Curious

1. Immigration is one issue that intersects government, politics and social Justice.What is fair?
Discuss whether or not the children of undocumented immigrants or children brought into the country illegally by their parents should be entitled to a free K-12 education in the U.S. and possibly other (humanitarian) services.
Take into account all your readings for the past weeks as you ponder the question and discuss your views.
Also take into consideration how questions surrounding immigration have become extremely divisive; you cannot imitate politicians or echo their talking points. You will respond with civility, thoughtfulness, and viewpoints argued from and supported by credible sources (Please no MSNBC, FOX, Breitbart, TYT, etc.).

2. Was financial reward the primary reason you chose your major or was there some other reason? After you have pondered this question for a few minutes, explain why you did or did not choose your major primarily financial reward.
Now, do a little research and list the three most financially rewarding majors and the three least financially rewarding majors.
Do your findings support or argue against the claims made by Krugman, Ehrenreich, and or Reich?
READINGS: Delusions of Grandeur by Henry Louis Gates, Jr
The Death of Horatio Alger by Paul Krugman
Why the Rich Are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer by Robert Reich

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of selecting a career based on economic remuneration versus one based on love of the work itself.What advice would you give to liberal arts majors who want to follow their passion? Explain.Which reading for this week has you thinking about your career choice given the economic situations described in your readings and video clips? Make sure you reference any sources you use to strengthen your discussion.

3. Think of your readings for this week and reflect on the messages transmitted via our media and pop culture. You might want to consider, for example, Dave Barry’s essay and Deborah Ross’ essay, which seem to show similar concerns about the image of men and women, as depicted by the media.
READINGS: 2 Live Crew, Decoded by Henry Louis Gates Jr., 2 Live Crew, Decoded – The New York Times
My Creature from the Black Lagoon by Stephen King,
Red, White and Beer by Dave Barry,
Supersaturation, or, The Media Torrent and Disposable Feeling by Todd Gitlin,
Escape from Wonderland: Disney and the Female Imagination by Deborah Ross,

Do you think these images will be a relatively accurate picture of who we are today? What image of the early 21st century (what image of us) do you believe future generations will have? If you have some media example that sticks out in your mind (a clip of Keeping Up with the Kardashians or Real Housewives of New Jersey, ad images, a political ad or some cultural image) please feel free to share. Do you think these images affect us as a society? How so? Make sure you reference any sources.

4.Susan Sontag’s essay discusses what is uniquely powerful about photography as an art form. Moreover, she writes that the photographs coming out of Abu Ghraib “are us.” Whether or not you agree with the implications of her statement, the power of the Abu Ghraib photos are undeniable.
READINGS: Superman and Me by Sherman Alexie,
Finding Neverland by David Gates,
Regarding the Torture of Others by Susan Sontag,
Saving the Life That Is Your Own: The Importance of Models in the Artist’s Life by Alice Walker,

Search for an image (it does not have to be a recent image) that is “us.” Explain why you think the photo or image captures something of who we are as a people and a nation. Make sure to include a copy of the image or a link to the image in your post. Reference your source.
Now that you found and explained why you found your image compelling, as an image that somehow captures us as Americans, consider this: Many school districts are facing severe budget cuts and shortages. As education budgets get tightened arts programs are often the first to go. Discuss why you believe the arts should either be cut or supported. Use the readings to help explain your position or feel free to argue against some of the opinions voiced in the readings as part of your discussion. Please reference your sources.

5.Do a little investigating and find out what environmental issue (or issues) local groups, your local government, or your state government are trying to tackle.What is/are the specific environmental issue/s (describe the issue/s)? How are you connected to this issue, if at all? What credible source did you find? Are you concerned – why or why not? What are 2 or 3 broader possible issues related to the environmental problem (for example, the political and economic impact of the problem)? (State Government-Mississippi)

Now, assemble a [dream] team of 3 to 5 experts from the academic community and organizations looking at your type of local issue and discuss the following:
What problems have they been assigned to tackle and why? In other words, what is it about their skill or knowledge that makes them suited to help the community solve this problem? The special team you assemble may address or reflect your specific concern/s about this local environmental issue or issues.

Finally, what academic knowledge and skills are needed to address the environmental issue/s you describe?

Last Completed Projects