What Makes A Good Poster? Poster Assignment Here’s One I ✓ Solved

What Makes A Good Poster? Poster assignment Here’s one I

Posters are an effective way of communicating information concisely, visually and attractively. Academic posters summarise information or research to help publicise it and generate discussion. Posters are often used in conferences and workshops in all spheres of work.

Questions:

  • Does populism undermine democracy?
  • Can climate change be solved by democracies?
  • Is democracy racist?
  • Can new forms of participation revitalise democracy?
  • Why have some democracies been more effective in responding to Covid-19?

Overall criteria for assessment:

  • Extent to which the poster indicates an understanding and synthesis of the academic and non-academic evidence on the topic
  • Extent to which the poster introduces ideas in an interesting and engaging manner
  • Clarity of information
  • Range and correct attribution of sources
  • Appropriate use of tables, graphs, figures and images etc.

Things to consider:

  • An academic poster is designed to communicate clearly, concisely, and visually.
  • It should be self-explanatory.
  • It takes skill to summarise a complex topic without losing some meaning or connections.
  • Think what is essential to know about the topic?
  • How might you use images or diagrams to help convey your message?

Poster quality:

  • Can you combine visual impact and clarity in the way you present your ideas to the passer-by?
  • Are you sharp, engaging and comfortable explaining the topic?
  • Is there evidence of wide reading around the topic area?
  • Do you have an appropriate title?
  • Why does your topic matter?
  • Do you provide evidence of an integrated review of relevant literature?
  • Do you provide clear conclusions?
  • Do you provide adequate referencing / citations?

Some examples from previous years:

  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of these posters?
  • v=Ir5LVXqyzyc&feature=youtu.be

Designing a great poster:

  1. Decide what you need to communicate, and how.
  2. What is your main message?
  3. What does your viewer need to know?
  4. Identify the key points, always keeping your topic or task in mind.
  5. Make a rough draft of the information you need.
  6. Decide on the main title.
  7. Identify the graphics you might need, such as photos, diagrams, graphs or charts.

Remember: Academic posters need to show evidence of reading and research, so you must always include references.

Some tips:

  • An academic poster should be both professional and concise, so a general rule is only to include graphics that really support your content.
  • Use diagrams, graphs or flowcharts to help explain complex information visually. Every image should have a purpose.
  • Make sure there is not too much text; it must be readable from distance.
  • Try not to use too many different or strongly contrasting colours. A limited colour palette can be very effective.
  • Avoid using unnecessary and distracting background textures or decoration. ‘Negative' space and margins will give your content room to breathe.
  • If your topic has a central statement, graphic or diagram, make this prominent in your design.

Some technical points:

  • A poster should be legible from about one metre and attract interest from about five metres.
  • Aim for a word count of no more than 300 words – beware of being too text heavy.
  • For clarity, use a sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica.
  • Make sure there is a good contrast between text and background.
  • Make sure main title, sub-headings and main text are legible at a distance.
  • Format headings and subheadings consistently. This helps structure your information visually.

Some technical points:

  • Use any computer software, but make sure you upload assignment as PDF.
  • As a student, you can download Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Choose Portrait or Landscape orientation.
  • Tip: To set the document size in PowerPoint, choose Design > Slide Size > Custom > [Enter 420 x 594 into the width and height boxes for A2 poster size.
  • Remember: To print effectively, images should be high resolution (dpi).

Finally, like other types of academic writing, an academic poster should be well organised, with clear headings and subheadings – and references!

Paper For Above Instructions

Creating an effective academic poster requires careful consideration of both content and presentation. This paper explores key elements essential for producing a high-quality poster that effectively communicates information about the complexities of democracy in crisis. By addressing the criteria outlined in the assignment, we will delve into questions that challenge our understanding of democracy.

Understanding the Topic: Democracy in Crisis

The concept of democracy is facing significant challenges in contemporary society. With rising populism, climate change, systemic racism, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of democratic systems is frequently questioned. Each of these factors plays a unique role in shaping public perception and participation within democratic frameworks.

1. Does Populism Undermine Democracy?

Populism has emerged as a powerful political force, often characterized by leaders who claim to represent the "common people" against the elites. While populism can increase political engagement, it may also undermine democratic institutions by promoting authoritarian practices. Studies have shown that populist movements can lead to a polarization of public opinion and a decrease in trust in democratic processes (Mounk, 2018).

2. Climate Change and Democratic Solutions

The urgency of climate change poses a significant test for democracies worldwide. Some argue that democratic systems, with their emphasis on public participation, are better equipped to tackle climate issues through collective action and policy-making. Others contend that bureaucratic inefficiencies within democracies hinder rapid decision-making crucial for addressing climate change effectively (Dahl, 2020).

3. The Intersection of Democracy and Racism

Racism is a systemic issue that often permeates democratic societies, raising questions about the inclusivity of democratic governance. Research indicates that marginalized groups frequently face barriers to participation, suggesting that democracy itself may not be equitable (Dixon, 2020). An examination of democratic practices reveals the need for reforms that address these inequities to foster a truly representative democracy.

4. Revitalizing Democracy through New Participation Forms

Emerging forms of participation, such as digital activism, represent opportunities to revitalize democratic engagement. These methods can potentially enhance public interest and involvement, especially among younger demographics. However, it is vital to evaluate whether these new forms genuinely contribute to meaningful democratic processes or simply serve as outlets for expression without tangible impact (Boulianne, 2020).

5. Pandemic Responses: A Democratic Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the varying responses of democracies worldwide. Some countries have managed to implement effective public health measures, while others faltered due to misinformation and poor governance. An analysis of these outcomes can reveal essential lessons regarding the resilience of democratic institutions in crises (Vela, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a compelling academic poster on the crises facing democracy requires synthesizing diverse perspectives and research. By focusing on key questions regarding populism, climate change, systemic racism, new participation forms, and crisis management, one can engage the audience while providing insightful analysis. An effective poster must balance visual appeal with clarity, ensuring that it serves as a catalyst for discussion and understanding.

References

  • Boulianne, S. (2020). Social media use and participation: A meta-analysis of current research. Information, Communication & Society, 23(1), 1-19.
  • Dahl, R. A. (2020). On Democracy. Yale University Press.
  • Dixon, A. (2020). The Racism of Democracy: Political Systems as Configurations of Racial Exclusion. Democratic Theory, 7(1), 19-34.
  • Mounk, Y. (2018). The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press.
  • Vela, E. (2021). Democracy under pressure: The impact of COVID-19 on democratic governance. Global Perspectives, 6(1), 1-15.
  • Gover, K. (2022). Democracy, crises, and the role of citizens. Political Science Review, 20(2), 233-249.
  • Pappas, S. (2022). Populism and the Future of Democracy. European Review, 30(2), 142-158.
  • Smith, M. (2021). The role of digital activism in contemporary democracy. Journal of Democracy, 32(4), 78-93.
  • Thompson, M. (2023). Climate Change Policy and Democratic Governance: A Global Perspective. Environmental Politics, 32(3), 405-427.
  • Wilkinson, D. (2021). The pandemic as a moment of political opportunity. Journal of Political Studies, 14(3), 201-217.

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