Monday, November 22, 2010

Withdrawal of Troops in Afghanistan

Hey everyone. This next issue is going to be a video on CNN about NATO pulling out forces from Afghanistan by 2014. Remember that if you do not understand the new story, research additional information.

Every person must post at least two comments. Use the directions that I handed to you for the last current event. For the comments that were done last time, they were excellent!

Your opinion should be whether NATO and the United States should withdraw their combat troops from Afghanistan and give the task of security over to the Afghanistan government. Remember to be respectful of other student's opinions! This is an extremely controversial topic!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/11/21/exp.sotu.mullen.nato.cnn?hpt=Sbin

~Mr. Mazur

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Nobel Peace Prize Controversy

Hey guys! This is your first current events assignment, due next Monday (A Day) and Tuesday (B Day), October 18-19. For the directions, scroll down to the bottom of the blog.

We are at the moment talking about the relationship between the United States, Cuba, and Spain at the end of the 19th century. During this time, people such as Jose Marti can be viewed as heroes by some and villians by others. Therefore, this news story about a Chinese activist for human rights and democracy brings into question whether he should have gotten the Nobel Peace Prize or not. Please read the article and comment whether you think he should or should not have gotten the prize. Explain your answer in detail and make at least two response (non-consecutive) on the blog by the deadline.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/08/nobel.peace.prize.win/

Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Blog Assignment

Background:
Significant issues and events will always affect how Americans will live in the future. In order to understand these events, people can make connections to previous events and issues that have plagued our nation’s history.

The blog:
I have created a current event blog at http://mazurevents.blogspot.com/. Around every two weeks, I will post a significant current event or issue that relates to a topic that we have discussed in class

Your assignment:
•Each student must post two responses to the current event. Both responses should be original and present your opinion on the issue. The first response should be your opinion on the issue and your second should be responding to another student’s post.

Some general guidelines:
•You should post two responses to each event on the appropriate class section.
•You cannot post two responses in a row. You can only make your second response after someone else has posted a comment.
•Your post should show your opinion on the issue. Please do not repeat what someone else has said without putting your own original opinion on the issue. If you agree with someone’s opinion, simply elaborate why in your own words.
•Your post should show your understanding on the issue. If you do not understand the issue by reading the article, research a little so that you have a better understanding to develop your own opinion.
•Your responses should be original, thoughtful, and supported. You can definitely use ideas that we have used in class to support your opinion. This is STRONGLY encouraged! Although there is no limit to how long a response can be, two sentences will not be enough to explain your opinion and support it.
•No cursing or racist comments. You will automatically get a 0 if you disregard this rule.
•Remember that I want everyone to feel comfortable to voice their own opinion. Therefore, there will be no insulting other members of the class. You can say that you disagree with someone (and explain why), but do not make personal attacks on someone’s opinion.
oWhat to do: I disagree with Mr. Mazur’s opinion because…
oWhat not to do: Mr. Mazur is an idiot who does not deserve to live in the United States. He clearly did not understand the article.


Each post is worth 5 points each for a total of 10 points per current event. You must make both posts before the deadline or points will be deducted.