Podcast: Create a Podcast for Positive Change

ENGL 111 – Fall 2023

Important Details
Due dates on Canvas by 11:59 p.m.:
 Topic, three sources: Monday, November 20
 Script outline: Monday, November 27
 Recording draft due: Wednesday, December 6
 Final draft: Monday, December 11
Length: 5-7 minutes
Percentage of final grade: 10%
Number of sources: 3 outside sources
Citation style: MLA
Document design: 12-point font, 1” margins, Times New Roman or Calibri font
Acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .pdf (do not submit Google Docs or you will not receive credit)

Assignment Description
For this project, I am asking you to investigate the following question: What is a problem or issue in your
community that you want to see change for the better or you want people to understand in a new light?
Explain the issue and a solution or the issue and the way you want people to see it differently.

To answer this question, I want you to create a podcast in Podcastle to teach others about the issue and
advocate for positive change in connection to the issue. This is an audio text, but you will create a
written script before recording.

In creating your podcast, I ask that you employ the techniques of effective podcasting we will learn about
in this sequence. Your podcast should include a compelling introduction, a clear argument, story or
information to back up your argument, quotes from interview(s), and background music and sound
effects where appropriate. In particular, draw on the example podcasts from this unit to consider how
you can use your podcast to impact your community positively.

Audience
You will share this podcast with the class in a final podcast listening gallery.

Requirements
 Record a 5-7 minute podcast created using Podcastle.
 Explain the topic and its relevance to your audience.
 Integrate appropriate and relevant research to back up your ideas (scholarly sources, statistics,
newspaper articles, etc.).
 Create a works cited list including three citations, following MLA requirements.
 Use appropriate music, sound effects, etc. to make your podcast.
 The final draft should be polished, and you should make significant changes from the first draft
to the final.

Grading
I will be listening for a thorough examination of a topic that includes a strong argument. Because we will
be spending a lot of time in class learning how to craft podcasts, I do expect you to have a polished audio
recording. Your podcast script will be graded separately but is also due on the same day.