(9th AND 10th) Combined Discussion #19

Another combined discussion! In light of the recent Oscars showing (which some of you watched but others did not), I wanted to bring up a cultural question this time.

First things first, however. Begin by reading these articles:

• "The Oscars Broadcast, Zooming Way Past Cheeky to Land Squarely on Crass"
•  "Seth McFarlane: Crude or Classy? Delightful or a Dolt? You Be the Critic"

We know of Seth McFarlane as the creator of American Dad, Family Guy and Robot Chicken. He also voices both Peter and Stewie Griffin on Family Guy. Many people were very surprised (and anxious) to see him hosting the famous Academy Awards -- and still others were excited. In light of his performance, our discussion this time focuses on the idea of jokes, what makes them funny, and when they start to become uncomfortable or insulting. 

As you read through the articles, consider these questions (choose only one to answer!):

1. When does a joke cross the line into "bad taste"?
2. Who in society decides what is "funny" and what is simply rude? How do we know where the line is?
3. Because we live in a nation which embraces free speech, does this give us the right to say exactly what we want, when we want (jokes included)?

Directions:

• Choose a discussion question, and answer it completely according to the directions. Indicate in your comment which discussion question you are answering.
• Use the pen name you provided at the beginning of the year.
• Use correct spelling and grammar at all times.
• In order to receive an "A," you must not only post your answer, but comment on a peer's ideas as well. Please remain positive and polite when doing so. 

Due Date: This post will remain open for comments and discussion until Monday, March 18, 2013 at 5:00 PM; after this time comments will close.

You're getting THREE WEEKS to answer, so please come back after your initial post and continue adding to the discussion! 

(10th) Discussion #18

Hello, Sophomores! To keep us all on track and thinking about those political campaign projects on which we are all working so hard, here's a politically-oriented discussion for you! 

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Step One: Go to www.voki.com Open this in a new window so you can refer to these instructions.

Step Two: Click "create" at the top of the page and design a voki character avatar using the "Customize Your Character" options.

Step Three: Click the "text to speech" option (it looks like a keyboard key) under "Give it a Voice" to open a text box. (If you have a microphone at home and want to use your own voice, go ahead!)

Step Four: In this text box, use the avatar to give you a positive endorsement; in other words, pretend that this talking head is a famous person, reporter or anything else talking about how you're going to be perfect for president/VP/whatever you're running for. Here are some ideas:

• Have a famous actor or sports athlete (if you can recreate the face closely enough) talking about what you would do for their industry.
• Have a corporate businessperson explain how you're going to help the economy and business in America/Texas.
• Have a reporter talk about the great things you're going to do about the issues that matter to you as a candidate.
• Have the leader of your political party explain why they want you to represent the party. 
• Get creative!!!

Step Five: Test your voki's audio by pressing the play button. Finish any last minute customizing, and then click "publish." Name your scene (the name doesn't matter) and click "save."

Step Six: You'll see your voki to the left, and a lot of programming gibberish to the right. Click the box where it says "Select Newly Created URL" and select "Standard Voki Link." A link will open in the box -- highlight this and paste it into your blog comment.

**VERY STRONG SUGGESTION** 

Paste the link into your browser, and BOOKMARK THE PAGE in case your comment messes up! Don't lose your work!

**You do not need to register with voki to complete this assignment**

Click this link for a sample voki: http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=7507151&height=267&width=200

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Directions:

• Create your voki and post it into your comment. 
• DON'T USE YOUR REAL NAME! Use your pen name in the voki text.
• Use correct spelling and grammar at all times -- PREVIEW YOUR VOKI FIRST!
• In order to receive an "A," you must not only post your voki, but comment on a peer's voki as well. Please remain positive and polite when doing so. 

Due Date: This post will remain open for comments and discussion until Monday, February 18, 2013 at 5:00 PM; after this time comments will close. 

(9th) Discussion #18

Welcome back, freshmen! We're back to short-answer format questions this week, with a focus on personal essays. I might suggest having your SAQR rubric handy to make sure you're going for a score of 3!

Step One: Go to this link and read the personal essay by Vint Cerf about respect. http://thisibelieve.org/essay/29294/

Step Two: Choose ONE of the questions below to answer, making sure all directions are followed.

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Discussion Topics (choose only one!):

1. According to the author, what are some possible dangers of communicating only through types/written words? Use evidence from the text and explanation to support your answer.
2. Based on the author's writing, how do you think he would solve a dispute between two people? Use evidence from the text and explanation to support your answer. 
3. Based on the essay, what does the author mean by "respect?" What kinds of actions are those of a respectful human being? Use evidence from the text and explanation to support your answer.

Directions:

• Choose a discussion question, and answer it completely according to the directions. Indicate in your comment which discussion question you are answering.
• Use the pen name you provided at the beginning of the year.
• Use correct spelling and grammar at all times.
• In order to receive an "A," you must not only post your answer, but comment on a peer's ideas as well. Please remain positive and polite when doing so. 

Due Date: This post will remain open for comments and discussion until Monday, February 18, 2013 at 5:00 PM; after this time comments will close.