Grade 12 Government and Economics: Capstone Project Prompt

Interdisciplinary Capstone Project: Government and Economics

Overview: The Capstone Project serves as a culminating assessment for Grade 12 students, designed to demonstrate mastery of essential skills acquired throughout high school, particularly in research, analytical writing, public speaking, and project management. This long-term project requires students to delve deeply into a significant issue at the intersection of government and economics, culminating in a final written submission and an oral defense.

Project Components and Expectations:

Students are required to undertake a multi-component assessment that includes the following:

1. Topic Selection

Students will select a significant, researchable issue or challenge that lies at the intersection of government and economics. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• The economic impact of a specific public policy (e.g., minimum wage laws, healthcare reform, environmental regulations).
• Government intervention in markets (e.g., subsidies, price controls, nationalization).
• Global trade agreements and their economic and political ramifications.
• Healthcare economics and policy debates.
• Environmental policy and its economic implications.
• Wealth inequality and government responses.
• Fiscal or monetary policy debates and their real-world effects.

The chosen topic must allow for in-depth analysis and demonstrate a clear understanding of both governmental structures/policies and fundamental economic principles.

2. In-depth Research

Students must conduct thorough research utilizing a variety of credible, academic, and diverse sources. These may include:

• Scholarly articles and peer-reviewed journals.
• Government data and official reports (e.g., CBO, BLS, World Bank).
• Economic reports and analyses from reputable institutions (e.g., IMF, OECD, Federal Reserve).
• Think tank analyses and policy briefs.
• Reputable news organizations known for their investigative journalism and factual reporting.

The research process should aim to gather comprehensive evidence, relevant data, and diverse perspectives related to their chosen topic.

3. Thesis/Research Question Development

A clear, arguable thesis statement or a well-defined research question must be formulated. This central idea will guide the entire project, providing focus for research, analysis, and conclusions. It should demonstrate original thought and intellectual curiosity.

4. Written Thesis/Research Paper

Students will produce a substantial research paper (approximately 2500-4000 words or 10-15 pages, excluding bibliography). This paper must:

• Present research findings, analysis, and well-supported conclusions.
• Demonstrate strong argumentation, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of the topic.
• Exhibit clear organization, logical flow, and academic rigor.
• Adhere strictly to a consistent academic citation style (e.g., MLA or APA style) for all sources.

5. Formal Presentation

A formal oral presentation (approximately 12-18 minutes, followed by a Q&A session) will be delivered to an assessment panel (composed of teachers, administrators, and/or community members). The presentation should:

• Effectively summarize key findings and the significance of the research.
• Clearly explain complex concepts and interdisciplinary connections.
• Articulate the student's thesis and supporting arguments.
• Address potential counter-arguments or alternative perspectives.
• Engage the audience through clear communication and professional delivery.
• Utilize professional visual aids (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint, Prezi) to enhance understanding and engagement.

6. Comprehensive Portfolio Assembly

A digital or physical portfolio must be compiled, containing all project components. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The final research paper.
• Presentation slides/notes.
• A comprehensive annotated bibliography of all sources used.
• Evidence of the research process (e.g., research logs, outlines, early drafts).
• A reflective journal documenting the project management process, challenges encountered, problem-solving strategies, and personal learning insights.

7. Portfolio Defense/Oral Examination

Students will participate in a formal questioning session with the assessment panel. During this defense, students must be prepared to articulate and defend their research, findings, and conclusions. This component is designed to assess the student's depth of understanding of their topic and their ability to demonstrate the interdisciplinary connections between government and economics.

Academic Integrity and Originality:

All work submitted for the Capstone Project must be entirely original and adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism, in any form, will result in severe penalties, including a failing grade for the project and potential disciplinary action. Students are expected to properly cite all sources and acknowledge the contributions of others to their research. Use of AI tools must be appropriately attributed and integrated in a way that supports, rather than replaces, original thought and analysis.

Assessment Criteria:

Evaluation of the Capstone Project will focus on the student's ability to demonstrate:

• Interdisciplinary Connections: Clear and insightful integration of government structures, policies, and economic principles throughout the project.
• Critical Thinking & Analysis: Sophisticated analysis of the chosen issue, demonstrating the ability to evaluate information, synthesize diverse perspectives, and draw reasoned conclusions.
• Research Skills: Proficiency in locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information from a variety of credible sources.
• Analytical Writing: Clarity, coherence, depth, and academic rigor in the written paper, including strong argumentation and proper citation.
• Effective Communication (Written & Oral): Ability to convey complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively in both written and oral formats.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage a long-term project, including planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving.

Depth of Analysis:

Students are expected to move beyond descriptive summaries to provide in-depth analysis. This includes:

• Applying relevant government and economic theories, models, and concepts to their chosen issue.
• Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships and potential trade-offs of policies or economic phenomena.
• Evaluating the effectiveness and implications of various governmental and economic approaches.
• Considering different perspectives and acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the issue.