Homework!

Thursday, April 17, 2008
Continue working on your STD Powerpoint/Keynote presentations. Refer to this page for guidelines. Also refer to the rubric distributed in class.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Go back to what you wrote about your favorite commercial or music video. Discuss what changed regarding your perception of the piece after viewing The Merchants of Cool. (Be sure to include your original description.)
*What are the messages? Do they fit the product?
*Is sexuality used to create the message. How?
*What techniques are used to convey the messages?
*Who is the target audience and how do you know?
1 page, typed.
D: Due Thursday, April 10
B, F, H: Due Friday, April 11 

Monday, April 7, 2008
Part 1. Give a brief overview of the genocide of Iraqi Kurds in 1988. Who are Iraqi Kurds? What happened and why? What was the US response?
Part 2. How can you personally work to prevent genocide? Will you?
At least 2 pages total, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman. Try to print double sided.
D: Due Tuesday, April 8
B, F, H: Due Wednesday, April 9

Friday, April 4, 2008
Finish watching Samantha Power's address on genocide in the 20th Century here.
Due Monday, April 7

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Reflection. Do you feel able or willing to acknowledge a human capacity for murderousness, for genocide? Explain the difficulty. Would you call genocide evil? Explain. 1 page, typed.
D: Due Thursday, April 3
B, F, H: Due Friday, April 4

Monday, March 31, 2008
Write one page outlining the major facts of the Armenian Genocide. Be sure to cover critical details: When? What is/where is/ where was Armenia? Who committed the genocide? Who was targeted and why? How many people were killed? Typed, cite your sources.
D: Due Tuesday, April 1
B, F, H: Due Wednesday, April 2

Tuesday, March 18, 2007
Write a one page history of the origin and meaning of the term genocide. Be sure to cite your source and put any direct quotations in "quotation marks".
Due the Monday get back from break. 

More Test Review
Click here: Test Review

Test Review
We'll have an exam on utilitarianism and deontology when we return from break. Here are pdf versions of the slide shows: util1, util2, util3, deon1. And here's the recent Kant overview: kant_review.
Be sure to check out http://cshcommunityservice.wordpress.com and keep updated on the New Orleans immersion! Have a lovely break!

Thursday, February 14, 2008
Read this article about the ethical dilemma presented by the television show 24. Click here to download pdf, click here for the web link. Bring to class on the Monday we return from vacation.
All periods: Due Monday, February 25

Tuesday, February 12, 2007
“Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means” (36).  

Explain, in your own words, what Kant is saying in this formulation of the categorical imperative. Make the distinction between "ends" and "means." Do you think Kant is trying to say that humans have intrinsic worth? What do you think about this formulation of the categorical imperative? One page, typed.
D: Due Thursday, February 14
B, F, H: Due Friday, February 15

Monday, February 11, 2007
Write a one page explanation (in your own words) of Kant's "despairing man" scenario on page 30. Make sure you explain how the categorical imperative is invoked. Download the pdf from February 5 if you still need it.
D: Due Tuesday, February 12
B, F, H: Due Wednesday, February 13

Tuesday, February 5, 2007
Read this excerpt from Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals (click here for pdf). Take notes right on the page – it's yours to keep.
D: Due Thursday, February 8
B, F, H: Due Friday, February 9

Monday, February 4, 2007
Reflection in three parts.
1) Define and explain utilitarianism (one paragraph).
2) Do you consider yourself a utilitarian? Do you sometimes make utilitarian decisions? Explain.
3) Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki a utilitarian decision? How does that affect your understanding of utilitarianism?
1.5 - 2 pages, typed, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font.
Due Friday, February 8

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Read this chapter from John Hersey's journalistic work, Hiroshima, as we continue our discussion of utilitarianism. You do not need to print this reading or bring it to class, but do have it read for our next meeting. Read this first. Click here to download the pdf.
D: Due Thursday, January 31
B, F, H: Due Friday, February 1

Friday, January 25, 2008
Read Chapter 3 of John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism. Click here for Chapter 3 pdf. You may print this at home or make a photocopy from the copy outside my office. Bring your copy to class on Monday.
Due Monday, January 28

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Begin reading John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism (link via Google Books here). Read through Chapter 2. Take notes on questions and insights and bring your copy to class.
D: Due Thursday, January 24
B, F, H: Due Friday, January 25

For the Final...
Consider the following prompt: If your current self could have a conversation with your self at the beginning of Freshman year, what would you want to say? Speak primarily about what you've learned about love and friendship during your high school years. And...If your current self could have a conversation with your self four years from now—when you are a third year college student—what would you want to say?
You may write a flow of consciousness, a story, or a regular essay. I will grade you the same way I grade your other reflections, on effort and depth of thought.
You will have two hours set aside to work on this reflection, from 12:30pm - 2:30pm, Tuesday in Syufy theater. Bring paper and a pen or a laptop. Your reflection will be due at 2:30. Please don't write this reflection ahead of time. These two hours should be a meditative period for you to gain perspective through your own act of reflective writing. 

December 11, 2007
Take-home quiz (click here to download). Type your answers onto a new document. Write complete sentences with complete answers. You may use your notes and texts. Feel free to consult with friends but don't simply share answers - this is an opportunity for you to show me what you know. If I notice duplicate responses then we'll have a talk.
All periods: Due in class Monday, December 17th. 

 December 6, 2007
Write a reflection paper about our Ethics in Action forum. Your reflection should address 1) Dr. Danaher's talk, 2) The Hunger Banquet, 3) your response to the issue of global poverty. Share your thoughts, concerns, and criticisms in an intelligent way.  Your reflection should be at least 2 full pages long, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font. Also, bring your copy of 10 Reasons to Abolish... to class for review.
All periods: Due in class Monday, December 10th.
D: Test on Tuesday, December 11th
B, F, H: Test on Wednesday, December 12th

November 30, 2007
Finish reading 10 Reasons to Abolish the IMF & World Bank. 

Monday morning we will meet at Stuart Hall High School at 8am.
*Free dress = pants and appropriate attire. We will have visiting speakers so look respectful!

* What to bring: Notebook and pen (you will be tested on Dr. Danaher's talk in the coming weeks and we will have reflection assignments based on the day's activities).

*You do not need to bring lunch, we will provide it.
*This is not a day off. Attendance will be taken and reported on Monday morning. Students who leave early without prior permission from Ms. Asdourian or Mrs. Curran will be recorded.
*Be sure you've finished reading 10 Reasons to Abolish... for Monday. (But don't bring your copies on Monday.)

Our day ends at 3pm at Stuart Hall High School.

And ladies... be sure that the SHHS dudes aren't the only ones contributing to questions and reflection activities. Make your voices heard! 

November 28, 2007
Continue reading 10 Reasons to Abolish the IMF & World Bank by Dr. Kevin Danaher. Read up to page 64 for the next class meeting. Have your copy with you in class and be prepared to discuss your questions and insights on the text. (Dr. Danaher will be speaking at our Ethics in Action forum on Monday, December 3rd. You will be tested on his book and presentation after that date.)

D: Due Thursday, November 29
F, H, B: Due Friday, November 30

November 26, 2007
Begin reading 10 Reasons to Abolish the IMF & World Bank by Dr. Kevin Danaher. Read up to page 32 for the next class meeting. Have your copy with you in class and be prepared to discuss your questions and insights on the text. If you did not get a copy, find one outside my office. (Dr. Danaher will be speaking at our Ethics in Action forum on Monday, December 3rd. You will be tested on his book and presentation after that date.) 

D: Due Tuesday, November 27
F, H, B: Due Wednesday, November 28

November 19, 2007
Test tomorrow! Covering Aristotle's Virtue Ethics and bits of Socrates and Plato as well. Here are notes given in class worth reviewing: Slideshow1, Handout1, Slideshow 2. 

All Periods: Test November 20

November 13, 2007
Read this section from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on the Greek notion of eudaimonia. As always, take notes on questions and insights and bring a copy to class. Click here to download pdf.
D, F: Due Thursday, November 15
B, H: Due Friday, November 16

November 12, 2007
Make a chart of 5 virtues that we have not discussed. Include the “deficit” and “excess” that stand on either side of the “mean” virtue.
Make a list of 5 acts or activities that are vice-like and have no mean.
Make a list of 5 acts or activities that are positive and have no excess.
D: Due Tuesday, November 13
B, F, H: Due Wednesday, November 14

November 5, 2007
Read the rest of Book One here. Be ready to discuss by taking notes on questions, comments, and insights. Bring your copy to class.
Due next class meeting. 

November 1, 2007
Read sections 1-7 of Book One here. This is the first part of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics and the foundation of his work that we will examine. Be ready to discuss by taking notes on questions, comments, and insights. Bring your copy to class.
Due: Monday, November 5, 2007

October 31, 2007
Complete work on your art projects. Bring the completed work to class. Be prepared to present and answer these questions in an eloquent fashion: what is the work saying? what inspired it? what was your creative process? We will also allow questions from other students.
If your work is digital (music, photos, video, etc.), have it on a disc or drive that I can copy to my computer and present on the screen. YouTube videos are fine.
D: Due Thursday, November 1
B, F, H: Due Friday, November 2

October 23, 2007
Read this excerpt from Cornel West's book, Race Matters. Look up unfamiliar words. Take notes on questions and insights and bring to our next class meeting.
D: Due Thursday, October 25
B, F, H: Due Friday, October 26

October 19, 2007
Read this article, El-hajj Malik: A History of Changes. Take notes about personal feelings, questions, and insights. Keep in mind that this article is based on the Autobiography of Malcolm X, not on the film we are watching, so there may be elements that you won't recognize. Have a digital or printed (double sided!) copy for our next class meeting.
Due Monday, October 22.  

October 5, 2007
The Matrix is based on Plato's Cave. Like the Cave, the Matrix is a metaphor for something greater than itself. It points (symbolically) to a truth relevant to our own lives.

Morpheus : The Matrix is everywhere. It's all around us, even in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, when you go to work, when you pay your taxes. The Matrix is the world that has been pulled over your eyes, to blind you from the truth.

Neo : What truth?

Morpheus : That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born into a prison that you cannot smell or taste or touch. A prison...for your mind...

Reflection: How are we in the Matrix? How can we get out? Why must we work to get others out?

At least two pages, double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font.
Due Friday, October 12, during our midterm period. Also bring any late assignments during this period. 

September 25, 2007
Current Events Reflection 3. Find a news article using Google Reader that deals with a moral issue and interests you. The story should be from the past week. No stories about celebrity news, please. Read the story twice. In a new Word document, write a reflection on the story. Summarize, using your own words, what the article is about (no more than half a page). Next, write a reflection on the article that shows me you understand the moral issue at hand. Is the article examining all sides of the issue or are we treated like prisoners in a cave? Explain. Save this Word document for your file.

Next, in your ELGG account, create a new blog post. Title it, “Current Events Reflection 3.” Create a link to your news story. Copy your reflection from the Word document and paste it in the post. Next, add the keyword “current events” in the keyword window. Then, choose “Access Restrictions” and choose “Group: Reflection.” Click “Post” at the bottom and you’re done!

Remember: In the Word document, at least one page, Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced.
Due Monday, October 3, by 3:15pm.

September 24, 2007
Consider the question: What is "Truth"?
Write one or two sentences to share in class. This will not be turned in but be prepared to read your thoughts in our discussion.
Period B, D, F: Tuesday, September 25
Period H: Wednesday, September 26 

September 20, 2007
Current Events Reflection 2. Find a news article using Google Reader that deals with a moral issue and interests you. The story should be from the past week. No stories about celebrity news, please. Read the story twice. In a new Word document, write a reflection on the story. Summarize, using your own words, what the article is about (no more than half a page). Next, write a reflection on the article that shows me you understand the moral issue at hand. What is justice for those involved in the story? What is injustice? Explain. Save this Word document for your file.

Next, in your ELGG account, create a new blog post. Title it, “Current Events Reflection 2.” Create a link to your news story. Copy your reflection from the Word document and paste it in the post. Next, add the keyword “current events” in the keyword window. Then, choose “Access Restrictions” and choose “Group: Reflection.” Click “Post” at the bottom and you’re done!

Remember: In the Word document, at least one page, Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced.
Due Friday, September 21, by 3:15pm.

Monday, September 17, 2007
Creative Philosophical Exercise: Write a Socratic dialogue. Central Question: What is justice? This will be a fictional dialogue between two characters of your choosing. Include “gadfly” and “midwife” moments we talked about in class. If you use famous individuals as your characters, keep in mind what that may imply. Feel free to make it entertaining but be sure it has substance. You may refer to the structure of Euthyphro for reference. Typed, Times New Roman, 12 point font. At least 3 pages in dramatic script form (line, break, line, etc... refer here). You may act the dialogue out first with a friend but you both need your own separate and different, written dialogue. 

Due in class, Thursday, September 20.

September 14, 2007
Read Plato’s Euthyphro (link). Notice how the dialectic (Socrates’ method of conversation) plays out. Take notes for yourself. What is Socrates doing? What is his main question? Does he find an answer? Bring your own copy of the dialogue to class.
Due Monday, September 17.  

September 12, 2007
Current Events Reflection 1. 

Find a news article using Google Reader that deals with a moral issue and interests you. The story should be from the past week. No stories about celebrity news, please. Read the story twice. In a new Word document, write a reflection on the story. Summarize, using your own words, what the article is about (no more than half a page). Next, write a reflection on the article that shows me you understand the moral issue at hand. At what moral stage are the different people involved operating? Explain. Save this Word document for your file.

Next, in your ELGG account, create a new blog post. Title it, “Current Events Reflection 1.” Create a link to your news story. Copy your reflection from the Word document and paste it in the post. Next, add the tag “current events” in the tag window. Then, choose “Access Restrictions” and choose “Group: Reflection.” Click “Post” at the bottom and you’re done!

Remember: In the Word document, at least one page, Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced.
Due Friday, September 14, by 3:15pm.   

Monday, September 10, 2007

Reflection in two parts. 1. Briefly explain Milgram’s Experiment (link below). Don’t write a full report, just enough to show me that you understand the experiment.
        Many psychologists expected only 1.2 percent of subjects to give the maximum voltage. However, the actual number who gave the maximum voltage was              between 61–66 percent. More than half the population, according to this study, will obey authority to the point where they are possibly killing an innocent human being.
2. How do you understand this experiment after studying Kohlberg’s stages of moral development? Why do we sometimes follow authority more readily than our own conscience? Is there a way to respect authority while respecting human life?
At least one page, double-spaced, Times New Roman font.
Due next class meeting.
Reference: Link to video, "Obedience.” Link to article, “Milgram’s Experiment.”

Friday, September 7, 2007

Reflection: “At what moral stage of development am I?” Your moral stage is determined by the reasoning behind the majority of your actions. That is, if most of your decisions are based on Stage 1 reasoning, then you are at Stage 1 of moral development. However, you may be between stages. For example, if you are at Stage 3 but have tendencies towards Stage 1, explain. You may be Stage 3 and have difficulty striving for Stage 4…talk about those difficulties. Write using examples. At least one page (you will probably need more), double-spaced, Times New Roman. 

Due Monday, September 10, 2007. 

Thursday, September 6, 2007
In honor of Mr. Pryor Lorentz’s birthday there will be no graded homework tonight. Tell a loved one that you love her/him using the words, “I love you.” Informal variations, including “Love ya!” “Kisses to my BFF!” and “I less than three you!” will not fulfill the requirement. Statements of love in non-English languages are acceptable as long as the recipient of said love also speaks the language. Have a great night! 

Tuesday, September 4, 2007 / Wednesday, September 5, 2007
We’re trying to put together an online yearbook in the style of Web 2.0 / Facebook. Each person should put together a profile as follows...
Name
Grade
Activities at CSH (extracurricular, sports, etc)
Favorite Movie OR fav. Book OR fav. Band/Musician
Quote (can be your own or by someone else)
Grammar School Attended
Last names A – L, send your profile to Gracie Hays: thefirst_third@yahoo.com
Last names M – Z, send your profiles to Molly Gallagher: mollygal91@earthlink.net
Send them in by Tuesday night, September 4,   

Friday, August 31, 2007
Read this article, “School of Shock” at MotherJones.com. It is a work of nonfiction journalism with sources and citations. Keep in mind Kohlberg’s first level of moral development, particularly Stage 1. No reflection is due but it may help to take notes on your feelings and insights as you read. Please bring a copy (digital or printed) to our next class. All Periods: for next meeting after Labor Day.   

Wednesday, August 29
Write a one-page reflection on Tuesdays With Morrie. Do you feel that the book was impacting on your life? What questions has it raised for you and how will you begin to address them? Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman font.
To be printed and handed in at our next class meeting.
All Periods: Due Friday

Tuesday, August 28
Periods C, D, F: Read Morrie, p. 100 - 141, for Wed., Aug 29 

Period H: Read Morrie, p. 100 - 141, for Thurs., Aug 30

Monday, August 27
All Periods: Read Morrie, p. 100 - 141, for Tues., Aug 28

Friday, August 24
All Periods: Read Tuesdays, p. 69 – 99, for Mon., Aug 27 

Thursday, August 23
All Periods: Read Tuesdays, p. 48 – 68, for Fri., Aug 24  

Wednesday, August 22
Block F, H:    Read Tuesdays With Morrie, p. 1-47 for Thurs, August 23

Tuesday, August 21
Block C, D:    Read Tuesdays With Morrie, p. 1-47 for Thurs, August 23