Welcome to English P050
Hot topics for the final exam in-class essay. Pick one of the following. As always, state your thesis clearly and support your point with specific examples. Use at least three legitimate references and document carefully. Bring all necessary materials, including your bluebook, to class this Thursday. When you come to class on the actual day of the final, all essays will be returned. The final is worth 100 points.
1. Is torture ever justified? This in depth report will dig into post 911 issues related to controversial Bush policies on this topic.
2. Is secrecy a major problem within the current administration? The Waxman report says yes, but you make up your own mind.
3. Go local. Is Porterville becoming unsafe or unsightly? Two local issues have been thoroughly reported on in the Recorder. Click on the link and type in gangs or graffiti. ...other links of interest: Porterville gang watchers, Porterville unsafe blog, Porterville gang watchers... Of course, while blogs are interesting, they are not legitimate sources in and of themselves. Regardless, you can reference them; just be sure to use 3 legit sources also!
That's it. To recap, choose one of the following, state your argument, defend it vigorously, document, and do consider opposition arguments. You're in!
I. National
a. Is torture ever justified? Consider the Geneva conventions.
b. Has secrecy undermined democracy within the Bush administration? Explain and discuss.
II. Local
a. What is the extent of the gang problem in Porterville? Is Porterville becoming unsafe?
b. What should be done about Porterville's growing graffiti problem?
Study Questions for Road From Ar Ramadi:
I. Essay topics. I will select directly from this list for the test. You may use a 3x5 card. You will write one, 3-5 paragraph essay on the test. Use specific examples from the book to support your answer. The essay section will be worth 50 points, as will the short answer section. Feel free to use outside sources, but be sure to document.
1. State your own position regarding Mejia's refusal to return to his command in Iraq. In your answer, use rational arguments, not purely emotional ones. Refer to the reasons the author gives as well as opposition arguments, including those of Captain Warfel. Use specific examples from the book itself.
2. Though the book represents only one man's experience in Iraq, it makes a strong case against the war and how it is being conducted, based primarily upon the author's own experiences and conclusions. Examine these and present your own point of view as to their merit. Is he right in arguing that the war itself is unjustified? Explain. Consider arguments on both sides of this issue.
3. Patriotism, though it's often defined very simplistically as "love of country" is a hotly debated term in our country. Provide your own definition of patriotism and relate it to the book. Can one love one's country by refusing to serve, for example? How about civil disobedience and dissent? To strengthen your answer, consider looking up Thoreau's essay on civil disobedience and Ralph Nader's controversial definition of patriotism. Click on the underlined links. Warning: this may challenge your existing assumptions!
4. Certainly one could hold the position that the war against Iraq is justified but that reforms need to be enacted to improve the ways in which it is being fought. Based on the book, defend this position and support your answer.
5. One of the recurring scenes in the book depicts commanding officers as being more concerned about bettering their own careers than the welfare of their own men. Comment on this and cite examples.
New topic: "The High Cost of Low Prices"...the Wal-Mart Controversy. Here are some useful links, with more to come:
Has Wal-mart declared war on America?
A small town fights off Wal-mart...a must see site due to many links....
Also see materials on library reserve, including Sam Walton's story!
New topic: Should President Bush be impeached? 1-2 page draft stating your position plus support (typed, double spaced) due Thurs. Bring 4 copies or -10. Try to incorporate at least 3 sources and document correctly. Include a separate Works Cited page. The idea to present your position, but base it on more than purely emotional, knee-jerk reactions. Use rational arguments and evidence; refute key opposition arguments. Consider the credibility of sources. Detecting liberal or conservative bias is important, but simply stating that someone who disagrees with you is "just liberal" or "just conservative" does nothing to make your case. That's an easy out, and I'm assuming you are functioning on a higher level than, say, O'Reilly. Feel free to use sources below or any of your own. I'm looking for more anti-impeachment sources. If you find any, send them to me.
Washington Post anti-impeachment article
Draft of articles of impeachment
Another anti-impeachment article from the Post
Wikipedia article on basics of
Log into Proquest or Newsbank etc. You will find plenty of useable articles.
Excellent citation guides: