CONTEMPORARY ISSUES – JOURNAL ENTRIES
Spring 2009
Journal Entries (JE) must be a minimum of 3 lines of writing in complete sentences (unless otherwise specified), and are worth up to 3 points for each entry. Since you are given in-class time to work on these each day, they
will only be accepted for up to one week after their due dates.
3rd Quarter
In progress – not yet collected
2/17: Many of you have voted that the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan are major issues in the U.S. today. Brainstorm some ideas as to what we should do in regards to resolving this matter?
Collected 2/12/09 – Will NOT be accepted after 2/20/09
2/9: We surveyed 3 news programs last week – 5 p.m. news on St. Louis channels 5 (KSDK), 4 (KMOV), and 2 (FOX). Which one of these programs did you like the best, and why?
2/11: Do you think that elderly drivers should have to pass driving tests? If so, why, at what age, and how often? If not, why not?
2/12: Across the country this weekend, we are celebrating Lincoln’s birthday. Why is this former President celebrated still today?
Collected 2/06/09 – Will NOT be accepted after 2/12/09
2/2: If you had to vote as to whether or not to pass Pres. Obama’s stimulus plan, what questions would you want answered first?
2/3: Since the media can choose the content of its reports, do you think that some news stories could be considered propaganda? Why or why not?
2/4: Pres. Obama has pledged to cap business executives’ pay. In light of the recession in our economy, would you be willing to accept a pay cap on minimum wage? Why or why not?
2/5: List 3 news stories that were covered in class yesterday that you found to be interesting.
2/6: Former Presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney said today that the man who won the presidency, Barack Obama, “is off to a rocky start.” What problems is Romney referring to in regards to this statement?
Collected 1/23/09 – Will NOT be accepted after 2/6/09
1/21: In your opinion, what are some of the expectations of Pres. Obama’s administration?
1/22: The Oscar nominations were released today, among the nominees are Heath Ledger and Brad Pitt. In your opinion, why are people so obsessed with Hollywood and celebrities?
1/23: Where do you think the line should be drawn in interrogation techniques? What is ok or not ok? Why?
Collected 1/16/09 – Will NOT be accepted after 1/23/09
1/7: Why do you think some people make New Year’s resolutions? Did you make any?
1/8: Do you think that Rod Blagojevich has already been tried and convicted by the media or public? Why or why not?
1/14: Why do you think that so much attention is being paid to the type of dog Barack Obama will give to his children in the White House?
1/15: If someone at your bank made an error and your money was accidentally transferred to someone else’s account, would you continue to bank at that institution? Why or why not?