The Power of Inquiry:
Social Media & Its ImpactA Unit of Study for AP Seminar
Enduring Understandings
By the end of this unit, students will understand that...
- The research process is iterative and recursive; inquiry is not a linear process.
- Perspectives shape understanding. To fully understand a complex issue, one must consider multiple viewpoints.
- Effective arguments are evidence-based. The credibility and relevance of sources are crucial for a valid argument.
- Communication is intentional. The way an argument is presented affects how the audience perceives it.
Essential Questions
- How does social media influence our understanding of the world and ourselves?
- How can we evaluate the credibility of information we encounter on social media?
- What are the intended and unintended consequences of using social media, for both individuals and for society?
- How do different social media platforms shape the conversations and arguments around an issue?
- In what ways do our personal biases and experiences affect our engagement with online content?
Learning Objectives & Skills
By the end of this unit, students will be able to...
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Question & Explore: Formulate an open-ended research question about a social media-related issue.
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Understand & Analyze: Identify an author’s thesis, claims, and line of reasoning within a given text.
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Evaluate Multiple Perspectives: Compare and contrast different perspectives on a social media issue.
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Synthesize Ideas: Formulate a preliminary argument using evidence from multiple sources.
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Team, Transform, & Transmit: Present findings clearly and coherently to a small group of peers.