September 16 – U1: Ch2 Homework

Note: Below the site name you should see a new section called Documents. This is where I will upload any information you should have from class. If you are on your phone, you will need to hit the menu button to see it.

Homework:

After reading Unit 1: Chapter 2 of Urban Reader for College Writers, answer either one (not both!) of the following questions as a comment on this post:

The CIRCLE reports that “80% of students in the study were encouraged in the classes they took to form their own opinions regarding [politics or government].” What is the benefit of students being able to form their own opinions regarding political issues?

OR

What might be some disadvantages of all students in the United States taking the same civics course? Explain and illustrate the potential disadvantages.

Be as detailed and as opinionated as you like. You may speak about a personal experience, or just discuss the idea in general.

You must post a comment answering this question by 5pm on Saturday, September 19th, and you must reply* to at least one post by a classmate before class on Monday. You may feel free to post as many times and as much as you like beyond the minimum requirement. Remember, this counts as class participation and a homework grade. Have fun with it!

*Note: Replies must be well thought out and complete sentences. Saying “I agree” is not enough. With what do you agree (or respectfully disagree)? Why? Do you have suggestions, additions? Be thorough.

Your vocabulary homework is also due on Monday. Choose 5 words from the Zoom in on Vocabulary section at the end of this chapter and follow the guide in the documents section of the blog.

Dont forget the CATW essay on “Decline and Fall of Teaching History” is also due on Monday. I suggest turning everything off and setting a timer for 90 minutes. Write this essay in 90 minutes, see how far you get, and then finish it up after the 90 minutes has passed if necessary. Time management is a huge part of the CATW test, and being aware of how long it takes you to write is a good first step in improving your time management.

The CATW writing directions are in the document section of the blog if you need to reference them. They are also on various worksheets you’ve been given.

September 10 – U1: Ch1 Homework

After reading Unit 1: Chapter 1 of Urban Reader for College Writers, answer the following question as a comment on this post:

Do you support the call for more civics in the classroom?

If yes, how do you propose we add it to the curriculum, keeping in mind the important classes students are already taking and the eight-hour school day?

If no, why not? Why not? What suggestions do you have to maintain a civics-educated population without school instruction? How do you suggest educating our population about civics without classroom instruction? Explain.

Be as detailed and as opinionated as you like. You may speak about a personal experience, or just discuss the idea in general.

You must post a comment answering this question by noon on Sunday, September 13th, and you must reply* to at least one post by a classmate before class on Wednesday. You may feel free to post as many times and as much as you like beyond the minimum requirement. Remember, this counts as class participation and a homework grade. Have fun with it!

*Note: Replies must be well thought out and complete sentences. Saying “I agree” is not enough. With what do you agree (or respectfully disagree)? Why? Do you have suggestions, additions? Be thorough.

Additionally, don’t forget that your vocabulary homework is also due on Wednesday.

Monday, August 31st – Welcome!

Welcome to the class blog! Occasionally I will upload documents on the blog here. I might also use Open Lab to alert you to a canceled class or about extra credit, so having an account is very important!

Today’s assignment is listed below. Please note that I will often upload assignments here or list them for your convenience. I will also list homework here. The homework directions will always be clear and complete and include a due date. To receive full credit on assignments and homework, you must follow all directions and turn it in on the due date.

Assignment:

  • Join the OpenLab.
    https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/ is the OpenLab website.
    https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/fox021wfall2015/ is our class website. (That’s where we are right now.)
  • Join our class page
  • Comment on this post with
    • Your name (and nickname, if you would prefer to be called by one)
    • What type of writing you like best (such as expository essay writing, fiction, narrative, etc.)
    • What you find most difficult about writing
    • Which topic is most interesting to you:
      • Civics, Community, Being “Green”, Health, Responsibility, Sociology

Details:
Simply follow the second link above, which will bring you to the WordPress sign-in page. Click the small grey word “register” and it will bring you to the OpenLab area to set up an account.

From there, you have to fill out some information about yourself. Please use your actual name as your display name.

After you create an account, don’t forget to add the course and comment on this post by clicking the grey words saying “leave a reply” at the top!