Cognitive Dissonance

Since I was not able to be in class this afternoon, we didn't get to discuss cognitive dissonance.  We will cover that information on Tuesday.

However, you'll see that the daily assignment posted on the blog will ask you to describe your own cognitive dissonance (the sense of mental discomfort when a new idea conflicts with your previously held beliefs or values) after watching the episode.  You can either read this brief webpage description then go ahead and complete the quiz or wait until Tuesday after class to complete it.

The quiz will still be due next Thursday by class time.

Persuasion in Action

DISCLAIMER -- This video has some bad language in it.  If you are offended by the use of bad language (in humor, not violence, force, etc.), please email me for an alternate assignment.

Though there are many persuasive personalities in our popular culture, many of them do not employ solid reasoning.  One group who I have found to use solid evidence is the magic and comic duo, Penn and Teller.  They have a series called "Bullsh!t," in which they discuss current issues in a comical, but persuasive manner. 

Watch the episode called, "Stranger Danger" (links below) and complete this quiz by next Thursday to receive up to 15 points.

When you follow the link, you will see a notice that the video has been taken down.  Wait just a few more seconds, and it should load just fine.
Stranger Danger -- Part 1
Stranger Danger -- Part 2
Stranger Danger -- Part 3

Persuasive 1 Topics

Enter your name and your topic for the 1st Persuasive Speech in the FORM BELOW (you won't be able to type them into the spreadsheet -- you must enter them in the form).  Before you enter your topics, be sure to see what others have entered here.  This is due by class time next week.

This is required, but no points will be awarded.

Sample Informative 2 Speech

Enjoy!

Outline Template

I've embedded the link for the "Outline Template" in the Outlining PowerPoint.  For easy reference, HERE it is again.  It might be worth bookmarking. . . ?

This post is just for your reference -- no points awarded.

Informative 2 Topics

Enter your name and your topic for the 2nd Informative Speech in the FORM BELOW (you won't be able to type it into the spreadsheet -- you must enter it in the form).  Before you enter your topic, be sure to see what others have entered here.  This is due by class time next Thursday.

This is required, but no points will be awarded.

Death by PowerPoint

Below is a presentation created by the "Corporation for a Skilled Workforce" on how to prevent what they call "Death by PowerPoint."  AFTER CLASS, watch this presentation (you can turn off the sound if the song is annoying to you) and fill out this quiz to receive up to 5 points.

Early Progress Grades

I've entered your Early Progress Grades into ISIS.  Those included the two speeches you've given, the mid-term, and 50 assignment points (since we're halfway through the class). The score was out of 350 points.

There are two things I want to clarify:

1. If you were on the edge (89%, for example), I gave you the lower grade.  Remember, this grade is only for your reference -- so it seems to me more useful to know that you're on the edge so that you can step up a bit.  If I rounded, I'm afraid some would slack off and regret it later.

2. If you are missing an speech/exam, I adjusted it out.  For example, if you are missing the midterm, I took your score out of 250 points (350 - 100).

I was disappointed to see that many of you have only completed a few assignment points. Remember, that category is worth 10% of your grade -- or an entire letter.  The post below has information on a good way to earn a big chunk of these points, so I would highly recommend checking it out.

Want to Earn Some Points?

It's hard to believe we're about halfway through the semester already, and I know some of you are already thinking (worrying?) about your grades.  I wanted to share a couple of opportunities to earn some extra points.

1. Television Study -- a colleague of mine is doing a study on people who watch at least 2 hours of television per week.  If this describes you, click here to learn more about the study.  The study is taking place this week.

2. Plagiarism Workshop -- the QWC conducts workshops to help students learn about plagiarism.  If you are unsure of how to cite sources in papers, how to put together your Works Cited entries, etc., click here to find out about these workshops.  One workshop is this week, and there are two more later in the semester. *Pre-registration is REQUIRED*

If you participate in ONE of these -- I will give you 20 (count 'em, 20) assignment points

If you participate in BOTH of these -- I will give you 20 assignment points and 20 EXTRA CREDIT points

I'll confirm your participation in the study with Ms. Ray directly.  If you participate in the plagiarism workshop, they should have some documentation that you can bring to me to prove your attendance.

Do I Have a Right?

Even if you're "into" politics and government, we sometimes forget some of the most basic rights we have as US citizens.  Luckily, the folks at icivics.org have come up with a super awesome Bill of Rights flash game -- and really, I found it strangely addictive!

Play this game through to the end (you'll know you're done when they flash up a screen with your points) and email me with your score to earn 10 points.