Addressing Plastic Pollution for a Sustainable Future
As most plastic waste ends up in landfills, oceans and desserts, plastic has a negative impact on the environment as well as on public health; therefore, the UAE government should work more on reducing plastic pollution and improve recycling programs. 

II. Body Paragraphs 400 words

A. Body Paragraph 1 The Environmental cost of Plastic Waste
Supporting argument 1
Zhang et al. (2023) discusses the environmental cost of plastic waste: Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down polluting oceans which causes fishes to eat plastic and die polluting the ocean.
Supporting argument 2: Kibria et al. (2023), discusses the strategies for reducing plastic waste : to reduce environmental cost we must cut put plastic, recycle more and switch to much greener products.

B. Body Paragraph 2 Public Health Consequences of Plastic Pollution ,Plastic pollution can lead to serious risks to human health and affect water with germs ,where scientists found that small plastic particles have been found in drinking water
Supporting argument 1
Plastics in the environment can also attract harmful bacteria and toxins, which may affect public health (Galloway, 2015).
Supporting argument 2
Ormsby et al. (2023), discussed the public health and plastic pollution

C. Counterargument the Argument against Plastic Reduction ,Plastic waste is helpful as its harmful, where it can create new industries creating new job opportunities

D. Rebuttal Moving Beyond Plastic: Solutions and Alternatives

III. Conclusion: 100 words
a) (Summary of the main arguments like The Environmental Toll of Plastic Waste, Public Health Consequences of Plastic Pollution, the Argument for Plastic Reduction)
b) Reinforcement of thesis “Addressing Plastic Pollution for a Sustainable Future” in light of new arguments
c) Call to action

IV. References
Add a list of at least 5 sources in APA format.