Reading Assignment + Weekly Discussion Question

Hello students,

There is no reading assignment for Monday's class. I decided to forgo any reading, so you can concentrate on your research outline, which is due on March 4 (Wed.). I expect you to work hard on that outline.

Of course, you are still expected to be on top of the news and to watch "Meet the Press."

Here is your weekly discussion question:

What was the most interesting thing you learned in the film "An Inconvenient Truth" and why?

Your responses are due by midnight on Tuesday, as always.

Have a good weekend, and I will see you on Monday.

Weekly Discussion Question

Hello students,

President Obama announced earlier this week that he would send 17,000 additional American troops to Afghanistan. Many analysts think thousands more American soldiers will be sent. You can read about the initial buildup here.

The question: Do you agree that the U.S. should send more troops to Afghanistan? If so, why? If not, why not?

Make sure you think about this question, as there is no simple answer. For example, you should consider how valuable Afghanistan is to the U.S., if at all; the region's importance to the U.S.; the terror attacks in 2001, etc. You may want to do some extra reading to formulate a thoughtful response.

Your answers, as always, are due by midnight on Tuesday.

Good luck and have fun!

Your reading assignment for Monday is in the post below.

Monday's Class + Reading Assignment

Hello students,

On Monday, we will wrap up discussion of President Obama's economic stimulus plan (hooray!) and then segue into talking about global warming (or climate change).

Your reading assignment for Monday is to review the readings included in the Feb. 13 post.

As always, don't forget to keep abreast of the news – by reading the NY Times and watching "Meet the Press."

Last thing: I will be in touch with each of you individually about your research topic by this weekend if you haven't heard from me already.

Have a good weekend, and I'll see you on Monday!

Class Canceled

Dear students,

I regret that I must cancel class for Mon., Feb. 16. My wife's sickness has worsened this weekend, and it appears baby Nathaniel is sick, too. I am the last person standing (for now, at least), so I will need to care for them. 

I have sent an email to each of you as well. However, I know that many of you use other email accounts, which I don't have. So, please relay the class cancellation information to any classmates you know.

We will discuss Congress's passage of the economic stimulus plan on Wednesday. The reading assignment is the same as for Monday (see post below)

Thank you all for your understanding.

Professor Lewis

Weekly Discussion Question

Dear students,

Here is your weekly discussion question. Your response is due by midnight Tuesday. The readings (below) may help you in formulating your response.

The question:

Is global warming real? If so, why? If not, why not?

Reading Assignment for Monday

Dear students, 

On Monday, we will talk about Congress's passage of the stimulus plan, which President Obama may sign as soon as this weekend. We will also begin discussing climate change (global warming).

Your readings for Monday are here and here.

Don't forget to watch "Meet the Press" this weekend, too.

Have a good weekend and see you on Monday!

Syllabus Has Been Posted!

Dear students,

I have posted the syllabus online. You can find it here.

Note I have included a new email address to reach me. It is rlewis1@ric.edu. 

I will post other documents as the need arises. Let me know if you have any problems accessing it.

See the posts below for your weekly discussion question and for your reading assignment for Monday.

Weekly Discussion Question

Dear students,

You have read the story on Japan's stimulus plan and have analyzed the House and Senate versions of the American stimulus package (see the post below this one for the links). 

My question for you:

What should America's stimulus plan focus on and why? If you list more than one area, prioritize them and explain your ranking. For example, if you believe building roads is the top priority, explain why and so on with your other choices. Also, feel free to include any ideas not addressed in the bills.

Your responses are due by midnight on Tuesday. Have fun!

Reading Assignment for Monday

Hello students,

Here is your reading assignment for Monday's class. The links are here, here and here. Also, don't forget to watch "Meet the Press" this weekend.

We will continue to talk about the economy on Monday. So, please bring with you:

1. The David Leonhardt column on the causes of the economic downturn.

I will post the weekly discussion question separately. Your responses are due by midnight Tuesday, as always.

Have a good weekend and see you in class on Monday!

Weekly Discussion Question

In his column on the economic collapse, David Leonhardt of the New York Times writes:

“Bubbles lead to busts. Busts lead to panics. And panics can lead to long, deep economic downturns…”

What do you think he means?