1. January 23, 2013 Critical Thinking Intro to Issues

2. For Today: Getting started: brief writing prompt Exploring critical thinking more critically Crime & Punishment Closing reflection

3. And then I found myself questioning their ethos…

4. Getting Started Use three of the following words to create a sentence. Your sentence can be funny, sarcastic, etc., and changing the form of a word (e.g., noun to verb) is fine. penguin charming gravedigger procrastination annoying happy Now, use the remaining three words to create a second sentence (same rules apply).

5. Your task: Get into small groups of about 3-4 people (these do not have to be people from your peer-review group) Read through “Crime and Punishment” Now, as a group, answer the questions on the Worksheet Thinking back to Fish, you may find that you have different perspectives on the matter. That’s great! Write those down too!

6. Perspectives: Personal vs. Reasonable Should Doris go back to prison, or be let off? Previously drug dealer. Now, anti-drugs, giving back. Concerned w/ effect of arrest on her son Husband: Loves Doris unconditionally; loss would be equiv. to death. Maintains she has integrity, taught children. Children: To be model citizens. Taught to be responsible & avoid drugs. Neighbors: Don’t think Doris should be sent back. Not useful. Legal & social: Fugitive, regardless of “change”. It’s been 34 years. She’s old, so shouldn’t have to go back. Purpose of prison is rehab. Reason: retrial—jury should decide whether or not she should go back. Question of change. Change brought about by guilt (disingenious). Reconsidering punishment, still serve some sort of sentence. Unsupervised pro., fine, random drug testing. Change does not change the fact that a crime was committed.

7. Closing Reflection: Write 2 brief letters to the governor expressing why or why not Doris Doe should/n’t finish serving her sentence. The first letter should express your personal view/perspective The second should offer a “reasonable” response Use supporting information from the article OR How has this activity informed your view and understanding of critical thinking? What was most difficult? How did you work through the difficulties you encountered? Questions taken from Gita DasBender’s “Critical Thinking in College Writing” PS: At this point you all should be writing at least ½-1 page.

8. Homework and Reminders Draft 2 of Assignment 1 Due this Friday by 10p Issue/film ideas for Assignment 3 (email me) Friday we are meeting in AML 105 Office hours: Wednesday (today) 1-2:30