Using the topic chosen by your group, create a conversational podcast episode. The episode should be about 30 minutes in length and include the members of your group. The podcast should also include audio samples that bring research or other relevant materials into the conversation. One member of your group should serve as the media person who will be in charge of playing samples and editing the final version of the project. Here are more details:

Research driven: The podcast should provide an alternative means of exploring the research question(s) you have developed related to your topic. As such, it should include significant research. Each of you will conduct research, so you will want to coordinate so that you cover a range of concerns related to the topic. You will submit biblographies early in the process. 

Conversational, yet focused: You will need to develop as a group a "script" that consists of talking points/prompts, quotations from sources, and plans for media samples. The script will serve as a roadmap, but you may end up with a few detours along the way. Aim for a somewhat casual tone applied to a serious topic.

Captured live: You will record the podcast in a live session. You will need to do significant planning and practice so that the recording session goes smoothly and takes up the key points you want to discuss. We will go over these logistics in class. Recording will take place on July 10th and 11th (adjusted if needed.)

Post-production clean up: Once you capture the conversation, you will want to do extra work in an audio editor to smoothly integrate high quality audio versions of samples you discuss. You can also clean up noise, adjust volumes, add music and transitions, etc. We will go over this in class.

This assignment should give you an opportunity to think about how audio formats can be used to communicate. You can think of it as a kind of presentation mixed with a conversation. You are responsible for conducting research and sharing it via an audio format. You will create a compelling discussion about the topic as a means of doing so. And you will polish the audio piece so that it is a solid composition.

Here are details about the key milestones:

Bibliography and Media--due July 8th

Talking points and media soundboard--due by end of class July 9th. (I will provide a handout with details.)

Research Reflection--due July 15th

Capture the conversation, and then complete the post-recording production and editing. Upload the finished episode to our web site on July 11th.