Transportation

VS.

For today's blog, list one or two ways you think a society's culture might affect its modes of transportation. Think about, for example, the fact that public transportation options in the United States are not as popular as they are in Europe. What might be some reasons for this? (Feel free to answer either or both of these questions:)

Government

After researching your own country and watching other groups' presentations, what themes have you noticed about how the way a government is set up affects the lives of its citizens? Think about a government that protects the freedoms of its citizens vs. one that oppresses them, or one where people can vote and have representation vs. one in which the leaders are unaccountable to the people.

Values

Last week we talked about the values inherent in American politics. Those were Liberty, Equality, and Security. Take a minute to think about how different groups might elevate one of those values above others. Do different parties rank values differently? Different age groups? What about different countries; do they have different values altogether? Post your response below or write it wherever you do your Daily Prep.

Rule of Law

What is meant by "Rule of Law?" What about the "Rule of Man?" In your own words, explain what you think these expressions mean, or predict the meaning of these expressions.

Government

Today we're talking about politics! For today's daily prep, try to think of 3 things in which the government has no involvement in your life. To qualify they can't be affected by anything the government passes (laws) or sets into motion from policy decisions or court cases. Only one person wins, so try to think of ways other people's lists can be disqualified!

Monday, 9/27/2010

Today we're wrapping up our first unit, "Evolution of Mass Media." This falls within our theme of Societies in Transition. Our driving question for the year asks the question: "Was the 20th century one of progress, or one of decline?" How does this unit on media help you answer that question?

The Obsolete Man

"The Obsolete Man" is an episode of The Twilight Zone which aired June 2, 1961. You'll need to record this information on your pre-viewing activity guide. Based on the title, though, predict what concepts/ideas you think will be present in the film. What will this be about?

The first... iPod?

Check out this story from NPR about the first picture ever taken. Artifacts are objects crafted by humans and often include things like tools or art. My question for you today is this: What artifacts are people 100 years from now going to be writing about for us? What's going to make headlines when they find that very first _______ (iPod?) Write your response below.

Historical significance

What do you think makes something historically significant? Or, to ask another way; What makes something worth recording in history? Does it depend on the subject, the length of time covered, or who's telling it? Tell me what you think.

Evolution of Mass Media

Our question for the year asks whether or not the 20th century was one of progress. Today's Daily Prep asks that specifically for communication. What do you think? Are we better off for having things like Twitter, Facebook, and text messaging; or are those things making us dumber?

Ground Zero

Today we'll be looking again at media messages and how to interpret them. Take a look at this one and answer the question "What is the message of this cartoon?" Once you figure the message out, do you agree or disagree with it?

Please remember to keep all comments respectful!!!

The Camera Always Lies

Check out this picture of President Obama and ask yourself: "what does this image suggest about who's winning in the battle of 'Obama v BP?'" What do you think this image is meant to suggest about Obama's handling of the oil spill in the gulf? In your answer discuss how the president's body language and the placement of the oil rig influences the viewer's opinion.

Friday, August 27th

The cartoon on the right is making a point about Iraq and the American troop withdrawal. What is the message the author is trying to convey about America's withdrawal? Do you think this is accurate?

Please post your response below, but put your first name (only) next to the response for day one.

Day Two

Question for the day: What do you think has been the greatest technological achievement/advancement in your lifetime? How has it affected you personally?