Seniors ~ Politics

Yes, I know, some of you are sick of politics already. However, the election's not until November! We are taking a bit of a break next week, but we'll come back to it again and again until the election. It's important for you to have specifics when arguing for or against one of the candidates, and that's why we are spending time on this subject.

In a larger sense, we are studying persuasive rhetoric -- making an argument, persuading a specific audience, achieving some particular purpose. This will help you prepare for the ACT, the AP test, and college writing in general.

Because I've used these sites several times in class, I thought I'd provide links for you to access from home:

So far, we've written (1) a paper comparing the two VP acceptance speeches, and tomorrow we'll write (2) an essay criticizing one of the speeches from the presidential candidates. Next, we'll write (3) an essay outlining one candidate's positions on an issue you care about. Then, we'll choose from all three one essay you'd like to revise for a 100-point grade.

To help prepare for paper #3, as well to keep updated on issues and to view the latest campaign commercials, go to the candidate's websites:

Above all, in your arguments, please avoid ad hominem arguments. Personal attacks have no place in an educated discussion.

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation. The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...

Seniors ~ Three (Small) Writing Assignments

As you work on your memory books this week and next, you should also be working on the end-of-year writing assignments. I've given you a handout (if you were on class): A letter to your future self -- imagine yourself four years from now...where will you be, and what will you be doing? Is it what you planned? What do you hope to remember about NOW? What's important? Address your future self in a letter (standard form), and enclose it in a self-address envelope. I won't read it, but I do need to know you've done it, so don't seal it. A reflective paragraph that will serve as the introduction to your memory book. What is your overall impression of your high school years? What do you want to remember most? Finally, write a poem about your senior class. The form and tone of the poem is up to you: funny, serious or sad; rhyming couplets, ballad, or free verse. However you write it, though, please take it seriously. A copy of this poem should go in your memory ...

Homework

Seniors We are discussing the latest in robotics technologies this week. Typically, we tend to merge the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, but I'd like to start with the ways we have already integrated robotics into our world before we move on to advanced software. The results are staggering. Generally speaking, we are investigating some of the ways we are using robotics to make our lives easier and more productive. I would like you to think about what differentiates "machines" from "robots" as we use the terms. Also consider Asimov's three laws of robotics as it applies to these devices. Finally, in what ways might robotics be used in the near future? You might focus your research in one of the following general categories: Domestic - Cleaning , Personal Health, and Comfort Industrial - Health , Production, Delivery , Service, and Maintenance Military - Military Strikes, Law and Order, Exploration , Defense, Aide Below is a chart w...

river oaks [english]

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