Module Two Lesson One Activity Rubric (1)

Directions: Today your task is to choose a current (within the last 4 months) newspaper article that discusses the concepts that are associated with the business cycle and any of the other economic measures we have discussed. You will then write a brief reflection on the article. Below you will be given a list of topics that should be discussed in your article. You only need to have one of the topics found in your article. Below, you will also find a list of websites you can use to find this article. Finally, you will be given a list of talking points that should be included in your reflection and a rubric to guide you.

Topics discussed that should be found in your news article

• Gross Domestic Product
• Inflation (CPI)
• Unemployment Rate and Changes in employment
• Consumer Spending/ Consumer confidence
• Business Cycle (recession/ expansion)
• Congress and Fiscal Policy
• The Federal Reserve/ Monetary Policy

Approved Websites you should use to find this article.

• www.newyorktimes.com
• http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032542/site/newsweek/
• http://www.washingtonpost.com/
• http://www.economist.com/
• http://www.usatoday.com/
• http://www.newsobserver.com/
• http://www.wral.com/

What you should include in your one page (500 words) reflection

• Definition of terms used - (Define all terms that relate to the study of economics)
• Summary of the article - (Discuss what was reported in the article, when the article refers to, and where the data/information came from.)
• The economic significance of topic - (Why is this printed in a major newspaper? Why did we discuss it in class?)
• Link the article you have found to your reflection.

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization

20 ptsInformation is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs.

15 ptsInformation is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.

10 ptsInformation is organized, but paragraphs are not well-constructed.

5 ptsThe information appears to be disorganized.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality of Information

20 ptsInformation clearly relates to the main topic. Reflection meets all requirements. It includes several supporting details and/or examples.

15 ptsInformation clearly relates to the main topic. Reflection meets most requirements. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples.

10 ptsInformation clearly relates to the main topic. Reflection meet some requirements. No details and/or examples are given.

5 ptsInformation has little or nothing to do with the main topic. Reflections does not meet requirements.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics

20 ptsNo grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.

15 ptsAlmost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.

10 ptsA few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors.

5 ptsMany grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources

20 ptsSources are accurately documented in MLA format. At least one source in article.

15 ptsSources are documented, but not in MLA format. At least one source in article.

10 ptsSources are present, but no format whatsoever.

5 ptsSources are not present.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollows Guides

20 ptsFollows all assignment guidelines.

15 ptsFollows most assignment guidelines.

10 ptsFollowing some assignment guidelines.

5 ptsDoes not follow guidelines.

20 pts

Total Points: 100