October 28

JOURNAL TOPIC:
We know that dinosaurs and other species lived on Earth and then became extinct. Can you imagine a time when humans are extinct? What might cause this, and what might take our place? Describe in detail.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Analyze and discuss 10/27 HW
3. Meshing logical argumentation and critical thinking

HW:
1. Paragraph on the role of logic in leadership
2. Work on Literature Analysis #5

October 27

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Remember that fortune you won yesterday? Easy come, easy go. Due to a computer error, 24,999,999 other people also won. That means your winnings total $2 (actually, more like $1.35 after taxes). How do you react? What thoughts and feelings do you experience? How will your plans change?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Logical Fallacies/guided practice: We started by listening to the "Argument Clinic"; now we ARE the argument clinic


HW:
1. Watch the first fifteen minutes of the September 28 California gubernatorial debate online at http://debate.ucdavis.edu/webcast.html

2. Do the opening images and sounds set a tone or create a mood? Explain.

3. List the logical fallacies you observe; for each, write the fallacy's proper name, a brief description of the example as you see it, and the time (on the video counter) when the fallacy occurred so that we can find it easily to discuss.

4. Answer the following: How does the structure of the debate influence the quality of argumentation? Is ninety seconds enough to put together a truthful, valid syllogism? Is thirty seconds enough to analyze and rebut a syllogism? Would you give the candidates more time, less time, or the same? Would you change the structure of the debate? If so, how and why?

October 26

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today is your day! You find a lottery ticket-- THE lottery ticket. After Dr. Preston cashes it for you (you're too young and smart to play the lottery), you have $50 million. What will you do with it?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Logical Fallacies Test
3. Return/discuss Literature Analysis #4
4. Return/discuss Vocabulary Midterm


HW: Work on Literature Analysis #5

October 25

JOURNAL TOPIC:
On Saturday I rode 100 miles on a bicycle. Have you ever accomplished a goal you weren't sure you could? (Or, do you have something in mind for the future?) Describe in detail.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Logical Fallacies: group review for test 10/26

HW: Study logical fallacies

October 22

JOURNAL TOPIC:
You find a notebook on campus. As you pick it up to take it to Lost and Found, it starts to shine and vibrate in your hands. A "Righetti Genie" appears and, in honor of your intended good deed, offers to grant you three wishes. What will you ask? Why?


AGENDA:
1. Journal/turn in Literature Analysis #4
2. Vocabulary midterm exam

HW: Study for Logical Fallacies test Monday 10/25

October 21

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you think it means to be a well-educated American in the 21st century? Describe the abilities and skills you think an adult requires to be successful, and explain how your experience in school is helping and/or could be improved to meet these needs.


AGENDA: (standardized exam administration: day 3 of 3)

October 20

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Albert Einstein wrote, "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." How accurately do scores, tests, points and percentages reflect your abilities and/or knowledge? Try to be objective in your self-assessment and acknowledge your bias if you have one.

AGENDA: (standardized exam administration: day 2 of 3)