100 Bulldog Drive Fax: 615-904-3866
Smyrna, TN
Course Syllabus
Contemporary Issues:
o Current Issues and Enduring Questions
A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument, with readings.
Instructor: Mr. Dean Martin
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Contemporary Issues
A study of current issues and events
Course Description:
This course is intended to present a broad exploration and generate greater understanding of contemporary issues influencing our world today, with an emphasis on reading and discussion of topics. Students will be expected to attend class, be current with the issues, understand relevant background and historical information relating to the issues and be able to articulate the issues in oral and written presentations. Active participation in class is an imperative. This is an elective course that will involve discussion, written and oral reports and the integration of knowledge across the spectrum of issues relating to current events in the world today.
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Course Purpose:
The primary purpose of this course is to bring to the attention of the student issues, which are currently of concern to America, with a particular focus on the issues that will affect the students in the future. Successful completion of this course will result in: (1) a more informed person about the issues and why particular issues are important; (2) an ability to more effectively follow and interpret issues in the popular media and professional journals;(3) an enhanced ability to analyze published reports, articles and research related to current events and to summarize and present them in a professionally acceptable manner; and (4) an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues and to consider and debate points of perspective resulting from student in-class opinion. Students will learn where and how to acquire such information and how to use it in their professional practice in higher education.
“The public education system in America is one of the most important foundations of our democracy. After all, it is where children from all over America learn to be responsible citizens, and learn to have the skills necessary to take advantage of our fantastic opportunistic society” President George W. Bush May 1st 2002.
Topics to be covered:
These topics will be covered along with any current events that arise during the course of the school year:
1) Review: reading, writing and effectively making an argument.
2) Gun Control: Would it Really Help?
3) Affirmative Action: Is it fair?
4) Gay Marriages: Should They Be Legalized?
5) Abortion: Whose life is it?
6) Sex Education: What is the schools’ role?
7) Women in the Military: What is Their Role?
8) The Death Penalty: Can it be justified?
9) Drugs: Should They Be Legalized?
10) Euthanasia: Should Doctors Intervene at the End of a Life?
11) Juvenile Crime: How Should Society Respond?
12) Privacy: What are Its Limits?
13) Sexual Harassment: Is There Any Doubt about What it Is?
14) Video Violence: Do Children Need to be Protected?
15) Enduring Questions: What is the Ideal Society?
16) How Free Is the Will of the Individual within Society?
17) Local Elections: Who is Right? Issue Comparison.
18) Discrimination: Patterns Of
19) Ethical Debates on Internet Usage.
20) Religious Perspectives on Social Issues
Required Texts:
There is no required textbook although articles will be pulled from several news services, Current Issues and Enduring Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument, With Readings by Sylvan Barned and Hugo Dedau (Bedford/St. Martins). The use of the computers in the room will be vital to completing the study on the various issues.
Course Requirements: All students enrolled in the course will be expected to meet the
following:
1) Attend class on a regular basis, be informed on class topics and participate actively and productively in class discussions.
2) Prepare analyses of a current discussion topics, students will be expected to be able to have enough knowledge of the topic to hold an informative, intelligent discussion on the topic covered.
3) Test will be a combination of multiple choice and essay. The essays will be persuasive in nature, graded on content and organization.
4) Weekly news article summary/reactions will be done on Fridays.
Class Attendance: It has been emphasized several times that class attendance is very important to the successful completion of this course. Attendance and participation will account for 20% of the course grade. It is advised that absences not occur or be kept to an absolute unavoidable minimum.
Grading: Grades will be determined according to the following:
Table. Subject to change.
Category / Points / % of GradeClass Participation / 100 / 10%
Daily/Research / 100 / 40%
Test / 200 / 50%
Accommodating Students With Special Learning Needs:
In accordance with Rutherford County School policy, students with documented sensory and/or learning disabilities should inform the instructor so that special needs may be accommodated.
Honors Pledge: Each student is expected to abide by the honor system of Smyrna High School:
“I pledge to support the honor system of Smyrna High School. I will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the honor system.”
Teacher Information: Mr. Dean Martin
615-904-3865 or 615-907-2161
Classroom Rules:
1. Come to class prepared and ready to work.
2. Do not talk when I am teaching or when another student is addressing the class.
3. Do not be late.
4. Respect school property and the property of others.
5. Obey all school wide rules.
6. Keep the area clean around you.
What you will need:
· Computer Access—this is a must, turn in your computer user agreement form immediately.
· A spot in a notebook for notes, comments, and handouts.
· A respectful attitude. You have an opinion, congratulations, so do I.
Name:
Phone number:
Email:
Clubs/Sports/hobbies/etc…:
What issue would you like to discuss and learn about?
Are you “conservative” or “liberal”?
Are you sure? Do you know what I mean by conservative and liberal?
What would you change about the world?
What would you change about Smyrna High School?
Are there any special needs or medical information I should be aware of?
Favorite color:
Favorite food:
Funny event that happened in school last year:
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