1. What IS a Personal Interest Project?
• Using appropriate methodologies, a student spends three terms researching a focussed topic that is of interest to him/her, can be connected to Society and Culture through the course concepts and which includes a cross-cultural perspective.
2. What does doing the PIP do for a student?
• Learn invaluable research skills
• On completion, an exhilarating sense of achievement
• becomes a genuine ‘expert’ on the chosen topic
• Real independent learning occurs — especially important if the student goes on to tertiary study.
3. What’s in a PIP?
• The introduction (500 words)
A brief description of what the topic is about, why it was chosen, and how it contributes to a better understanding of Society and Culture. It explains and justifies the choice of methodologies and specifies the cross-cultural component.
• The Log (500 words)
A summary of the student’s diary, which shows the sequential development of the project
• Central Material (2,500 — 4.000 words)
Containing description and analysis of the research carried out in investigation of the focus question or hypothesis. May include photos, tables or graphs, but these must be labeled and incorporated into the text through discussion. Must contain a cross-cultural perspective.
• Conclusion (500 words)
What has the student learned from doing the PIP?
• Resource List
with annotated references
Society & Culture PIP 