Case Study for Tuesday 10/30

Here's a link to the case study for Tuesday (it's actually a discussion of several related cases). Let me know if you have any trouble opening the link.

Argument Maps

We'll be using Cartargrapher, a web-based argument mapping program, to do part 2 of our term papers. You'll need a google account to sign in; if you don't have a google account, scroll down for a video about how to get one.

Here's a link to the mapping program.

Watch the videos below for a short introduction about how to use the program. It's quite easy and straightforward. Let me know if you have questions as you're working on your maps.

Here are some samples to practice with. You'll have to first identify whether the paragraph contains an argument or not, then identify the structure of the argument and map it.

Homework Reading for Thursday 10/25

Here's a link to the slide show on Google Docs - you should be able to watch it there.

Don't forget that we're meeting in the Skills Center Lab on Thursday! See you then.

Research Report 3 (Topic Homework Assignment)

By Crystal_128_forward.png: Dake derivative work: Gregor Shapiro (Crystal_128_forward.png) [LGPL (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Now that we've reviewed the topics and thought about more focused questions for you to answer in your papers, it's time to have another progress report.

We developed several questions or lines of inquiry for each of you to follow as you continue to work on your paper. Work on those for the next several days, and then post a progress report in the comments below.

Identify one or two questions or lines of inquiry that we talked about for your topic in class on Thursday. Say what that question or inquiry was, and then follow with a brief summary of what you learned over the weekend.

Give enough detail that we can see what the evidence or argument is for each claim. Everything should be in your own words.

To comment, click on the "# comments" link below this post. Copy and paste your report into the comment box. Click on the dropdown menu below the comment box and choose "anonymous." Then click on "publish."

If you're having trouble posting, send me an email.

Have a great weekend - I hope you have fun exploring your topic more!

Homework: Thinking About Interpretations

Make a list of the questions of interpretation that have come up as you’ve read about your topic. That is, where are you finding arguments or questions about how to understand or interpret what we know about the issue? Where are there important considerations on more than one side of the issue? Where do you need to do work to figure out how to make sense of what you know (rather than just having a plain fact in front of you).

You can write it as just a simple numbered list. 

You may post your answers in comments below, OR, if you're having trouble posting, you may type your answers and bring them to class on Thursday.

To post your answer in comments, click on the "# comments" button below this post. Paste your answer into the comment box that appears. Click on the drop down menu and choose "anonymous," then click "publish."

Research Report 2 (Topic Homework Assignment)

Confucious the Scholar viahttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Confucius_the_scholar.jpg#file

Using the questions your group came up with in class on Tuesday and Thursday, do another round of research. Spend some considerable time on it! The more you learn, the more you'll feel confident about your subject, and interested in moving forward.

In the comments below, tell us 3 interesting things you learned in your new research, and where you learned each thing. Include the name of the author (if there is a named author) and the name of the source. Go into a bit of detail, so that we can see the evidence supporting each claim (most of you did a great job with this last time).

Include your first name and last initial in your comment.

Noooo not hoooomewoooork!

Yes, I'm afraid it's homework. Be strong!

Read the articles linked below and take notes for class on Thursday.Write down any helpful information you find while you're reading: anything you think will help make an informed decision about the ballot measure. Organize your notes by article as a good practice for your paper.

Happy reading!

Measure N

Why a Smart Tax on Soda Would Work

An Historical Overview of Sumptuary Taxes (that's what they used to call "sin" taxes)

Excise Taxes (more general information about the use of taxes for social goals)

"Raising Taxes Reduces Smoking" (quotes from internal tobacco company memos, published by an advocacy group against smoking)

State Cigarette Excise Taxes

The Effects of Price on Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Related Problems

Reading for Tuesday October 9

Here's your reading for this coming Tuesday. You may also look at the slideshow here if you're having trouble viewing it below.

Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great weekend.

Research Report 1 (Topic Homework Assignment)

Detail from The School of Athens
via http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cyberpunk

Using the questions your group came up with in class on Tuesday and Thursday, do another round of research. Spend some considerable time on it! The more you learn, the more you'll feel confident about your subject, and interested in moving forward.

In the comments below, tell us 3 interesting things you learned in your new research, and where you learned each thing. Include the name of the author (if there is a named author) and the name of the source.

Include your first name and last initial in your comment.

Farming Practices

Here's your thread to continue your discussion about how you want to narrow your topic, and what 3 or 4 questions you want to start with, to guide your research. Discuss in the comments section.

Outdoor Recreation Centers

Here's your thread to continue your discussion what 3 or 4 questions you want to start with, to guide your research. Discuss in the comments section.

Environmental Impact of the Navy on the East Bay

Here's your thread to continue your discussion about how you want to narrow your topic, and what 3 or 4 questions you want to start with, to guide your research. Discuss in the comments section.

Media and Teens 2 (group formerly in the middle right of the class)

Here's your thread to continue your discussion about how you want to narrow your topic, and what 3 or 4 questions you want to start with, to guide your research. Discuss in the comments section.

Media and Teens 1 (group formerly in the front right of the class)

Okay y'all, here's a thread for you to continue your discussion about how you want to narrow your topic, and what 3 or 4 main questions you want to help guide your research.