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Blog #7: A Cure for ‘Senioritis’?
Article posted March 3, 2013 at 04:52 PM GMT-5 •
comment (70) • Reads 804
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This week's blog assignment is based on a letter written to the New York Times by educator Marc Bernstein. He suggests that for many students, the traditional senior year of high school might be better spent differently.
Following Bernstein's letter are several responses, written by students, parents, and educators. And finally, Bernstein responds to these letters.
Read through them, consider the various suggestions, and offer what you think might improve on the traditional 12th grade. You don't have to invent something. You can agree with one of the writers, or several, or none. Is the final chapter of high school fine the way it is, or could it be better?
100 word minimum (FYI: what I wrote above is about 100 words), due Friday 3/8/13.
(click "print" next to the article for an easier to read version with all letters on one page)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/opinion/sunday/sunday-dialogue-a-cure-for-senioritis.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=opinion&pagewanted=print
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Article posted March 3, 2013 at 04:52 PM GMT-5 •
comment (70) • Reads 804
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Blog #6: Can’t find a job? Move overseas.
Article posted November 25, 2012 at 08:39 PM GMT-5 •
comment (76) • Reads 1022
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I'll bet that's an idea most of you have not considered (yet). With an increasingly one-world economy, and lingering hard times here in the U.S., lots of well-educated Americans are finding good paying work and satisfying lives in other countries, particularly in fast-growing Asia.
Would you take that huge leap and move to a strange land to find a better life like your ancestors did? What challenges would that entail? What if you went with the idea it would be temporary? Would good pay and benefits (health care, affordable housing, etc.) be enough to lure you away? What about the potential for adventure in living abroad? In a few years, some of you may be in this position. Thoughts and comments on this idea, please.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/cant-find-a-job-move-overseas/2012/11/23/b7322ef4-3273-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_print.html
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Article posted November 25, 2012 at 08:39 PM GMT-5 •
comment (76) • Reads 1022
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Blog #5: A Landslide Loss for Big Money
Article posted November 11, 2012 at 07:52 PM GMT-5 •
comment (64) • Reads 586
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Here is an a editorial in the New York Times about the failure of money and superPACs to win several elections for the Republicans. As we just discussed in PIG, and are about to in AP Gov, the Citizens United v. FEC case opened the flood gates of cash to try to influence elections. Now we'll have a chance to see how effective that was. Consider the following:
1. What appears to be the result of superPAC spending?
2. What is the danger that remains even if spending billions on TV ads appears relatively ineffective?
3. In light of these results, should there be an effort to overturn Citizens United and limit campaign finance with a constitutional amendment?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/opinion/sunday/a-landslide-loss-for-big-money.html?ref=opinion&pagewanted=print
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Article posted November 11, 2012 at 07:52 PM GMT-5 •
comment (64) • Reads 586
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Blog #4: The Dirty Dozen
Article posted October 21, 2012 at 07:40 PM GMT-5 •
comment (72) • Reads 1108
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If you pay any attention at all to the presidential candidates, and that's mainly through the show the media constructs for us, you might notice that they (candidates AND the media) don't talk about some pretty serious issues. And when they do take on something important, it is generally in broad strokes, with few details about policy choices, and lots of distortion and distraction.
Michael Niman is a journalism professor at Buffalo State College and writes a regular column in the weekly alternative newspaper Artvoice. In this article he gives his choices for 12 big issues that are being ignored in this presidential election. Consider the following:
1. Decide if Niman is liberal, conservative or center (or something else...) and explain why you think so. Does it matter?
2. Choose at least 3 issues and comment on them. Are they important or minor? Should they be on a list like this?
3. Niman admits this is a list that could go on and on, and these are just his choices. What issue would you like to see addressed by these two campaigns?
http://artvoice.com/issues/v11n42/getting_a_grip
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Article posted October 21, 2012 at 07:40 PM GMT-5 •
comment (72) • Reads 1108
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Blog #2: A fight against religious extremism
Article posted September 16, 2012 at 07:50 PM GMT-5 •
comment (86) • Reads 1320
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In this article from the Washington Post, Ahmed Salah, an Egyptian who helped overthrow the long-time dictator of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, explains how extremists both in the West and the Muslim world are responsible for the violent demonstrations last week.
1. Is this a view you have not heard or considered before? If not, why not?
2. The United States supported Middle East dictators like Mubarak for decades because they kept Islamic extremists under control. Salah mentions the Muslim Brotherhood winning elections in Egypt recently. Many in the West consider them Islamic radicals with links to al Qaeda. What might be an unintended consequence for the U.S. and its allies in promoting democracy in the Middle East?
3. What actions do you think the United States should take, given the complex nature of the relationship with Middle East countries?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/religious-extremists-are-picking-a-fight/2012/09/14/19222eaa-fea0-11e1-b153-218509a954e1_print.html
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Article posted September 16, 2012 at 07:50 PM GMT-5 •
comment (86) • Reads 1320
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Blog #1: New Rules
Article posted September 9, 2012 at 06:26 PM GMT-5 •
comment (84) • Reads 2535
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Here's a column by The New York Times' Thomas Friedman in which he discusses the new realities facing young people in today's world. He argues that it is no longer enough to simply "work hard and play by the rules."
Some things to consider in your response:
1. Do you agree or disagree with Friedman's assessment?
2. How can Americans compete with a whole world full of smart, educated people?
3. Post-secondary education has become a very expensive proposition. Is it worth it?
4. If not, what are some alternatives to a high-priced college education?
5. Is the dominance of the United States nearing an end?
Responses should be at least 100 words. Responses to others should be respectful of their opinions. No flaming! No name-calling! Due by 330 pm, Friday 9/14.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/opinion/sunday/friedman-new-rules.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
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Article posted September 9, 2012 at 06:26 PM GMT-5 •
comment (84) • Reads 2535
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