Research Essay Day 1/4

All year we've talked about how becoming a better reader and writer can help you have a voice in this world.  Does this matter to you?  Why or why not?  I suggest that having a strong voice will give you a firm sense of self, which is the deepest way that you can feel power and control.  Not only is it important to have the power to persuade others to see your point of view, but having the ability to persuade yourself to do the right thing when the times are the hardest will keep your head held high.

Examples of persuasive speeches:

Your last big assignment of the year will be to write a PERSUASIVE essay on one of the following ethical topics (please see Mr. Mac for a handout on your selected topic for a starting point):

1. Adoption Confidentiality: Should people who have been adopted have a right to know who their birth parents are?  Or, should the natural birth parent have a right not to be identified if they don't want to be?
2. Animal Rights and Welfare: Should animals be protected by law and enjoy some, or all, of the same rights as humans?
3. Capital Punishment: The United States is one of the few Western democracies that has not yet abolished the death penalty.  Should the death penalty be removed?
4. Enhancement Drugs:  Should drugs such as steroids be legal?
5. Legalization of Drugs: Is it right for society through government to restrict people's freedom to use drugs?

What does it mean to be persuasive?  What makes something persuasive?  What is not persuasive?

Format: 5 paragraph essay format - download the template in word (example from Mr. Mac).  All essays must be handed with a "check" sheet and a self-assessment.  Extra outlines and templates available - just ask Mr. Mac.  Due on June 7th.  You will have a total of 4 classes to work on this (including today).

How will this be marked?  See the marking criteria p. 378, with examples on p. 382-390.

Philosophical Chairs 2 B

• Instead of having our Philosophical Chairs debate on the topic given last Thursday, I thought the dilemma found here was more intriguing.  Question to discuss: "Should Jeff tell anyone about Steven's drug use/score?"
• If time, the dilemma here is also good food for thought.  Question: "Should David lie to the principal?"  

Philosophical Chairs 2 A

• Students read "Should Bruce Wayne have become Batman?" while taking Cornell Notes, in preparation for next class, where we'll be having a philosophical chairs session.

Philosophical Chairs 1 B

• Topic: Should Batman kill the Joker?
• Review the reading from Friday, including the "Trolley" and "Doctor" scenario.
• Philosophical Chairs, this time for marks (Friday was practise).  Each person must attempt to speak at least twice.
• Purple assessment sheet with reflection questions.
• Time left over?  Complete any overdue work or start reading the next article.

Philosophical Chairs 1 A

• Quick review/explanation of how Philosophical Chairs work.
• Students read the article "Should Batman Kill the Joker?" and TAKE NOTES (Cornell) to prepare for their debate.
• Activity: Philosophical Chairs.

Ethics Workbook Chapter 3

• Class reads two articles from yesterday's Times Colonist: "First tenants move into newly renovated Queens Manor units" and "Teen's party post on Facebook brings 'chaos.'"
• Students work on Ethics Workbook Chapter 3, with Mr. Mac's guidance.

80/20 Project Day (LAST ONE!)

• This is the last day for students to work on their projects (in class).
• Please see the "Projects" tab for access to what students have already done (get ideas/inspiration).
• Mr. Mac will walk the class through the creation of a Wordle.
• Students get the remainder of the class to work on their projects (last class day).  Projects due June 1st at the latest.

80/20 Project Day

• Students finish watching The Dark Knight or continue working on their individual projects. 

80/20 Project Day

• Students continue watching The Dark Knight or continue working on their individual projects. 

80/20 Project Day

Okay . . . With only three Day 2 Fridays remaining, I've devised a plan to allow everyone a chance at success.  Your options are:

1.) Independent Novel Study (as proposed at the start of the year)

OR

2.) Self-generated project (discussed with Mr. Mac)

OR

3.) Wordle Project on a choice of films:

a.) those interested in this option vote on a choice of films

b.) film is viewed and studied in class

c.) a Wordle is created that best represents the "essence" of the film; get creative with this deceptively simple word tool;  include phrases, character names, traits, plot points, quotations, themes - whatever you can think of that allows you to best represent this film in this medium (Mr. Mac will give a quick demonstration) 

d.) print the Wordle and hand in to Mr. Mac

e.) save this Wordle into a public gallery and give Mr. Mac the link (write it down on the one you hand in or email the link to rmcallister@sd62.bc.ca) - be sure NOT to include any personal or identifying information in your Wordle or posting (keep it very ANONYMOUS)

f.) criteria for assessment: see the representation rubric for more details

**Yes, you may work in groups of up to three people, but the quality/thoughtfulness needs to be evident - it needs to be obvious that there was a considerable amount of work put into this assignment.   

Whatever your choice, this assignment will be due June 7th.  Good luck and have fun!

Ethics Day 2

• Did you hand in your Ethics Workbook Chapter One?
• As a warm-up, consider these ethical questions.  What do you think?

1. If something at a yard sale is far more valuable than the posted price, do I have to let the seller know?
2. Is it considered stealing to take pens from a bank? What about extra napkins from a fast-food restaurant?
3. If a charity sends me free address labels and I don't make a contribution, is it OK to use them?
4. Is it unfair to move into better (open) seats at a sporting event or a concert?
5. My boss gave me credit for a project on which a colleague did most of the work. Should i accept the praise?
6. Am I obligated to lend money to friends and family?
7. If someone tells an offensive joke, is it my responsibility to speak up about it?

• With Mr. Mac's guidance, students work through Chapter Two of The Ethics Workbook.
• Reminder of items due/overdue (assignment break-down: what is from Term 1 and 2, what is from Term 3?).