Have you submitted your paper to turnitin????

If you answered no to this question, please submit it in revision 2 for TOK Paper #1 immediately.  I know some of you emailed it to me but I want it submitted to turnitin as well so I can make more effective comments.  Eric Cap, Franco Bautista, Alex Chavez, Chris Emami, Aquaria Henderson, Trace Thomsen this means you!!!!

History KI

How does one's reasoning behind the recording of a historical event vary across different cultures?

Modify the above KI and post responses below.  We will go over them in class.  The best new KI gets a gold star!!

The (honest) truth about dishonesty

Do you agree with the ideas in this video?  Is a simple 'moral reminder' enough to keep us from cheating (even a  little)?  How can we keep the financial crisis from happening again? Can we? Comments appreciated!!

Free New York Trip!!! (essay contest)

Want a free trip to New York??  Write a 500-1000 word essay on the following topic:

In John Stossel's TV special and book of the same name, "No They Can't," Stossel makes the case that free people and free markets do a better job of solving problems than government.

Do you think he's right? Why or why not?

Please write a 500-1000 word essay on this topic, illustrating your position using a recent example of a problem private individuals solved where an attempted government solution failed OR a problem government solved where private individuals' attempts had failed. You must include at least one reference from John Stossel's "No They Can't" book or TV special.

Here is a link to the website! 

Rifkin RSAnimate

 some questions to consider:
1.  Do you agree or disagree with Rifkin's assessment and analysis of human nature (empathic vs. aggressive)? 
2. In what ways are modern day educational, political and economic structures set up that prevent us from reaching Rifkin’s idea of an “empathic civilization”?
3. What are some of the social, political, and historical implications of not realizing Rifkin’s vision for the future?
4. What personal connections can you make to illustrate your opinion of Rifkin’s main ideas?
5. Considering the implications considered in question 2, to what extent is Rifkin’s vision for the future an ethical obligation we have to future generations?
6. To what extent does culture hinder Rifkin's ultimate realization of an ultimately "empathic civilization?"

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTRIBUTE!!!

David Brooks TED Talk

Some questions to consider:
1. What personal connections can you make that illustrate some of Brooks' main ideas?
2. What connections to the different Areas of Knowledge does Brooks make in his talk?
3.  How does he view the relationship between emotion and reason?  How is his view different from that of many Enlightenment philosophers?

TOK papers and presentations

Half of you have been assigned to pick a former prescribed title and write a paper that fully answers the prompt.  I handed out the "Unpacking the TOK Essay Title in class, but in case you missed it, here it is:

“In order to find the answer, you must first immerse yourself in the question.”

1.       Select and underline the terms and phrases in the title that are central to the essay and need to be explained and dealt with in the introduction.

2.       Identify and list the explicit demands in the title.

3.       List the implicit demands in the title.

4.       What are the action words or commands? (eg. explore, compare, consider, analyze)

5.       Does the title seem to imply a thesis? Do you need to challenge this or point it out in your essay?

6.       How many different perspectives or aspects are involved in the title?

7.       Decide on a thesis position. Write it out.

8.       Frame what the essay needs to do and contain. How many AoK and WoK do you need to include and discuss? Have any been determined for you?

9.       What counter claims, counter examples, objections to your thesis position or limitations can you introduce into your discussion?

10.   What specific examples will you use? Be sure to include a variety chosen from your studies in other courses, the materials in this course, your experience and knowledge of other places and cultures…we want a variety of examples to cover a wide range of thinking and justifying. 

Half of you have been assigned presentations where you will pick a Real Life Situation (RLS --> confirm it with me) and extract knowledge issues that deal with the RLS.  I have given you the setup of the presentation in class, but  here you can find a very informative Prezi on typical pitfalls and some guidance on exactly what you need to do.  Of course I will be in class to help you plan and answer any questions you might have.

This is your first attempt so there will be some hiccups.  Make sure you look over the rubric as well and focus on meeting the criteria.  The key is to effectively address IMPORTANT knowledge issues. Good luck!!

Vanishing Languages

Every 14 days another language dies. This link is to a National Geographic article about vanishing languages.  Here you can explore this phenomena more closely.  Check it out!

When did we become humans?

Here is a great article that examines a very complex question.

QOTD

"Thought is the wind and knowledge the sail." -David Hare

Want $2500? Sure you do!

There is an essay and video contest about religious freedom.  The prize is $2500!  Click here for details..

Myers-Briggs personality test

Here is the link to the humanmetrics Myers-Briggs personality test.  After you take it be sure to record your personality type (INTJ, ENTJ, INFJ, ENFJ, INFP, ENFP, INTP, ENTP, ISTJ, ESTJ, ISFJ, ESFJ, ISFP, ESFP, ISTP, ESTP).  Also, record how strong your preferences are for each category.  After the test, read the analysis of your type here and consider the following questions:  Do you agree or disagree with the results?  Were you surprised? Be prepared to discuss your type and others in class.  I took the test and I am an INTJ.  Can't wait to hear all of your results and commentary!

Why ToK??

In order to properly answer this question, you must first understand what this class is not.  This class is not a GPA booster.  This class is not a study period.  This class is not like any class you have ever taken.  Only one thing is required of you in order to progress in this class.  The one requirement is that you think, think, and then think some more (and there will be some writing involved).  You will not benefit from this class if you are preoccupied with a grade you may or may not receive.  The grade is not the goal.  Improving the way you think is the goal.  This grade does not matter.  Only logical, thoughtful and thorough self-reflection matters.

Theory of Knowledge is often called the "glue" of the IB curriculum.  Over the next two years, you will be bombarded with vast amounts of knowledge and rigorous course standards.  The purpose of ToK is to take all of your preexisting (and newly acquired) knowledge about Mathematics, Art, Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, and Ethics, and question it.  Question all of it. 

Self-reflection, critical thinking, and inquiry skills are three components that a successful ToK student develops throughout this course.  Everyday we will be discussing questions that do not have a correct answer.  There will be disagreements.  This is a good thing.  In fact, it's a great thing!  Without disagreement we can not properly address the knowledge issues at hand.  Lastly, I want this class to be enjoyable!  Everyday you will have the opportunity to contribute and express your very own ideas to the class.  I expect all of you to be provide the bulk of contributions during discussion.  My main role in ToK is to facilitate your development and progression as an active learner in order to improve the way you think, not to tell you what to think.  See you in class!