Turn the world
GREEN: Environmental Conservation
Central Question/Statement:
“As the world’s greatest superpower, America needs to
provide more leadership in turning the world “Green.” America needs to set a
better example in being environmentally conscious --- not just in words - but
in deeds.”
It costs businesses millions of dollars
to change their ways to make them “green”. Why should a business have to
spend that kind of money when they are only making products that the people
want/demand?
Take a position on this statement
by being “Pro-Environment” or “Pro-Business.”
Please write a one page paper in
response to our central question/statement and rationalizing your
decision.
Thoughts on the Environment:
“We
have probed the earth, excavated it, burned it, ripped things from it, and
buried things in it...that does not fit my definition of a good tenant. If we
were here on a month-to-month basis, we would have been evicted long ago.”
-
Rose Elizabeth Bird (first woman Chief Justice of California)
“If
you’ve seen one Redwood, you've seen them all.”
-
Ronald Reagan
“In
nature there are neither rewards nor punishments --- there are consequences.”
-
R.G. Ingersoll
“Take
only memories. Leave only footprints.”
“Everybody
wants to save the earth; nobody wants to help mom do the dishes.”
-
P.J. O’Rourke
“A
true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his
fathers, but borrowed from his children.”
-
John James Audubon
Sociological themes to consider:
-
Social change
-
Crime
-
Family values
-
Economy
-
A nation’s defense/security
-
Moral/religious issues
-
A nation’s vision of the future
-
Environmental concerns
-
Recreation/leisure opportunities
|
D
(12)
|
C (14)
|
B (16)
|
A (18)
|
A+
(20)
|
Score
|
Ideas
|
Topic is mundane;
angle is unoriginal
Report does not
teach clearly or effectively
Many points need
more elaboration
Shows very little
or no insight
|
Topic is somewhat
interesting
Angle is not
particularly original
Report teaches
topic clearly at times, not so clearly at other times
Some points could
be elaborated more
Shows little
insight
|
|
|
Interesting,
original topic and angle
Report teaches
audience about topic clearly and effectively
Points are elaborated in detail and in an
interesting way
Shows insight
|
|
·
List your top 5 material possessions.
·
Why is each item so important to you?
What purpose does it serve for you?
·
Now imagine that each item has now been discontinued for environmental
purposes (go green!)
o What would be another way
for you to enjoy the service that was provided for you without the material
possession itself? Think Green!
Top 5 Material Possessions
|
Why so important? What is its
purpose for you?
|
Another way for you to enjoy the service?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“THE PROBLEM OF
PARADISE ISLAND”
Television/Video Game/Internet Violence
Central Question:
“Television, movies, video games, and the Internet have
harmed society more than they have
benefitted society.”
Do you agree/disagree with this
statement?
Scenario:
The Pacific
island nation of Paradise is facing a difficult dilemma. A group of American
businessmen have paid an unexpected visit to the secluded island with a
proposal for the natives. The Americans are attempting to persuade the island
government to allow devices called “television,” “VCR’s,” and “personal
computers” to be imported and distributed to the island. In exchange for these goods, the Americans
will receive exclusive oil drilling rights several miles off shore from the
island.
The natives have
neither heard about nor seen these inventions until now. The businessmen have
presented some strong arguments concerning how television ownership might
improve the lives of the Paradisians (island inhabitants). Still, the island government needs to be
cautious before making a decision of this magnitude. The island government
wants to hold hearings and learn more about the potential benefits or pitfalls
of these forms of mass media. Finally, it will debate the issue in its
legislative chamber before arriving at a decision.
The Paradise
islanders have lived for a millennium without any such modern luxuries or
conveniences. The population of Paradise Island is a few thousand people. The
Paradisians have always pursued the way of life of the generation before them.
Everyone on the island essentially knows most everyone else. There has always been some crime, but nothing that the island government feels it can’t
handle. The inhabitants do not consider
their island nation to have any social problems that they can’t deal with. All
is fine in Paradise, BUT, it seems that some people have
been complaining of boredom and lack of change.
The Americans’
offer seems to have the opinion of the island split in half. Half of the island - loyal to the Progressive Party - are enthusiastic
about the opportunity to begin importing televisions, VCR’s, computers,
etc. They see numerous advantages of
television ownership.
The other half of
the population - supporters of the Classical
Party - are extremely apprehensive and skeptical concerning television
ownership. They believe the very survival of their culture as they know it is
in jeopardy if televisions are imported to Paradise.
The time has come
for a showdown behind government chambers’ closed doors on the island of
Paradise. Each party has completed its research of the facts and theories
concerning the impact of television/computers on society. The two sides are
animated and ready to discuss the issue before a final vote is taken. What will
they say? What will YOU say??
Assumptions to
consider:
* Television ownership will also lead to the ownership of DVD’s,
movies, satellite television, and video games.
* Television ownership will lead to access/exposure to
western culture, namely American popular culture.
* Paradise Island currently has no known enemies or allies.
Until now, they have virtually lived an existence of relative isolation.
Sociological themes
to consider:
·
Ethnocentrism
·
Cultural
Relativism
·
Social
Change
·
Crime
·
Family
Values
·
Economy
·
Nation’s
defense/security
·
Moral/religious
issues
·
Nation’s
vision of the future
·
Environmental
Concerns
·
Recreation/leisure
Opportunities
What you are doing:
·
You will work individually on this assignment.
·
You are an editor of a popular newsletter from the
island.
·
You need to create:
o Title of
your newsletter
o 1 article
supporting the Progressive Party (2-3 paragraphs w/headline)
o 1 article
supporting the Classical Party (2-3 paragraphs w/headline)
o Image/article
explaining the proposed exchange of goods
Category
|
D
(12)
|
C (14)
|
B (17)
|
A+
(20)
|
Score
|
Ideas
|
Topic is mundane; angle is
unoriginal
Report does not teach
clearly or effectively
Many points need more
elaboration
Shows very little or no
insight
|
Topic is somewhat
interesting
Angle is not particularly
original
Report teaches topic
clearly at times, not so clearly at other times
Some points could be
elaborated more
Shows little insight
|
|
Interesting, original
topic and angle
Report teaches audience
about topic clearly and effectively
Points are elaborated in
detail and in an interesting way
Shows insight
|
|
|
F (0)
|
D(1.5)
|
|
A+ (2.5)
|
|
Title
|
No Title
|
Title is present but not
appropriate
|
|
Title is appropriate and
present
|
|
Image
|
No Image
|
Image is present but not
appropriate
|
|
Image is appropriate and
present
|
|
TOTAL: __________ / 25
