Welcome to Contemporary Issues

          We will be studying both domestic and international issues throughout the semester.  Our “textbook” will be newspapers, magazines, television, the internet and other sources of the mass media.  It is not the purpose of this course to keep you informed of the events of the day.  It is assumed you will do that on your own.  Rather, the purpose of the course is to help clarify the significance of current events by digging behind the headlines to examine their historical background and to help sort out student opinions regarding contemporary issues by examining the facts relating to them.  It is hoped that as a result of this course you will become more adept at defending your opinions to others by supporting them with facts and logic.  This will involve much research on your part.

Specifically, student responsibilities are:

·        Keeping abreast of the news each day;

·        On a rotating basis, reporting on a current news event;

·        Complete all assignments to the best of your ability;

·        Keep a reflective journal concerning issues discussed in class;

·        Involve yourself in class discussions; 

·        Be part of a debate team two times throughout the semester;

·        Make several presentations to the class on assigned topics

Grading will be approximately as follows:

·        Class Participation                                                                         33%

·        Debates and classroom presentations                                             33%

·        Completion of other assignments                                                   33%