1. 9/25/08 – High School Heroes BR- Reflective Journal #2 1. List one success you had this week and how you achieved it. 2. List one failure you suffered this week. How will you make sure it doesn’t happen next week? 3. If you could have one super-power, what would it be? Why? 4. What is the most serious problem people your age face today? 5. What are the most important qualities in a leader?

2. Guns Germs and Steel Writing Assignment (60 points) Why did the world turn out like it did? Why did Columbus sail to the New World instead of the other way around? In this assignment you will critically analyze Jared Diamond’s theory of human development as presented in his work Guns, Germs, and Steel. In your explanation of his theory you must use examples from the film or our class discussion as evidence to support your writing. Explain Jared Diamond’s theory of geographic luck and how it has affected the development of human civilization.

3. Your paper must follow these guidelines: - 3 double spaced pages, typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. 1 inch margins with numbered pages. - A cover sheet with your name, title of the paper, and the date. - A draft of your paper is due on Thursday, September 25. - The final draft will be due on Friday, October 3. - You will also be asked to hand in any prewriting materials such as outlines or video guides - Use proper writing style and suggestions from the presentation - Plagiarism is strictly forbidden!

4. ◊Prewriting: (what you do before you write) 1. Look at the writing prompt. Circle key terms and underline words that will help you answer the question. 2. Look at your notes, the graphic organizers and the video guides. 3. Sketch an rough outline of your essay including the introduction, body and conclusion. 4. Write an introduction paragraph. This must include your thesis statement and mention what your main supporting arguments will be. Make It a goal for today to write an introduction paragraph - I will be happy to check it before you go! ◊Prewriting: (what you do before you write) 1. Look at the writing prompt. Circle key terms and underline words that will help you answer the question. 2. Look at your notes, the graphic organizers and the video guides. 3. Sketch an rough outline of your essay including the introduction, body and conclusion. 4. Write an introduction paragraph. This must include your thesis statement and mention what your main supporting arguments will be. Make It a goal for today to write an introduction paragraph - I will be happy to check it before you go!

5. Assignment for Monday Finish your draft dag-nabbit!

6. Debate Assignment – Due Monday- 50 Points EXTRA CREDIT ◊Watch the 1 st presidential debate. (This Friday, 7pm, CNN or PBS) ◊Make a list of logical fallacies. Who committed them and explain why you think it’s a logical fallacy. ◊Summarize the candidates opinion on the following issues: The government’s role in the economy Will the U.S. continue to fight terrorism (How? Where?) Identify specific plans or ideas mentioned by the candidates. What is the plan in connection with. Did they offer details? Do they answer the questions they are asked On what issues do the candidates seem uncomfortable ◊Try NOT to listen to the talking-head, loudmouth media stooges that offer their “interpretation” after the debate is over. When the last question is over, TURN THE TV OFF! ◊Watch the 1 st presidential debate. (This Friday, 7pm, CNN or PBS) ◊Make a list of logical fallacies. Who committed them and explain why you think it’s a logical fallacy. ◊Summarize the candidates opinion on the following issues: The government’s role in the economy Will the U.S. continue to fight terrorism (How? Where?) Identify specific plans or ideas mentioned by the candidates. What is the plan in connection with. Did they offer details? Do they answer the questions they are asked On what issues do the candidates seem uncomfortable ◊Try NOT to listen to the talking-head, loudmouth media stooges that offer their “interpretation” after the debate is over. When the last question is over, TURN THE TV OFF!

7. If there is no debate.. For 25 Extra Credit Points: Write in no more than 1 page an essay that responds to the following situation. “I am not going to vote. My vote doesn’t matter and nothing ever changes. Why should I vote?” For 25 Extra Credit Points: Write in no more than 1 page an essay that responds to the following situation. “I am not going to vote. My vote doesn’t matter and nothing ever changes. Why should I vote?”