Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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?

Thursday, September 20, 2012

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!!

Friday, September 14, 2012

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!

Friday, September 7, 2012

QOTD

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

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Want $2500? Sure you do!

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