GESS101 Instructor Bob Rider
Assignment:
Assignment #3Portfolio assignments: Short writing exercises will be handed out in lecture and turned in at the Discussion Sessions. These assignments should be kept and turned in during the large class session as a Final Portfolio; the instructions for assembling the Final Portfolio and writing a Cover Essay will be distributed later. In addition there may be occasional in class quizzes or short writing assignments which will also be counted as portfolio assignments.
The Portfolio provides the Instructional Team an opportunity to assess progress of writing and critical thinking skills during the semester.
Search through the media and find two examples of how statistics are used. For each example describe (1) the measure being used (e.g. mode); (2) how it is being used, that is, the interpretation or meaning of the measure; (3) your analysis of the use of the measure (e.g. is it being used correctly, what other information is being left out, limitations of the measure, etc.). Make a copy of each media source and attach to the assignment. (Only one sports example can be used.)
Information Competencies in this Assignment:
In this assignment, the student is clearly asked to perform information competency #1 articulate a research question, issue or problem; #2 make multiple and different determinations about the types of sources needed; #3 conduct research through electronic and book-based data retrieval systems; #4 make selections from, integrate, and synthesize information retrieved in the search; #6 use computer literacy skills; and, #8 develop long-term, adaptable, cross-disciplinary research skills.
Portfolio Assignment #10We are spending the next two weeks on the experimental method of analysis. For this assignment, find one report of a scientific experiment (science, psychology, medical, or social science) in the media (newspaper, magazine, journal, Internet) and answer the following questions.
- Identify and precisely state the hypothesis that was studied.
- Identify the independent variable(s) and dependent variable(s) in the study.
- How did the researchers operationalize these variables?
- What was the conclusion of the study? Did the study establish a causal relationship or a correlative relationship? Explain.
- Attach a copy of the article.
Information Competencies in this Assignment:
In this assignment, the student is clearly asked to perform information competency #1 articulate a research question, issue or problem; #2 make multiple and different determinations about the types of sources needed; #3 conduct research through electronic and book-based data retrieval systems; #4 make selections from, integrate, and synthesize information retrieved in the search; #6 use computer literacy skills; and, #8 develop long-term, adaptable, cross-disciplinary research skills.
Portfolio #11
- On the class website, log on to the GESS 101 Salon for your particular class section. Record the web address for that web site that is most interesting to you, and one that you would like to share with the rest of the class. Briefly explain why it is of interest to you.
- In chapter 1 of Taking Sides, Neil Postman and Henry Perkinson debate the issue, "Are American values shaped by the mass media."
a. Briefly summarize, compare and contrast each person's position on this issue.
b. With whom do you most agree? What is your opinion of this issue? Are Americans' values shaped by the mass media? Explain fully.
Information Competencies in this Assignment: In this assignment, the student is clearly asked to perform information competency : #4 make selections from, integrate, and synthesize information retrieved; #6 use computer literacy skills; and, #8 develop long-term, adaptable, cross-disciplinary research skills.
Portfolio #8:
Forum Question: Two Nations in Black America
Discuss and debate the following issue on the class webforum. The set of questions that follow is recommended as a guide for the dialog. In your response address at least a few of those questions, and the responses of the other students. Always be respectful of other opinions especially when they differ from yours. You must sign your name in order to receive any credit.
Many early civil rights leaders felt that an effective strategy for addressing the economic problems in the African American community included removal of the barriers to prosperity and desegregation. In addition, affirmative action policies were designed and implemented to ensure that race was a factor in employment, promotion and college admissions decisions. The goal was for African Americans to join the middle class in America. Today the African American middle and upper classes have grown significantly, but at the same time an underclass has fallen farther behind. Although this underclass appears to have transcended racial lines, two nations have emerged in the African American community.
Is the problem facing African Americans today one primarily of race or one of class? Why are we observing growing inequality in Black America? How should African Americans address the needs of their community? How should all Americans address these concerns? Should government play a role in any proposed solution? What role should it play? Has affirmative action become an ineffective tool for reaching the "disadvantaged?" What is the meaning of "disadvantaged?" What role should affirmative action play?
A helpful source for information is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/race.This is a site on the GESS Hot lists.
Information Competencies in this Assignment: In this assignment, the student is clearly asked to perform information competency : #4 make selections from, integrate, and synthesize information retrieved; #6 use computer literacy skills; and, #8 develop long-term, adaptable, cross-disciplinary research skills.
