Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Libya (and Libertarianism)


Objective
  • Discuss the attack in Libya and Romney's comments
  • Evaluate arguments presented by Ayn Rand
Agenda
  1. Current Events  (assuming the power is back...)
    1. Libya Events Timeline (Read Closely)
    2. Romney Repeats Criticism
    3. Attack May Have Been Planned
    4. Warm-up #8
      1. Evaluate Romney's comments about Obama's handling of this situation
        (Stay Logged In After Warm-Up - we'll return to computers!)
  2. Discussion of Libya
    1. Review Timeline
    2. Video Clips  (Original Video, Romney)
    3. Discuss issues of free speech and violence, potential vs. actual US reactions, Romney's comments & other reactions, politicization of tragedies, ideology and the political "event" and electoral impact.
  3. Issue #4: Libertarianism
    1. Ayn Rand
    2. Evaluation of Libertarianism
  4. More Libya Analysis (if time)
    1.   http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/12/moments_of_truth_in_libya_and_egypt

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Libertarianism




Objective
  • Analyze the major ideas of Libertarianism
  • Evaluate arguments presented by Ayn Rand
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. Current Events  (assuming the power is back...)
    1. Power Outage
    2. Iran Ultimatum
    3. US Ambassador to Libya Killed (7:15 am)
    4. Warm-up #7
      1. Critics suggest that it is highly suspicious that Burgess Miller disappeared from the building on a field trip just minutes after the power went out.  Is this a failure of leadership, or part of an elaborate conspiracy?
      2. How should the United States respond to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons?
  3. Issue #4: Libertarianism  (if time)
    1. Rights
    2. Description
    3. Social Policy
    4. Economic Policy
    5. Foreign Policy
    6. Ayn Rand

Monday, September 10, 2012

Utilitarianism & Libertarianism



Objective
  • Evaluate the major ideas of Utilitarianism
  • Contrast Libertarian ideas with Utilitarian ideas
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. Current Events
    1. Chicago Teacher Strike
    2. Warm-up #6
      1. Why does the Washington Post consider this national news?
      2. Describe two education policy changes supported by the Mayor and President Obama that put them at odds with teacher's unions.
  3. Issue #3: Utilitarianism (Part 2)
    1. Cost-Benefit Analysis
    2. Measuring Utility
    3. Conclusion
  4. Issue #4: Libertarianism  (if time)
    1. Rights
    2. Description
    3. Social Policy
    4. Economic Policy
    5. Foreign Policy
    6. Ayn Rand

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Utilitarianism: For The Greater Good


Objective
  • Explain the purposes of studying political philosophy
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. DNC  - Obama Speech
    1. Syrian Refugees
    2. Warm-up #6
      1. How many refugees have fled Syria in the fighting?
      2. What country has taken the majority of the refugees?
  3. Issue #3: Utilitarianism (if extra time)
    1. The Trolley Problem
    2. The Transplant Problem
    3. Categorical vs. Consequentialist Logic
    4. Utilitarianism & Bentham

Friday, September 7, 2012

Obama Speech



Objective
  • Explain the purposes of studying political philosophy
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. DNC  - Obama Speech
    1. Instead of a written warm-up, click this link:  DropBox
    2. Create a dropbox account and check your email.
    3. Extra Credit (1 point):  Install Dropbox Software for easy access to NGI PowerPoints & resources!
    4. Watch DNC Speech & Discuss
  3. Issue #3: Utilitarianism (if extra time)
    1. The Trolley Problem
    2. The Transplant Problem
    3. Categorical vs. Consequentialist Logic
    4. Utilitarianism & Bentham

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Media Test / NGI


Objective
  • Explain the purposes of studying political philosophy
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. Test #1:  Media
  3. News
    1. No written warm-up.  Computer issues.
    2. Watch DNC Speech & Discuss
    3. DropBox
  4. Issue #3: Utilitarianism
    1. Intro To Philosophy
    2. The Trolley Problem
    3. The Transplant Problem
    4. Categorical vs. Consequentialist Logic
    5. Utilitarianism & Bentham

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Media Bias & Philosophy Intro


Objective
  • Describe different perspectives on media bias
  • Evaluate forms of bias present in the news media
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. News
    1. Democratic Convention Day 1
    2. Warm-Up #5
      1. The most direct attacks happened first, while Michelle Obama, the last speaker, was far more positive in general and indirect in any criticism of Mitt Romney .  Why do you think they structured the speeches this way?
    3. Watch Michelle Obama's Speech (Part)
    4. Dropbox
    5. Make accounts
    6. Access files
  3. Issue #2: Bias
    1. Vote:  Which of the following are the primary biases in the media (pick 1-2)?
      1. Ideology
      2. Profit
      3. Corporate
    2. Stewart vs. Wallace
  4. Issue #3: Utilitarianism
    1. Intro To Philosophy
    2. Our First Moral Questions...
  5. Test #1 Tomorrow
    1. Multiple Choice - 20 points
      1. Current Events (Summer News + First 2 Weeks)
      2. Journalism & Bias  (SEE PPT ON RIGHT)
    2. Essay - 20 points
      1. Apply Core Values of Journalism  (Accuracy, Fairness, Balance)
      2. Analyze Forms of Bias (Ideology, Profit, Corporate)

Monday, September 3, 2012

Media Bias

Objective
  • Describe different perspectives on media bias
  • Evaluate forms of bias present in the news media
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. News
    1. MD Surplus Spurs Debate
    2. Warm-Up #4
      1. Would you categorize this as responsible, overtaxing, or something else?
      2. Is it okay for a state to have a surplus?  
    3. Watch Clint Eastwood's Speech  (on projector)
      1. Discussion
  3. Issue #2:  Bias 
    • Does the media have a liberal bias?
    • Ex: Chris Matthews in 2008 Election
    • Sean Hannity's Case for Liberal Media Bias
    • Other Arguments for liberal bias
    • Analysis of Bias in Akin Story
    • Debate:  Should the news media be patriotic?
    • Noam Chomsky's Case for Conservative Media Bias
    • Concluding Analysis
      • Three Types of Bias
      • Severity & Intent
      • Equivalence Arguments

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Romney Speech

Objective

  • Analyze Mitt Romney's convention speech
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. News
    1. Warm-Up #3:  List three things you want to hear in a speech from a presidential candidate.  These could be traits of the speech or specific questions you want answered, but not specific policy proposals.  
      1. Good Ex:  What is their plan to deal with the kitten epidemic?
      2. Bad Ex: I believe all kittens should be put in woodchippers.
    2. Watch Romney's Convention Speech
      1. Discussion

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

News Analysis


Objective
  • Evaluate the quality of news analysis in the USA
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. News
    1. Read "A Misguided Theme" - Fact Checking the Convention  
    2. Warm-Up #2
      1.  What do you think Obama's intent was in the original quote?
      2. Do you agree with Obama's original message (as the article interprets them)?
      3. How do you feel about the choice of this theme for the convention?
  3. Continue Issue #1: Journalism
  4. Topic 1.2 - News Reporting  (If we can get it working this time)
    • Review Core Values & Watch Yesterday's Clip
      • Daily Show - CNN Leaves It There
  5. Topic 1.3 - News Analysis
    1. Review opinion-based journalism & ideal
    2. Pundits in Action
      1. Kelly v. Wiener
      2. Maher v. Coulter
      3. Instapoll Tracker
      4. Stewart on Crossfire

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

News Reporting


Objective
  • Describe the core values of American journalism
  • Evaluate how well American media reflects these values 
Agenda
  1. Attendance
  2. Agenda (Check)
  3. News
    1. 538 - August 28th Polling Data & Analysis   (Skim This First)
    2. Ann Romney's Speech (Clip)   (Watch This On Projector)
    3. Warm-Up #1
      1.   Why do you think she chose the words / arguments she used?
      2.  Did you find them appealing or abrasive?  Offer at least one specific example.
  4. Continue Issue #1: Journalism
  5. Topic 1.2 - News Reporting
    • Review Core Values:  Accuracy, Fairness, Balance
    • Conclude Discussion:  Difficulties of Balance
    • Analysis & Evaluation
      • Daily Show - CNN Leaves It There 
      • Huntsville News Example
      • Crichton News Example
  6. Topic 1.3 - News Analysis
    • Opinion-based journalism
    • What is the ideal?
    • Pundits in Action
      • Limbaugh

Monday, August 27, 2012

News vs. Entertainment

Objective
  • Analyze what makes an event news 
  • Evaluate the level of entertainment in the news today 
Agenda
  1. Setup
    1. Attendance 
    2. Seating Chart 
    3. Collect Papers 
      1. Agenda (Check)
      2. MHS Health Sheet
      3. MHS Info Sheet
      4. Malafarina Info Sheet
      5. Malafarina Permission Slip
    4. Log In
    5. Website
    6. Setup Journal 
  2. Questions for Mr. M
  3. Issue #1: Journalism
    1. Topic 1.1 - News vs. Entertainment
      1. Current Events "Quiz" 
    2. Topic 1.2 - News Reporting
      1. Examples

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Welcome to NGI


Objective

  • Explain classroom procedures and expectations
  • Analyze the problems facing the US and the world 
Agenda
  1. Setup
    1. Attendance
    2. Paperwork
    3. More Paperwork
    4. Emergency Procedures
    5. Syllabus 
  2. Course Info 
    1. What are the biggest problems facing the United States and the world today? 
    2. Discussion
    3. Video Clip 
    4. Teaching & Assessment Methods 
    5. Politics & Discussion Rules
    6. Index Card Questions
  3. Computers
    1. Logging On
    2. Website
    3. Journal Setup 
Homework - due tomorrow
  1. Sign Honor Code in Agenda
  2. MHS Health Sheet
  3. MHS Info Sheet
  4. Malafarina Info Sheet
  5. Malafarina Permission Slip

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

News, Debates, and Afghanistan

Internet News:
  WaPo - "What Happens When The Internet Gets Mad"
  SOPA / PIPA - Where They Are Now

Sweatshops & South Carolina:
  Colbert on SC Election (Monday Night)
  Stewart on Foxconn

Debates:
   - View selected clips & discuss
    - Mitt Romney's Tax Rate Estimate  (read after tax return debate question)


Afghanistan:
   - Frontline World Video (~30 minutes)

Kite Runner / Presidential Race


  • Finish Kite Runner
  • Read:   Romney & GOP Nomination
  • Discussion
    • Is this nomination over?
    • Primary system
    • pro/con
    • Reliance of polls
  • Debate Clips
    • Discuss candidates repleis

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Objective

  • Explain major events in the history of Afghanistan
  • Analyze how Afghanistan's history has impacted the country today
Agenda
  • In The News...
  • Introduction
    • What do you know about Afghanistan's history?
  • Watch The Kite Runner

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Arab Israeli Conflict Finale

Agenda

  • Complete the Arab-Israeli Conflict Game
  • Eat Food!
  • Revise old posts for quality.  This can be done at the same time as the reflection if you need to 'divide and conquer'
  • Reflection Assignment (10 points)
    • The reflection is graded based on - accuracy and completeness.  BE HONEST! 
    • Part 1 - Success/Fail
      • Describe your great achievements in a bulleted list.  For each achievement, explain why you think it was such a positive action.
      • Describe your mistakes or failures in a bulleted list.  For each situation, what could you have done differently.
    • Part 2 - Commentary
      • Challenges
        • Looking at your historical events, what kinds of challenges do you think your country's government has had to face in "real history"?
        • What were your biggest challenges in our alternate history?
      • Performance
        • Based on the following criteria, rate groups from "1st place" to "6th place"
          • How well did they do given their initial limitations?
          • How clever was their diplomacy?  
          • Did they make good military decisions?
          • BE HONEST!  Your decision won't affect my grading.
        • Explain why you chose your top group as #1 - what did they do well?  Be specific.
      • Teaching
        • How did "Blood and Soil" compare as a learning experience compared to a more traditional set of lessons?  (Keep in mind, we've got some notes & review left to do after break!)
        • Any suggestions to improve it for future students?


http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/arab-spring-yields-different-outcomes-in-bahrain-egypt-and-libya/2011/12/15/gIQAY6h57O_story.html?hpid=z2

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Arab Israeli Conflict


News:  "Palestinians Are An Invented People"
1.  What is the Arab Israeli Conflict?
     http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7mjyo_its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-is_fun
2.  Groups Handout
3.  Blood and Soil
   - Rules
   - Set-Up (website & profiles)
   - Turn Zero
   - Budget

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Terrorism Quiz

Objective
  • Develop a definition of terrorism
  • Evaluate the "War on Terrorism"
Agenda
  • In The News:  
  • Terrorism Quiz - Answer one of the following in about about three paragraphs
    • War on Terror
      • Define terrorism and provide three examples of terrorist acts that have occurred in history.  These should include acts performed by individuals. groups, and states.
      • Describe the three ways that terrorist (and other) groups are organized, and the challenges in dealing with these different forms.
      • Do you agree or disagree with the "War on Terror" approach to this problem?  What powers should the government be granted and what rights may need to be curtailed, and what limits should we place on this?
    • V For Vendetta
      • Give four examples of ways in which the government in V for Vendetta used fear to expand its power.
      • Is this a realistic scenario for the United States to face?  How can we ensure we avoid this future?
      • The hero of the film, V, uses terrorism to stop a government like this.  Are there any situations where you would consider the use of terrorism justified? Explain what your criteria are.
  • Arab-Israeli Conflict Research  (10 points, due Friday @ end of class)
    • Prepare a document, in your own words, that researches events you will face in "Blood and Soil" (The Arab-Israeli Conflict Simulation)
    • For each event, you should describe what happened and what worked or went wrong.  You may want to make notes about how you could do something different if your country was involved.
    • You should focus on two major categories
      • Important Events in the Arab-Israeli Conflict
        • The most significant events from 1947-present
        • Pay close attention to major wars, they tend to have the most dramatic impact
      • Country-Specific Events
        • What kind of internal issues does your country face?
        • What international events may your country play a significant or special role in?

Monday, December 5, 2011

V For Vendetta (Day 1)



Objective
  • Develop a definition of terrorism
  • Evaluate the "War on Terrorism"
Agenda
  • In The News:  
  • Terrorism
    • The War on Terror
      • How do we deal with a network?
      • Is this a good framework?
      • What powers ought government have?
        • Torture?
        • Wiretapping?
        • Burden of Proof?
    • The "Torture" Question
      • What is torture?
      • The Waterboarding Question
      • Videos
  • V For Vendetta

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Terrorism


Objective
  • Develop a definition of terrorism
  • Evaluate the "War on Terrorism"
Agenda
  • In The News:  
  • Terrorism
    • Who performs terrorist acts?
      • Individuals
      • Groups
      • Governments
    • Evaluate Motivating Factors
      • Politics
      • Religion
    • Types of Organizations (General)
      • Traditional
      • Guerrilla
      • Network
    • The War on Terror
      • How do we deal with a network?
      • Is this a good framework?
      • What powers ought government have?
    • The "Torture" Question
      • What is torture?
      • The Waterboarding Question
      • Videos
  • V For Vendetta

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Introduction to Terrorism

Objective
  • Develop a definition of terrorism
  • Evaluate the "War on Terrorism"
Agenda

Monday, November 21, 2011

Human Rights



Objective
  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
  • Analyze the strategies used in crafting political advertisements
Agenda


Friday, November 18, 2011

Campaign Finance Reform Quiz


Objective
  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
  • Analyze the strategies used in crafting political advertisements
Agenda



Thursday, November 17, 2011

Political Ads (3)

Objective

  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
  • Analyze the strategies used in crafting political advertisements
Agenda
  • News - Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Controversy
  • Political Advertisements
    • 10 Strategies
  • Campaign Finance Reform - Key Debates
    • Review Citizens United - 5 to 4 Decision
      • Arguments For
      • Arguments Against
    • Discuss Proposals
      • "Voting With Dollars"  ($100 / Anonymous)
      • "Matching Funds For Small Donations"
      • "Clean Elections"
    • Constitutional Amendment
      • Revisit Categorical vs. Consequentialist
      • Key questions
        • Are corporations people?
        • Is money speech?
  • Research Project
    • Topic
      • Any "global" topic that extends beyond the traditional "domestic issues" of the United States.  Think foreign policy.  Includes issues, events, people, or places that dominate the news.
      • Good examples:  North Korea, Nuclear Weapons, the United Nations, Debt Crisis in Europe, Microloans, Al Qaeda, Iran, Free/Fair Trade, Human Trafficking, etc
      • Bad examples:  Heathcare Policy, Tax Policy, Death Penalty, Illegal Immigration, Legalization of Marijuana, Education Policy, etc...
    • Option #1 - Presentation  (Partners)
      • Create a 10-15 minute presentation to teach a subject in an effective, concise, and interesting manner.
      • Must include:  visuals, audience participation, and a "one page" handout, works cited
    • Option #2 - Paper  (Individual)
      • Write a four page paper (double spaced) that describes the subject in a concise, accurate, and detailed manner.
      • Works Cited

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Political Ads (2)



Objective
  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
  • Analyze the strategies used in crafting political advertisements
Agenda
  • News - US To Establish Permanent Base in Australia
  • Political Advertisements
    • 10 Strategies
  • Campaign Finance Reform - Key Debates
    • Review Citizens United - 5 to 4 Decision
      • Arguments For
      • Arguments Against
    • Discuss Proposals
      • "Voting With Dollars"  ($100 / Anonymous)
      • "Matching Funds For Small Donations"
      • "Clean Elections"
    • Constitutional Amendment
      • Revisit Categorical vs. Consequentialist
      • Key questions
        • Are corporations people?
        • Is money speech?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Political Ads


Objective
  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
  • Analyze the strategies used in crafting political advertisements
Agenda

Monday, November 14, 2011

SuperPAC

Objective
  • Explain the difference between a PAC and a SuperPAC
  • Evaluate the effects of the Citizens United vs. FEC decision
Agenda

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Campaign Finance Reform (2)


Objective
  • Explain key terms associated with campaign finance reform
  • Analyze the arguments associated with campaign finance reform
Agenda

  • News - Iran, Nukes, and Republican Primary Debate
  • Small group-based discussion.  We'll follow each topic up with a class discussion;  take them one issue at a time. For each of the following questions, try and reach a consensus.  Failing that, establish a "majority opinion."   Write a response to each one in Word.
    • Impact of Money on Politics
      • In what ways specific does money affect politics?
      • Does this have a substantial effect?
    • Free Speech
      • Are political donations a form of free speech?
      • If so, should this right be granted to both individuals and corporations?
    • Restrictions
      • Should there be a limit on how much individuals, corporations, or other organizations can contribute to political campaigns?
      • Should these contributions be made public?
    • Issue Ads
      • What about limits on an "issue ad" that doesn't promote a specific candidate?
      • How do you distinguish an issue ad from a campaign ad? 
  • Your group should provide a definition and describe the significance the following ideas, laws, or events:
    • Buckley vs. Valeo
    • 527
    • PAC
    • Super PAC
    • Push Polls
    • Hard Money
    • Soft Money
    • McCain Feingold Act
    • Citizens United vs. FEC
  • Print Answers, Review Terms as Class
  • The West Wing on Campaign Finance

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Campaign Finance Reform

Objective
  • Explain key terms associated with campaign finance reform
  • Analyze the arguments associated with campaign finance reform
Agenda

  • News:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15677595
    • Can Perry's campaign recover from this?
  • Small group-based discussion.  We'll follow each topic up with a class discussion;  take them one issue at a time. For each of the following questions, try and reach a consensus.  Failing that, establish a "majority opinion."   Write a response to each one in Word.
    • Impact of Money on Politics
      • In what ways specific does money affect politics?
      • Does this have a substantial effect?
    • Free Speech
      • Are political donations a form of free speech?
      • If so, should this right be granted to both individuals and corporations?
    • Restrictions
      • Should there be a limit on how much individuals, corporations, or other organizations can contribute to political campaigns?
      • Should these contributions be made public?
    • Issue Ads
      • What about limits on an "issue ad" that doesn't promote a specific candidate?
      • How do you distinguish an issue ad from a campaign ad? 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Debt & Taxes Test



Monday, November 7, 2011

Capital Gains

Objective

  • Describe the impact of capital gains taxes on the wealth gap in the USA

Agenda
  • Warm-Up Reading - Wealth Gap Affected By Age
  • PowerPoint
    • Warren Buffet
    • Millionaires For Higher Taxes
    • Daily Show Clip
    • Debate
  • Tomorrow:  Review
  • Thursday:  Test

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Debate Day 5 / Assembly


  • Whole Class
    • Final Debate Project
    • PowerPoint Notes:  Income Gap
  • Seniors Only  (8:30-9:05)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Debates Day 4

Objectives

Agenda

  • Losing senior for first half of class
  • Warm-Up Reading:  Occupy Oakland Shuts Down Port
  • Occupy News For Juniors
    • Yesterday: The General Strike
    • Today: Financial Transaction Tax Protest
    • The Fifth: Leave Your Bank Day
    • Colbert Report - Coopting The Movement
  • Remaining Debates!