Write at least one page of your news article (for students working in groups, that's one page per person), and bring a printed copy of your news article to class.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Assignment for Friday, December 11
Read and annotate Ch. 9 of Blur (pp. 170-197). We will read and discuss the Epilogue in class.
In addition, continue working on your news article.
In addition, continue working on your news article.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Assignment for Monday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 9
In Blur, read and annotate Ch. 5 ("Sources" Where Did This Come From?") and about half of Ch. 6 ("Evidence and the Journalism of Verification"). For Wednesday, you will need to read the remainder of Ch. 6 and all of Ch. 8 ("How to Find What Really Matters"). Do not read Ch. 7.
Also, on Monday, come to class with a topic for the news article you will write. (See the assignment posted to the right.)
Also, on Monday, come to class with a topic for the news article you will write. (See the assignment posted to the right.)
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Assignment for Monday, November 16
Read and annotate Ch. 3 of Blur. (You might have a quiz on it.) Continue working on the annotated bibliography.
In class, we will start with the writing business we didn't get to in Thursday's class, then we will turn to Blur, and you will have time to work on the annotated bibliography.
In class, we will start with the writing business we didn't get to in Thursday's class, then we will turn to Blur, and you will have time to work on the annotated bibliography.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Assignment for Thursday, November 12
Read and annotate pp. 1-25 in Kovach and Rosenstiel's Blur. Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following prompt: Think about a story covered by your favorite source of information. (Go back and re-read it, watch its video again, or listen to its recording again.) What is reliable about the way this story was covered, and what was unreliable about it? How would it have been different had it been covered by another kind of media? (For example, if it was originally printed in a newspaper, how could it have been reported differently had it been aired on television?)
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Assignment for Monday, November 9
Your major assignment for the weekend is to enjoy it. Other than that, bring The Craft of Research to class; we will begin working on the annotated bibliography. Also, you will get a new book during Monday's class: Kovach and Rosenstiel's Blur. You may hear a brief interview with the authors and read more about that book here.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Assignment for Thursday, November 5
Two of the following three topics will appear on Thursday's in-class essay on Griftopia. You will have to write about one of those topics. So, to cover your bases, prepare two of the following topics for Thursday's essay. (If you prepare only one, you are taking a dangerous risk because that one essay has only a 33% chance of being selected. If you prepare two essays, you will have guaranteed that one of those topics will be selected.) You will be able to use your book (you will have to use quotes), and you may use a prepared outline. You may also refer to useful evidence from The Flaw, but only in addition to, not instead of, evidence from Griftopia.
Keep in mind the tactics you will need to write a successful essay:
Okay, now here are the topics you developed in class, molded and shaped and slightly recast.
Topic 1: Taibbi claims, "In the grifter world . . . government is a slavish lapdog that the financial companies that will be major players in this book use as a took for making money" (pp. 30). In a well-composed essay, discuss the significance and consequences of the federal government's role in American finance. You may find it useful to consider the appropriate relationship between financial corporations and the federal government.
Topic 2: Taibbi recognizes that many citizens entered bad loans knowing that they couldn't pay them back, but ultimately he blames financial corporations for making such loans available and for engaging in criminal behavior to propagate those loans. Write an essay in which you assign responsibility to one or more parties for the 2008 financial collapse. You may find it helpful to consider the following questions as you develop your essay: Who do you think is to blame for the 2008 financial collapse? Are financial companies responsible for clearly informing their clients about their products (such as sub-prime mortgages), or are citizens responsible for informing themselves about their purchases from financial companies? Would anything change as a result of the public's knowledge of investment banking's inner workings?
Topic 3: In the late 1990s, in order to decrease federal regulation of the financial sector and promote financial growth, Alan Greenspan, the U.S. Congress, and President Bill Clinton allowed investment banks, commercial banks, and insurance companies to merge as financial service corporations. (See Taibbi, pp. 64-66). Write an essay that assesses whether the American economy has improved since that deregulation has taken effect. You may find it helpful to consider the following questions: Is the economy better now than it was before this deregulation took effect? Has a particular segment of the population benefited from this deregulation, or has the whole population benefited from it?
We didn't talk about this in class, but here's a fourth option. If you want to take it on, you can just prepare to write this one instead of preparing two of the above essays. If you have questions about it, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
Topic X: Does the American financial system work? Use the information you've been exposed to in Griftopia and The Flaw to support your argument.
Keep in mind the tactics you will need to write a successful essay:
- Answer the question. Answer the question. Answer the question. In the first paragraph of your essay, provide a clear response to the prompt. That response is essentially an argument. You might find it helpful to use the key terms of the prompt in your response.
- Stick to the topic. The topic is essentially your argument. Don't wander from your argument. Make sure each paragraph develops your argument.
- Provide evidence to support your points. Each paragraph should have a quote that supports the main idea of the paragraph.
- Before writing the essay, prepare an outline or some other format for planning and organizing the essay.
- Manage your time. I will remind you of how much time is left, but you must be aware of how you use that time.
Okay, now here are the topics you developed in class, molded and shaped and slightly recast.
Topic 1: Taibbi claims, "In the grifter world . . . government is a slavish lapdog that the financial companies that will be major players in this book use as a took for making money" (pp. 30). In a well-composed essay, discuss the significance and consequences of the federal government's role in American finance. You may find it useful to consider the appropriate relationship between financial corporations and the federal government.
Topic 2: Taibbi recognizes that many citizens entered bad loans knowing that they couldn't pay them back, but ultimately he blames financial corporations for making such loans available and for engaging in criminal behavior to propagate those loans. Write an essay in which you assign responsibility to one or more parties for the 2008 financial collapse. You may find it helpful to consider the following questions as you develop your essay: Who do you think is to blame for the 2008 financial collapse? Are financial companies responsible for clearly informing their clients about their products (such as sub-prime mortgages), or are citizens responsible for informing themselves about their purchases from financial companies? Would anything change as a result of the public's knowledge of investment banking's inner workings?
Topic 3: In the late 1990s, in order to decrease federal regulation of the financial sector and promote financial growth, Alan Greenspan, the U.S. Congress, and President Bill Clinton allowed investment banks, commercial banks, and insurance companies to merge as financial service corporations. (See Taibbi, pp. 64-66). Write an essay that assesses whether the American economy has improved since that deregulation has taken effect. You may find it helpful to consider the following questions: Is the economy better now than it was before this deregulation took effect? Has a particular segment of the population benefited from this deregulation, or has the whole population benefited from it?
We didn't talk about this in class, but here's a fourth option. If you want to take it on, you can just prepare to write this one instead of preparing two of the above essays. If you have questions about it, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
Topic X: Does the American financial system work? Use the information you've been exposed to in Griftopia and The Flaw to support your argument.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Assignments for Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, Nov. 5
For Tuesday, read and annotate ch. 7 of Griftopia (pp. 206-240). In class, we will conclude our discussion of Griftopia, and you will prepare potential topics for the in-class essay on Thursday.
On Thursday, you will write an in-class essay about Griftopia. You will be able to use your book, and I expect you to quote from it.
Below are some links to information about income inequality. Some recent reports, which I had not seen before, suggest that income inequality may be declining in the US.
What Is Inequality? (click through the cards)
Capitalism v. Democracy
Wage Inequality
It's Not the Inequality, It's the Immobility (here's a follow-up interview with the author)
Top 1% by State
Inequality Isn't Inevitable
On Thursday, you will write an in-class essay about Griftopia. You will be able to use your book, and I expect you to quote from it.
Below are some links to information about income inequality. Some recent reports, which I had not seen before, suggest that income inequality may be declining in the US.
What Is Inequality? (click through the cards)
Capitalism v. Democracy
Wage Inequality
It's Not the Inequality, It's the Immobility (here's a follow-up interview with the author)
Top 1% by State
Inequality Isn't Inevitable
Monday, October 26, 2015
Assignments for Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Friday, Oct. 30
If you haven't turned in your mentor commitment letter, I need it this week.
For Wednesday, Oct. 28, finish the research prospectus. Be sure to address all of the questions in the instructions for the research prospectus. It does not have to be two full pages long; answer the questions to the best of your ability and convey your interest to the reader.
For Friday, Oct. 30, read and annotate pp. 100-123 in Griftopia.
For Wednesday, Oct. 28, finish the research prospectus. Be sure to address all of the questions in the instructions for the research prospectus. It does not have to be two full pages long; answer the questions to the best of your ability and convey your interest to the reader.
For Friday, Oct. 30, read and annotate pp. 100-123 in Griftopia.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Assignment for Monday, October 26
Work on the research prospectus that is due on Wednesday, October 28. I would like you to come to class with at least one page written, and bring an electronic copy of your research prospectus so you can continue working on it in class. Also, read pp. 78-100 of Griftopia. Stop when you get to the first break near the top of p. 100.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Assignment for Tuesday, October 20
Read and annotate Ch. 1 of Matt Taibbi's Griftopia. You have nothing to write, but you will have a quiz. Pay attention to the ways Taibbi tries to persuade the reader of his main point, and be mindful of potential information that he leaves out of his analysis.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Assignment for Friday, October 16
Your essay on the historical and contemporary significance of race is due.
Also, bring in your copy of The Craft of Research. We will use it during class.
Lastly, bring in your signed Mentor Commitment Letter. If you misplaced the form or did not receive one in class, you can pick one up in my classroom, or you can print it out from the link on the right.
Also, bring in your copy of The Craft of Research. We will use it during class.
Lastly, bring in your signed Mentor Commitment Letter. If you misplaced the form or did not receive one in class, you can pick one up in my classroom, or you can print it out from the link on the right.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Assignment for Wednesday, October 14
Write one page of the essay that was originally due today. (The complete essay is now due on Friday, October 16.) The topic is posted to the right; it's labeled Essay 1. Bring your Pocket Style Manual to class so we can review Chicago-style citation formatting.
Also, give your mentor the STP mentor guidelines and STP mentor commitment letter distributed in class (and posted to the right), and return the signed mentor commitment letter by Friday, October 16.
Also, give your mentor the STP mentor guidelines and STP mentor commitment letter distributed in class (and posted to the right), and return the signed mentor commitment letter by Friday, October 16.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Assignments for Monday, Oct. 5, Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Friday, Oct. 9
Monday, Oct. 5: Student's choice. Bring something of intellectual interest to you to share with the class. It may be something to read (in which case you should give it to me to photocopy ahead of class), view, or listen to.
Wednesday, Oct. 7: Read and annotate ch. 1 of Shklar's American Citizenship, "Voting" (pp. 25-62).
Friday, Oct. 9: Read and annotate ch. 2 of Shklar's American Citizenship, "Earning" (pp. 63-101).
Wednesday, Oct. 14: Essay due on Wilson's The Piano Lesson, Shklar's American Citizenship, and related readings.
Wednesday, Oct. 7: Read and annotate ch. 1 of Shklar's American Citizenship, "Voting" (pp. 25-62).
Friday, Oct. 9: Read and annotate ch. 2 of Shklar's American Citizenship, "Earning" (pp. 63-101).
Wednesday, Oct. 14: Essay due on Wilson's The Piano Lesson, Shklar's American Citizenship, and related readings.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Assignment for Tuesday, September 29
Read and annotate the "Introduction" to Judith Shklar's American Citizenship (pp. 1-23). Unlike last class, you actually will have a quiz on this reading.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Assignment for Friday, September 25
Finish reading and annotating Wilson's The Piano Lesson (to p. 108). You have nothing to write, but you will have another quiz. Also, in The Craft of Research, read and annotate pp. 3-15.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Assignment for Tuesday, September 22
Read and annotate to p. 65 in Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Write one well-developed paragraph (6-8 sentences) in response to one of the following questions. (Be sure to type and print your response.)
1. After Doaker explains the history of the piano and its place in the Charles and Sutter families, Boy Willie says, "All that's in the past" (p. 46). Do you think Boy Willie is justified in thinking of the piano only in terms of the present? (You might find it helpful to consider more than just Boy Willie's lines on p. 46 to support your position.)
2. In Act One, Scene 2, Berniece and Boy Willie lay out their claims on the piano (pp. 51-54). Who makes the better case? Who do you think is right? Why?
1. After Doaker explains the history of the piano and its place in the Charles and Sutter families, Boy Willie says, "All that's in the past" (p. 46). Do you think Boy Willie is justified in thinking of the piano only in terms of the present? (You might find it helpful to consider more than just Boy Willie's lines on p. 46 to support your position.)
2. In Act One, Scene 2, Berniece and Boy Willie lay out their claims on the piano (pp. 51-54). Who makes the better case? Who do you think is right? Why?
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Assignment for Friday, September 18
Read and annotate up to Scene 2 (p. 28) of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Be prepared to answer specific questions about the reading.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Homework for Wednesday, Sept. 16
Read this article by David Blight about the continuing relevance of the Civil War. (It's long, so give yourself some time to get through it.) As you read, think about the following questions (you do not have to write your answers): Is this article reliable? Is Blight persuasive? Why or why not? Lastly, why should anyone care about this topic?
If you missed class, we watched this video about the Civil War. You should apply the principles about evaluating sources while watching it.
If you missed class, we watched this video about the Civil War. You should apply the principles about evaluating sources while watching it.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Revisions to the STP Research Paper
For most of you, revisions to your STP research paper are due by Friday, May 22. For those of you who received the paper this week, you have until Tuesday, May 26 (preferably) or Wednesday, May 28 (if absolutely necessary). You must return the original version to me so I can compare it to the revision. You may email the revision to me, but if you do, be sure you get a confirmation email from me. If you do not get a confirmation email from me, then I do not have your paper. Also, even if you email it to me, you must return the original version to me. If I don't have the original version, I can't assure you that your revision will improve the original grade. As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Assignment for Friday, April 17
Finish the presentation for Friday's class. During class, you will have a little time to finish the presentation, and you will have about thirty minutes to practice with each other.
Also, on Friday you will receive Maus, Parts I and II. You will have to finish reading both books of Maus by Thursday, May 7.
Also, on Friday you will receive Maus, Parts I and II. You will have to finish reading both books of Maus by Thursday, May 7.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Assignment for Wednesday, April 1
Submit a complete draft of your research paper, including its title. Combine your exploratory essay with the research you've written, and compile the list of references. All citations should be complete.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Assignment for Thursday, March 26
Write an additional page of the research paper. By Thursday's class, you should be up to thirteen pages.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Assignment for Tuesday, March 24
Write and email to me an additional three pages of your research paper. By that time, you should be up to twelve pages of the research paper.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Please Read This
[For your homework, see the next post down.] This article isn't an assignment, hence the "please" in this post's title. The coming weeks of the college admission season will bring happiness, heartache, conflicted feelings, and indecision. Read this article to gain some insight on the meaning and significance of this process. I can't make the link "live" right now, so you'll have to copy and paste it into your browser. After you read the article, share it with your friends and parents.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/15/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-how-to-survive-the-college-admissions-madness.html
Friday, March 13, 2015
For Tuesday, March 17
Write an additional two pages for your research paper. Add these pages to the document you started; do not email them to me as a separate document. Also, if you have not already done so, email the outline to me.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Assignment for Friday, March 13
Write at least one additional page for your research paper. Email it to me (mrmontasmph@gmail.com) with the completed outline of the research paper.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
For Wednesday, March 11
Come prepared to work on your research paper. Bring any materials you need to work on it in class. The laptop cart will be available.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Upcoming Assignments
Thursday, Feb. 26: Read to p. 223 in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Monday, March 2: Read to p. 269 in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. Pay close attention to pp. 224-226.
Wednesday, March 4: Read to p. 309 in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Monday, March 2: Read to p. 269 in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. Pay close attention to pp. 224-226.
Wednesday, March 4: Read to p. 309 in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Upcoming Assignments
Begin working on your academic research paper. Email each step to mrmontasmph@gmail.com with the indicated subject lines.
For Monday, January 26: Write a one paragraph (six-to-ten sentences) summary of the first five pages of your academic research. Email subject line: paragraph summary. Also, bring The Craft of Research to class. We will look at chapter 12.
For Wednesday, January 28: Write at least two pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: first two pages
For Friday, January 30: Write two additional pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: second two pages. Bring A Pocket Style Manual to class.
For Tuesday, February 3, Turn in at least five pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: five pages
Meanwhile, your group project on Michael Sandel's What Money Can't Buy is due on Friday January 30. On Monday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 28, you will have time in class to work on this project, so be sure to bring any necessary materials (poster paper, video camera, and so on).
For Monday, January 26: Write a one paragraph (six-to-ten sentences) summary of the first five pages of your academic research. Email subject line: paragraph summary. Also, bring The Craft of Research to class. We will look at chapter 12.
For Wednesday, January 28: Write at least two pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: first two pages
For Friday, January 30: Write two additional pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: second two pages. Bring A Pocket Style Manual to class.
For Tuesday, February 3, Turn in at least five pages of your academic research paper. Email subject line: five pages
Meanwhile, your group project on Michael Sandel's What Money Can't Buy is due on Friday January 30. On Monday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 28, you will have time in class to work on this project, so be sure to bring any necessary materials (poster paper, video camera, and so on).
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