The newspaper can be a positive force in intro class (or others). Have
the students select articles they think are interesting, vote on one,
and discuss it in the next class. A big story like Katrina, you can
pick a few articles that look at different aspects of the story to
introduce the idea of having a perspective. Reading the newspaper is
an important step in good citizenship, and perhaps one of the most
important things they'll take away from your class. I share your
exasperation, but am not particularly surprised.
Steven Sherman
-----Original Message-----
From: klausner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Teachsoc <>
Sent: Thu, 01 Sep 2005 17:35:07 -0400
Subject: TEACHSOC: MINDBOGGLING
Hi,
After discussing the notion of the "Sociological Imagination" I asked
students to relate it to the aftermath of Katrina...I was shocked when
one student raised her hand and said that she did not know anythng
about the aftermath...only that a Hurricane occurred. While we are in a
small town we: have a CNN affiliate on the local radio station, the
newspaper program we have enables students to get FREE same-day copies
of: THE NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY AND THE LOCAL PAPER.
They are in "stands" in the cafeteria and other places on campus.
We get NPR from State College and from Buffalo. There is a HUGE TV in
the Commons and a dozen in the Sports Center. It is mindboggling to me
that ANYONE
does not know about the tragic situation occurring in the aftermath of
the Hurricane. I was so exasperated that I have now required students
in the Intro class to
BRING a newspaper to class each session.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Thanks,
Michael
