Name ______

Freakonomics: Teaching the Chapters

Test Grade

As we read this book, you will need to partner up with two other members of the class to teach one of the remaining chapters.

  • Chapter 2: “How is the Ku Klux Klan Like a Group of Real-Estate Agents?” (pgs 49-78)
  • Chapter 3: “Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with Their Moms?” (pgs 79-104)
  • Chapter 4: “Where Have All the Criminals Gone?” (pgs 105-132)
  • Chapter 5: “What Makes a Perfect Parent?” (pgs 133-162)
  • Chapter 6: “Perfect Parenting, Part II; or: Would a Roshanda by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?” (pgs 163-188)

*** This assignment will count as a test grade, broken down according to the following:

  • Teaching the Chapter: 40 pts
  • Chapter responses for other 4 chapters: 10 pts each = 40 pts
  • Participation during each of the chapter discussions: 20 pts

Requirements for those teaching the chapter:

  1. You must come prepared with class discussion questions so that we are able to discuss the chapter. You may break up your questions according to the following types:
  • Questions that ask about the big ideas (or little ideas) Levitt & Dubner present
  • Questions that ask your classmates to examine the arguments/claims made by Levitt and Dubner, the counterclaims they present (if any), the appeals they use, and whether you note any fallacies
  • Questions regarding rhetorical devices: what devices are used and to what purpose
  • Questions regarding style or arrangement of argument
  • Questions examining specific diction in certain passages
  • Questions asking classmates to synthesize the main idea of the chapter, based on all of the pieces in it that are discussed
  • Questions that ask classmates to make connections between what is mentioned in the chapter and where you have encountered it in other places
  • Questions that discuss the speaker-situation-audience-intended purpose of the chapter
  1. In addition to posing the questions, you must have answers to all of your questions as well, complete with page number references. This way, if others are having a hard time answering your questions, you can redirect them.
  1. Create an activity or something to do with us—it can be an introduction to the lesson or something you have us do once the discussion is completed. Whatever you do, it should engage us. Possible ideas for your group to try out:
  • Find an additional reading assignment for us to read, discuss, analyze, etc. It should tie in to the ideas presented in the chapter.
  • Have us view a clip from a movie, TV show, video from YouTube, etc. that parallels or exemplifies or contrasts with the ideas or information presented in the chapter. After viewing/during viewing, have us analyze the clip or discuss parallels, etc.
  • Create AP style multiple choice questions based on a section of the chapter and have us answer them.
  • Have us complete a writing assignment—an argument, a creative piece, a poem, etc.
  • Set up a debate (come up with ground rules) and provide any information necessary.
  • Conduct a skit that showcases anecdotes from your chapter—or ask the class to do so, with specific guidelines & a purpose.
  • Create a 4 Corners activity: questions where 4 answer options are given and each answer option is given a designated corner and “task” or “discussion” of some kind.
  • Involve art or music—bring in examples of art or music that parallel the themes/ideas in the chapter, or ask the class to create them.
  • Create a PowerPoint slideshow. You can use it to lecture, give main points, enhance your discussion, etc.
  • Your choice.

What to do when you do NOT need to teach a chapter:

  1. For each chapter, you must present proof to me that you have read the chapter prior to our discussion. I will accept this proof in one of three ways:

OPTION A: A response paper – 1 page, single-spaced, with your responses, thoughts, commentary, analysis, etc. on information brought up in the chapter.

OPTION B: Creative Chapter Section Titles, Passages & Commentary. For each new “section” of the chapter (which are divided, not by numbers, but by extra line spaces), write a creative section title, choose a significant passage (with the page number), write it down, and write several sentences of commentary on it. Most chapters have between 5 and 7 sections.

OPTION C: Letter to the Editor—The authors of Freakonomics received numerous responses to the claims made in their book. You may write a 1 page Letter to the Editor in which you defend, challenge, or qualify the claims made in that particular chapter. You should cite specific evidence from the text while writing your letter.

OPTION D: Create a Bookmark. Since we have now analyzed the visual rhetoric behind the cover art, create a bookmark designed around the main ideas in that chapter. There should be at least one particular image (whether literal or metaphorical), a quoted passage or phrase from the chapter or a succinct commentary/slogan regarding the ideas of the chapter, and a unifying theme or idea to tie it all together. The overall effect should be aesthetically pleasing and professionally designed. (It should not look like it was done in 5 minutes!) You will also need to submit a ½ page explaining the design of your bookmark.

  1. You must use at least 3 different options.
  1. I will expect you to participate in the discussions we have and will be charting responses according to relevancy, insight, and quantity.