Friday, January 31, 2014

Comparing Preferences


Objective
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. Issue #3: Utilitarianism
    1. Comparing Preferences
    2. John Stewart Mill
    3. Quantifying Morals
  2. Project Time (if applicable)

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Objective
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. News: 
    1. 2016 - Clinton
    2. Shooting Motives
    3. SOTU & Pay Gap (follow-up on Brittany's question about specifics)
  2. No written warm-up, just read the above news articles
  3. Issue #3: Utilitarianism
    1. The Queen vs. Dudley & Stephens
    2. Cost/Benefit Analysis
    3. Comparing Preferences
  4. Project Time (if applicable)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Utilitarianism - The Morality of Murder


Objective
  • Explain the purposes of studying political philosophy
  • Analyze the major ideas of Utilitarianism
Agenda
  1. News: State of the Union
    1. Watch the 3 minute version
    2. Read the Article
  2. Warm-Up #5: What is Obama's main approach this year based on this speech.  What are the benefits and disadvantages of this tactic?
  3. Brief Discussion on SOTU Address
  4. Issue #3: Utilitarianism
    1. Jeremy Bentham
    2. The Queen vs. Dudley & Stephens

Monday, January 27, 2014

Media Test


Objective
  • Demonstrate proper media literacy skills
Agenda
  1. Test #1: Media Literacy (First 60)
  2. Debate Project (Last 30)
    1. Tentative Due Date: Feb 19th 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Net Neutrality & Debate Project


Objective
  • Demonstrate proper media literacy skills
Agenda

RANDOM POWER OUTAGE / COMPUTER FAILURE DAY
  1. News: MSNBC Yesterday (News v. Entertainment)
  2. News:  Colbert - Net Neutrality
  3. Brief Discussion
  4. Test #1: Media Literacy (Start @ 9:30)
  5. Begin Public Policy Debate Projects

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Media Bias II


Objective
  • Analyze what makes an event news 
  • Evaluate the level of entertainment in the news today 
Agenda
  1. Short Period - Two Hour Delay (No News)
  2. Warm-Up #3: What are the three major forms of bias a news organization might be subject to?
  3. A Debate About Bias  & Role of Satire / Comedy
    1. Jon Stewart vs. Chris Wallace (clips)
    2. Discussion
  4. Explain Test Format / Questions
  5. Media Test Tomorrow!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Media Bias

  1. Attendance
  2. Current Events (Read)
    1. Obama Calls for NSA Surveillence Restructuring
    2. Putin: Gays At Olympics Safe If they "Leave Kids Alone"
  3. Warm-Up #2: Do you believe the media, as a whole, has a certain form of bias?  If so, describe that bias. If not, explain why not.
  4. News Discussion (optional)
    1. News Reading - How stories are structured
  5. 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
  6. On Wednesday - Short Test (Essay Only)

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Journalism



Objective
  • Analyze what makes an event news 
  • Evaluate the level of entertainment in the news today 
Agenda
  1. Warm-Up #1: What are the three core values of good journalism we discussed in class yesterday?
  2. Special Topic: Civil Discourse
    1. Let's talk about talking & persuasion
    2. Duties of speaker
    3. Duties of listener
  3. Topic 1.2 - News Reporting
    1. Analysis & Evaluation
    2. Huntsville News Example
    3. Crichton News Example
  4. Topic 1.3 - News Analysis
    1. Opinion-based journalism
    2. What is the ideal?
    3. Pundits in Action

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

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. Info Sheet
      2. Permission Slip
    4. Log In
    5. Website
    6. Setup Journal 
  2. Issue #1: Journalism
    1. Topic 1.1 - News vs. Entertainment
    2. Topic 1.2 - News Reporting
      1. Examples

Monday, January 13, 2014

Welcome to NGI


Objective
  • Explain classroom procedures and expectations
  • Analyze the problems facing the US and the world 
Agenda
  1. Setup
    1. Attendance
    2. Emergency Procedures
    3. 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. Info Sheet
  2. Permission Slip

Thursday, January 17, 2013

NGI - Conclusion

Objective

  • Evaluate Mr. M's teaching of National and Global Issues and offer suggestions
  • Offer advice to seniors before they head off into the world
  • Be happy
Agenda
  1. NGI Reflection
    1. Due to technically difficulties, we'll do this part as a brief discussion rather than in writing.  I'd like you to think about a few things.  Use the list of lessons on the right bar as a reminder of our major topics/units this year.
    2. What were the best lessons and topics in NGI?  Why were those so important/effective?
    3. What were the least effective lessons and topics in NGI?  Should these be improved or removed, and if so how/why?
    4. How would you rate the two major out of class projects (Debate/Speech).  Did you feel that Mr. M adequately prepared you for these lessons?
    5. Any other big suggestions for Mr. M?
  2. Top Ten - Advice To Seniors (PowerPoint)
  3. Note Card
    1. Write a message - any message - to Mr. M
    2. Signing this message is optional

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

V For Vendetta (Day Two)



Objective
  • Explain the causes, effects, and historical context of terrorism
Agenda

Monday, January 14, 2013

V For Vendetta (Day 1)


Objective
  • Explain the causes, effects, and historical context of terrorism
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Poll: Most Americans support new gun-control measures after Newtown massacre
    2. Obama: No negotiations with GOP over debt ceiling
    3. White House Rejects Death Star Petition
  2. Speeches
    1. Remaining Speech Presentations
  3. Terrorism
    1. PowerPoint - A Brief History of Terrorism
      1. Haardt & Negri
      2. The Long War
  4. V For Vendetta
    1. Introduction
    2. Film

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Speech Presentation - Day 3

Objective
  • Explain the causes, effects, and historical context of terrorism
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. The best thing about a Treasury Secretary Jack Lew
    2. CFPB releases new mortgage rules in bid to reduce risky lending
    3. Biden cites broad agreement on ‘universal background checks’ for gun buyers
  2. Announcements
    1. Speech projects are due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 9th
    2. Presentations will occur from Wed to Mon.  If you are asked to present and are not prepared, you take a 5 point penalty (10% of the grade) and are put back in the pool of candidates.
    3. Isabel will be leading the class today
  3. Terrorism
    1. PowerPoint - A Brief History of Terrorism
    2. Terrorism Worksheet (if time)

Monday, January 7, 2013

Syria - Part Two



Objective
  • Explain the major causes and events of the Syrian Civil War
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. A surprising map of the best and worst countries to be born into today
    2. Obama’s nominations of Hagel and Brennan signal course adjustments at Pentagon and CIA
  2. Announcements
    1. Speech projects are due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 9th
    2. Presentations will occur from Wed to Mon.  If you are asked to present and are not prepared, you take a 5 point penalty (10% of the grade) and are put back in the pool of candidates.
    3. Isabel will be leading the class today
  3. Syria
    1. PowerPoint - Syria - Part One
    2. Frontline:  "The Battle For Syria"
    3. Discussion
  4. Speech Prep
    1. Any remaining time will be reserved for speech project preparation

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Syria - Part One


Objective
  • Explain the major causes and events of the Syrian Civil War
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Obama to nominate Chuck Hagel for defense secretary
    2. Syria’s Assad is defiant in rare speech
  2. Announcements
    1. Speech projects are due on Wednesday, January 9th
    2. Please carefully remove any propaganda your country's wall and place it on the middle table.
    3. Please remove any cards from your country's binder and sort them on the front table.
    4. Isabel will be leading the class today and tomorrow
  3. Syria
    1. PowerPoint - Syria - Part One
    2. Frontline:  "The Battle For Syria"
    3. Discussion
  4. Speech Prep
    1. Any remaining time will be reserved for speech project preparation

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Terrorism

Objective

  • Provide a brief introduction to terrorism
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. White House seems poised to retool deportation laws
  2. Announcements
    1. Speech projects are due on Wednesday, January 9th
  3. Terrorism
    1. West Wing - S3E1 - "Isaac and Ishmael"

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Public Policy Speech - Part 2


Objective

  • Analyze strategies for giving an effective speech
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. The fiscal cliff negotiations, in one chart
    2. Christie, Republicans slam Boehner for delay on Hurricane Sandy relief measure
  2. Announcements
    1. Turn in your Arab Israeli Conflict Reflection by the end of class today
  3. Speech Projects  (due Tuesday 1/8)
    1. Example Speeches  
    2. Discuss Strategies
    3. Work on speeches individually

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Public Policy Speech



Objective

  • Analyze strategies for giving an effective speech
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Wonkbook: Everything you need to know about the fiscal cliff deal
    2. Cliff deal hits a new snag with House Republicans
    3. John Green explains the Politics of the Fiscal Cliff (Youtube)
    4. House passes the Fiscal Cliff Deal
  2. Announcements
    1. Arab Israeli Conflict is currently being graded.  You'll see your scores in a few days, but it takes a lot of time to do so fairly and properly.
    2. The remainder of this class is going to focus on a few topics.  You will have one more test.
      1. Speech Projects
      2. Terrorism
      3. Syia
  3. Speech Projects  (due Tuesday 1/8)
    1. Review Expectations / Answer Questions
    2. Example Speeches  
    3. Discuss Strategies
    4. Work on speeches individually

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Behind Taliban Lines

(1) One topic we haven't yet had time to discuss in depth is the War in Afghanistan.  An idea central to this and other modern conflicts is seeing how insurgent groups operate.  Today you'll watch a documentary called "Behind Taliban Lines" showing how one such group in Afghanistan works.   Beyond simply what this shows about Afghanistan, remember that this is similar to the way armed resistance works in other places today (Iraq, Libya, Syria).

The video is linked here.  If the sub is having trouble finding or showing it, please assist.  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/talibanlines/view/

(2) When I return, I am not going to spend time on notes.  You have had enough extra time to research packets and I am posting the PPT on the web today.  We'll complete the simulation and move right to the test.  The only 2012 events covered in the test that are not found in the notes will be in the current events from this semester.

(3) Before the end of the period, send an email to ngi.united@gmail.com with the following

  • A short paragraph description of your desired speech topic.  If it's clearly appropriate, simply outline your arguments.  If it seems unconventional, make your case why this is an NGI-appropriate topic.
  • Two short sentences for two other backup topics.
  • Topics are first come, first served.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Speech Project

Unfortunately, I'm still feeling pretty sick.  Once I return we'll resume our note & simulation, and we'll be having our Unit Test this Friday no matter what.  I'd encourage you to take advantage of this time in class to do one or more of the following:

(1) Finish your Arab Israeli Conflict Packet
(2) Study the content with a partner.
  - This is a big test with a lot of names/events to learn.  Make sure you are prepared.
  - Your test will be 100% multiple choice and true/false, no essay.   Know your facts.
(3) Work on your Speech Project  (details below)

The speech project is your final project for the course, which I briefly mentioned to the class previously.  You will pick a major political, economic, or social issue of significance to the United States or the world and argue one side of it that you choose.  I want you to take some time and think about this seriously:  what is the most important thing to you in global affairs?   If you could persuade everyone in this room to believe what you believed about any one topic, what would it be?

This will be a five minute long speech on any topic that fits the above criteria (and gets my approval).  This is an individual project;  there is no group option.  It is one of the few chances you'll ever get to have a soapbox in front of a captive audience of 30 people to present your views on anything you want.  So - choose wisely, and start researching!

I suggest you come up with a few topics today, then narrow it down later.  This way if your topic is rejected or taken (they must be unique), you have a backup.  These presentations will begin on Tuesday, January 8th (one week after you are back from break).

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 9


Objective

  • Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Syrian forces fire short-range ballistic missiles at rebels
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Notes 1973-2003
    2. Promises  (Part 1)
      1. Will finish film after school, extra credit

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 5

Objective

  • Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Egyptians take anti-Morsi protests to presidential palace
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Round Three - 1956-1960
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    2. Round Four - 1961 to 1966
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    3. Notes

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 4


Objective
  • Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1.  Syrian army weakening as rebels make gains
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. PowerPoint Notes - Up to 1950
    2. Round Three - 1950-1955
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    3. Round Four - 1956 to 1960
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget

Monday, December 3, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 3




Objective

  • Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Boehner, House GOP leaders offer ‘fiscal cliff’ counterproposal
    2. Obama warns Syria amid rising concern over chemical weapons
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Round Two - 1948
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    2. PowerPoint Notes
    3. Round Three - 1950 to 1955
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget

Friday, November 30, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 2



Objective

  • Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Israeli government okays settlement construction of 3,000 new West Bank units, official says
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Round One - 1948
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    2. Round Two - 1948 to 1950
      1. Money
      2. Events / Free Action
      3. Budget
    3. PowerPoint Notes

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Blood & Soil - Day 1


Objective
  • Begin research on the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. The three big questions on Syria’s Internet blackout
    2. United Nations upgrades Palestine’s status
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Brief Meetings with each group
    2. Round Zero
      1. This is a special, tutorial round.   During this round, there is no opportunity for free actions, espionage, or military conflict.
      2. Money
      3. Events
      4. Budget
    3. Round One
      1. Money
      2. Events
      3. Free Action
      4. Budget

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Blood & Soil Rules

Objective

  • Begin research on the Arab Israeli Conflict
Agenda
  1. Current Events
    1. Car bombs kill at least 45, injure scores, in Damascus neighborhood
    2. U.N. poised to offer Palestinians ‘non-member observer’ status
    3. Big Screen: Colbert - The Fiscal Cliff
    4. Big Screeen: Colbert - The Fiscal Cliff Compromise
  2. Arab Israeli Conflict
    1. Brief Introduction / New Seats
      1. Roles
        1. General - Manages troops, sets combat strategy, understands combat system
        2. Spymaster - Manages operations, plans clever missions, understands espionage system
        3. Diplomat - Moves around the room, negotiates with other groups, charismatic, good poker face
        4. Budget Director - Manages binder & cards, submits budget each round, highly organized and responsible
        5. Press Secretary - Edits policy statements, strong writer
      2. Binders
      3. Begin Research
      4. Describe Rules (General)
        1. Break out groups - General, Spymaster, Diplomat, Budget Director, Press Secretary
    2. Coming Up...
      1. Thur 11/29 - Research & Rules
      2. Fri 11/30 - Blood & Soil begins.

    Tuesday, November 27, 2012

    Economics Test



    Objective
    • Take a test on American Economic Policy
    • Begin research on the Arab Israeli Conflict
    Agenda
    1. Current Events
      1. Egyptians stage mass protests against Morsi edict
    2. Test #4: Economics
    3. Arab Israeli Conflict
      1. Brief Introduction / New Seats
        1. Roles
          1. General - Manages troops, sets combat strategy, understands combat system
          2. Spymaster - Manages operations, plans clever missions, understands espionage system
          3. Diplomat - Moves around the room, negotiates with other groups, charismatic, good poker face
          4. Budget Director - Manages binder & cards, submits budget each round, highly organized and responsible
          5. Press Secretary - Edits policy statements, strong writer
        2. Binders
        3. Begin Research
      2. Coming Up...
        1. Thur 11/29 - Research & Rules
        2. Fri 11/30 - Blood & Soil begins.

      Monday, November 26, 2012

      The Idea of Justice (Part 2)


      Objective
      •  Evaluate Rawls' and Nozick's arguments about wealth distribution in the United States
      • Begin research on the Arab Israeli Conflict
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Egypt’s Morsi appears to accept some limits on his power
      2.  The Idea of Justice  (~50 min)
        1. Powerpoint & Discussion
      3. Arab Israeli Conflict
        1. Brief Introduction / New Seats
        2. Roles
          1. General - Manages troops, sets combat strategy, understands combat system
          2. Spymaster - Manages operations, plans clever missions, understands espionage system
          3. Diplomat - Moves around the room, negotiates with other groups, charismatic, good poker face
          4. Budget Director - Manages binder & cards, submits budget each round, highly organized and responsible
          5. Press Secretary - Edits policy statements, strong writer
        3. Begin Research
      4. Coming Up...
        1. Wed 11/28 - Economics Test

      Wednesday, November 21, 2012

      The Idea of Justice

      Objective
      •  Evaluate Rawls' and Nozick's arguments about wealth distribution in the United States
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Wed - After Israel, Hamas reach Gaza cease-fire, both sides claim victory
        2. Fri -President’s decree of new powers divides Egypt
      2.  The Idea of Justice
        1. Powerpoint & Discussion
      3. Coming Up...
        1. Tues 11/27 - Test
        2. Wed 11/28 - Begin AA Conflict Research!

      Friday, November 16, 2012

      Poverty


      Objective
      • Describe American Tax Policy
      • Evaluate the impact of poverty in America
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Israeli military confirms rocket fired from Gaza strikes outside Jerusalem
        2. Israel keeps pounding Gaza by air, says it intercepted missile fired by Hamas at Tel Aviv
        3. Gaza conflict tests Israeli defense system
      2. Film:  The Pursuit of Happyness
      3. Coming Up...
        1. Mon 11/26 - Nozick vs. Rawls
        2. Tues 11/27 - Test
        3. Wedn 11/28 - Begin AA Conflict Research!

      Thursday, November 15, 2012

      Taxes & Poverty

      Objective
      • Describe American Tax Policy
      • Evaluate the impact of poverty in America
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Attacks in Israel and Gaza
        2. Patriotic Millionaires For Tax Reform
      2. Tax Policy  (while seniors are at cap & gown)
        1. Read Tax Packet
        2. Complete Worksheet
        3. BLS Stats by Career
      3. Poverty
        1. Are The Poor Really Poor?  (Heritage Foundation)
        2. Discussion / Evaluation
        3. World of Class Warfare - Part 1 (Daily Show)
        4. World of Class Warfare - Part 2 (Daily Show)
        5. Discussion / Evaluation
      4. Coming Up...
        1. Mon & Tues next week - Pursuit of Happyness
        2. Mon 11/26 - Nozick vs. Rawls
        3. Tues 11/27 - Test

      Wednesday, November 14, 2012

      Debate and Debt Part 4

      Objective

      • Evaluate arguments about regulation of the internet.
      • Analyze issues surrounding the National Debt
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Legalize it! The stark generational divide on pot, gay marriage and illegal immigration
        2. Obama to open talks with $1.6 trillion plan to raise taxes on corporations, wealthy
      2. Debate - Internet 
      3. Analysis of Debates
        1. Strong skills or methods
        2. Areas of improvement
      4. National Debt (PPT)
      5. Debt Ceiling / Fiscal Cliff Explanation
      6. Taxes
        1. Begin reading Tax Packet (worksheet to follow tomorrow, due Tues)
        2. BLS Stats by Career
      7. Coming Up...
        1. Friday - Nozick vs. Rawls

      Debates and Debt Part 3


      Objective

      • Evaluate arguments about regulation of the internet and energy
      • Analyze issues surrounding the National Debt
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Colbert Super PAC News (on big screen)
        2. Secret Second 504 w/ Trevor Potter  (on big screen)
        3. Warm-up #4: What should Stephen do with his newly hidden secret money?
      2. Debates - Internet & Energy
      3. Discussion of Issues
      4. Analysis of Debates
        1. Strong skills or methods
        2. Areas of improvement
      5. National Debt (PPT)
      6. Coming Up...
        1. Thursday - Last Internet Debate

      Monday, November 12, 2012

      Debates and Debt Part 2

      Objective


      • Evaluate arguments about over the federal DREAM Act
      • Analyze issues surrounding the National Debt
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Hank Green on Puerto Rico  (Big Screen)
        2. Warm-Up #3:  Would you favor adding Peurto Rico as a full state in the Union?  Why or why not?
        3. Americans petition to secede from Union following Obama victory
        4. Israel confronts rocket attacks from Gaza, stray shelling from Syria
      2. Debates - DREAM Act
      3. Discussion of DREAM Act Issues
      4. Analysis of Debates
        1. Strong skills or methods
        2. Areas of improvement
      5. National Debt (PPT)
      6. Coming Up...
        1. Wednesday - Internet & Energy Debates

      Sunday, November 11, 2012

      Debates & Debt


      Objective

      • Evaluate arguments about over education reform
      • Analyze issues surrounding the National Debt
      Agenda
      1. Current Events
        1. Petraeus Resignation
        2. Fiscal Cliff - Possible Deal?
        3. Warm-Up #2:  Do you predict that we will see a "grand bargain" between the two parties to reduce the national debt, or more gridlock?  Explain your response.
      2. Debates - Education
      3. Discussion of Education Issues
      4. Analysis of Debates
        1. Strong skills or methods
        2. Areas of improvement
      5. National Debt (PPT)
      6. Coming Up...
        1. Tuesday - DREAM Act debates
        2. Wednesday - All other debates

      Thursday, November 8, 2012

      Debate Practice

      Objective

      • Explain the format of next week's debates
      • Analyze effective debate strategies
      Agenda
      1. Canned Food Drive - Last Day
      2. Turn in Argument Sheets
      3. Current Events
        1. Republicans Review What Went Wrong
        2. Start a new warm-up document for second term
        3. Warm-Up #1:  Why do you think Romney lost the election?  What kind of candidate or policies should the Republican Party support for 2016 different from their approach in 2012?
      4. Debate Format Example
        1. Resolution:  The United States Should Abolish The Penny
      5. Debate Work Time
        1. Create "cheat sheet"
          1. Opening statement
          2. Supporting Arguments
          3. Counterarguments
          4. Questions
        2. Practice with partner
      6. If Time....
        1. Hank Green on Puerto Rico
      7. Coming Up...
        1. Monday - Education debates
        2. Tuesday - DREAM Act debates
        3. Wednesday - All other debates

      Wednesday, November 7, 2012

      Libya



      Objective

      • Explain the major events of recent Libyan history
      • Analyze the role of the international community in Libya
      Agenda
      1. Canned Food Drive
      2. Turn in Argument Sheets
      3. Current Events
        1. Exit Poll - Demographic Trends (Really Cool!)
        2. Overtures on Debt Negotiations
      4. Libya - (Presented by Isabel).   
        1. Introduction
        2. Gaddafi's Rise to Power
        3. Gaddafi Era
        4. Arab Spring
        5. Revolution
        6. Embassy Attack
      5. If Time....
        1. Hank Green on Puerto Rico
      6. Coming Up...
        1. Debate Presentations Begin 11/8  11/12 

      Tuesday, November 6, 2012

      Presidential Election


      • Read News Coverage
      • http://www.washingtonpost.com/
      • Discuss Election
        • Presidential Results
        • House & Senate Control
        • MD - Dream Act (Q4)
        • MD & MN - Marriage Equality (Q6)
        • WI - Tammy Baldwin
        • CO & WA - Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measures
      • Watch Speeches
      • Debate Preparation
        • Look at document for format
        • Turn in Argument Sheets by start of class tomorrow
        • Begin work on "Cheat Sheet" - 2 pages per position (4 total)

      Thursday, November 1, 2012

      Keynesian Economics

      This lesson was done somewhat ad-hoc to replace Libya. 
      Objective
      • Explain the major ideas of Keynesian Economics
      • Evaluate the pros and cons of deficit spending
      Agenda
      1. Canned Food Drive!
      2. Current Events
        1.  An interesting quote by Matt Taibi of Rolling Stone on the Presidential Election:  "What we Americans go through to pick a president is not only crazy and unnecessary but genuinely abusive. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in a craven, cynical effort to stir up hatred and anger on both sides. A decision that in reality takes one or two days of careful research to make is somehow stretched out into a process that involves two years of relentless, suffocating mind-warfare, an onslaught of toxic media messaging directed at liberals, conservatives and everyone in between that by Election Day makes every dinner conversation dangerous and literally divides families.”
        2. CIA Response in Bengazi
        3. Last Call on Warm-Ups!
        4. Who wins the election - one last poll!
      3. Inside Job (last 5 minutes)
      4. Issue #13: Economic Policy and the National Debt
        1. Business Cycle
        2. Monetary Policy
        3. Fiscal Policy
        4. Keynes
        5. Deficit Spending
        6. Multiplier Effect
        7. Objections!
      5. Coming Up...
        1. Debate Presentations Begin 11/8  11/12