Hello Class!
This will be my final post to this blog. I hope that you have
learned a bit over the course of the semester. My students never
cease to amaze me. I think I learn just as much from my students,
if not more, than my students learn from me. In short, I have had a
great time with you this semester, and wish each of you a relaxing
and fun break. You've earned it.
As of midnight tonight everything should be entered into D2L. Take a
look at your total points then compare that number to the following
scale to see the grade you earned in Comm 41.
A+ 970-1000
A 940-969
A- 900-939
B+ 870-899
B 840-869
B- 800-839
C+ 770-799
C 740-769
C- 700-739
D+ 670-699
D 640-669
D- 600-639
F 600 and below
I will post grades at some point tomorrow, but I don't think they will
be released for a day or two. The mysjsu system will release
grades at its own pace.
Again, I have had a great time with you all this semester, and hope that you have a wonderful break!
Signing off for the last time.....
The Blogging Prof
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Week of Dec 10 - 14
Hello Fabulous Students,
As you all know, the only thing left to complete for Comm 41 is the final exam, which is open book/open notes. As a reminder the final exam will open up on Dec 13th at 12:01am, and will close on Dec 14th at 11:59pm. Please be sure to take the final exam during the scheduled time.
Please follow these instructions and reminders to take the final exam:
1). Download the Proctor Form from the "Content" tab on D2L. You can locate it under the "Quizzes and Tests" tab.
2). Find someone to proctor your final exam who is a). NOT a part of Comm 41 at SJSU, and b). Over the age of 21. You do not need to go to a testing center for the final exam, rather, you can ask a family member, friend, etc.....
3). Make sure the proctor watches you take the final exam to attest to the fact that you did not share questions or answers with anyone. In short - the proctor is there to make sure you don't offer assistance or get assistance from another person.
4). Log onto D2L and locate the final exam.
5). Take the test - This is an open book/open notes test.
6). Submit the test within the time limit allowed (see D2L for more info.)
7). Submit the SIGNED proctor form to me through email. You can either scan it into the computer and send it to me, or you can take a HIGH QUALITY digital photo and email the picture to me. Be sure to email the proctor form to the class email address.
NOTE: If I do not receive a signed Proctor Form from you with 24 hours of you completing the final exam, you will earn a zero on the final.
Email me with any questions you might have.
:)
The Blogging Prof.
As you all know, the only thing left to complete for Comm 41 is the final exam, which is open book/open notes. As a reminder the final exam will open up on Dec 13th at 12:01am, and will close on Dec 14th at 11:59pm. Please be sure to take the final exam during the scheduled time.
Please follow these instructions and reminders to take the final exam:
1). Download the Proctor Form from the "Content" tab on D2L. You can locate it under the "Quizzes and Tests" tab.
2). Find someone to proctor your final exam who is a). NOT a part of Comm 41 at SJSU, and b). Over the age of 21. You do not need to go to a testing center for the final exam, rather, you can ask a family member, friend, etc.....
3). Make sure the proctor watches you take the final exam to attest to the fact that you did not share questions or answers with anyone. In short - the proctor is there to make sure you don't offer assistance or get assistance from another person.
4). Log onto D2L and locate the final exam.
5). Take the test - This is an open book/open notes test.
6). Submit the test within the time limit allowed (see D2L for more info.)
7). Submit the SIGNED proctor form to me through email. You can either scan it into the computer and send it to me, or you can take a HIGH QUALITY digital photo and email the picture to me. Be sure to email the proctor form to the class email address.
NOTE: If I do not receive a signed Proctor Form from you with 24 hours of you completing the final exam, you will earn a zero on the final.
Email me with any questions you might have.
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Week of December 3 - 9
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. This will be our last discussion for the class, however, we have two weeks left of class.
Due this week:
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*STUDY FOR FINAL EXAM - The final exam is scheduled on D2L on Dec 13th - 14th. To take the final exam you will access D2L as you have been all semester, and take the final exam. There is one difference with this test - the final exam must be proctored. This means that you are required to have someone who is over 21, and not a part of Comm 41, watch you take the final exam and attest to the fact that you did not share answers or questions with anyone else in the class. I will post more about this next Monday.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). What have you learned in this class over the course of the semester? Be specific.
2). What was your favorite thing about the class? What was your least favorite thing about the class? How can this class be improved? Again, be specific.
3). Pick one concept from throughout the semester that you feel can use further discussion.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. This will be our last discussion for the class, however, we have two weeks left of class.
Due this week:
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*STUDY FOR FINAL EXAM - The final exam is scheduled on D2L on Dec 13th - 14th. To take the final exam you will access D2L as you have been all semester, and take the final exam. There is one difference with this test - the final exam must be proctored. This means that you are required to have someone who is over 21, and not a part of Comm 41, watch you take the final exam and attest to the fact that you did not share answers or questions with anyone else in the class. I will post more about this next Monday.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). What have you learned in this class over the course of the semester? Be specific.
2). What was your favorite thing about the class? What was your least favorite thing about the class? How can this class be improved? Again, be specific.
3). Pick one concept from throughout the semester that you feel can use further discussion.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Grades have been entered
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Week of November 26 - December 2
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 13 - Law and Politics
*No discussion this week
*Finish working on the final project: Group Facilitation Paper. This paper will be due by Dec. 2 @ 11:59pm. Be sure to submit your assignment early. This paper should be your BEST work, as it is the culminating project in the class.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 13 - Law and Politics
*No discussion this week
*Finish working on the final project: Group Facilitation Paper. This paper will be due by Dec. 2 @ 11:59pm. Be sure to submit your assignment early. This paper should be your BEST work, as it is the culminating project in the class.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Week of November 19-25
Hello Folks!
The only thing to do this week is:
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. As a reminder, the final assignment is due by Dec 2nd @ 11:59pm. Please have one member of your group submit the final assignment through email. NOTE: There will be no Group Participation Assessment due for this assignment.
Have a great week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
The only thing to do this week is:
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. As a reminder, the final assignment is due by Dec 2nd @ 11:59pm. Please have one member of your group submit the final assignment through email. NOTE: There will be no Group Participation Assessment due for this assignment.
Have a great week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Reminder
Hello Fabulous Students,
As a reminder, you are able to contact me a number of different ways:
1). Email
2). Tues/Thurs - Yahoo Messenger: carolperezcommclass I hold office hours from 9:30am-11:30am.
3). Phone conversation - I'm always available to chat over the phone. Just email me and we can set a time/date to chat. I know it seems strange for students to chat with their instructor over the phone, but I let me assure you that I chat with students over the phone consistently. So while it may seem a little strange to you, it is common practice for me.
In short - I'm available whenever you need to chat.
Have a great day!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
As a reminder, you are able to contact me a number of different ways:
1). Email
2). Tues/Thurs - Yahoo Messenger: carolperezcommclass I hold office hours from 9:30am-11:30am.
3). Phone conversation - I'm always available to chat over the phone. Just email me and we can set a time/date to chat. I know it seems strange for students to chat with their instructor over the phone, but I let me assure you that I chat with students over the phone consistently. So while it may seem a little strange to you, it is common practice for me.
In short - I'm available whenever you need to chat.
Have a great day!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Science
Goals of this chapter:
1). Learn about the history of science.
2). Identify and critically analyze the assumptions underlying science.3). Study the scientific method.
4). Learn how to evaluate scientific explanations.
5). Distinguish between science and pseudoscience.
6). Learn about the different types of scientific experiments and how to evaluate them.
7). Look at ethical concerns in scientific experimentation.
8). Examine Thomas Kuhn's theory of normal science and paradigm shifts.
What is Science?
Science rests upon reasoning that move from observable, measurable facts, usually called data, to testable explanations for these facts, usually called data, to testable explanations for these facts. Scientists discover, observe, and collect facts in a systematic manner to explain relationships. The then link these relationships through explanatory devices such as hypotheses. Modern science has a profound impact on our lives, and because it is so pervasive, we tent to perceive it as the natural method for obtaining knowledge about the world. However, we must recognize and evaluate the assumptions underlying science to ensure what we are learning is accurate and credible.
Assumptions Underlying Science
Science is the primary way Western culture perceives and interprets reality. However, it is important to keep in mind that science is a system created by humans and, as such, is based on a particular set of assumptions. These assumptions include empiricism, objectivity, materialism, predictability, and unity.
Empiricism, Objectivity, Materialism, Predictability, and Unity
*Empiricism - Sense experience is the source of truth.
*Objectivity - We can study the physical world without bias.
*Materialism - Everything in the universe is made up of physical matter.
*Predictability - The universe is composed of interconnected causal relationships.
*Unity - The universe has an underlying, unified dynamic structure.
Limitations of Science
Despite its obvious strengths, scientific reasoning has some limitations. Empiricism and the use of sense experience limits science to observable, shared phenomena. Additionally, the basis of science, the existence of the physical world, cannot be empirically proven. Furthermore, quantum physics challenges the idea that reality is ultimately predictable and material and that objective observation is even possible.
As critical thinkers, it is important to keep both the strengths and limitations of scientific reasoning in mind.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the basis for generating scientific knowledge. It involves a series of steps.
*Identify the problem.
*Develop an initial hypothesis.
*Gather additional information and refine the hypothesis.
*Test the hypothesis.
*Evaluate the hypothesis based on the results of testing or experimentation.
Evaluating a Scientific Hypothesis
When evaluating a scientific hypothesis, the following criteria are appropriate:
*Is it relevant to the problem under investigation?
*Is it consistent with well-established theories?
*Is the simplest explanation for the problem
*Does it provide a testable and falsifiable explanation of the problem?
*Can it be used to predict the outcome of similar events?
Distinguishing Between Science and Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience is a body of explanations or hypotheses that, in an attempt to gain legitimacy, masquerades as science. Unlike science, which uses systematic observation, reasoning, and testing, pseudoscience is based on emotional appeals, superstition, and rhetoric. Astrology is an example of pseudoscience. Pseudoscience takes advantage of cognitive errors in our thinking, and is often used to persuade people, particularly the young, as a means to gain money or political support.
Research Methodology
Research methodology is a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing information based on established scientific procedures and techniques. One of these methodologies is experimentation. Three common types of experimentation are field experiments, controlled experiments, and single group (pretest-posttest) experiments. These experiments include elements such as independent variables, dependent variables, and confounding variables, and all use experimental material, the group of class of objects or subjects under study.
Evaluating Experimental Designs
Regardless of which type of experiment design is used, common evaluation criteria can be applied to test the validity of the experiment and its results. Well-designed experiments use the following criteria:
*Unbiased - The experiment has checks or controls to eliminate both subject and experimenter bias.
8Measurement - The measurements used are appropriate and reliable as well as accurate and precise.
*Replicable - The experiment can be reproduced by other scientists.
*Generality - The experimental results can be generalized to the population under study.
Ethical Concerns in Science
Although scientific experiments may be well designed and produce significant results, they may be inappropriate due to their violation or moral and ethical principles and guidelines. Ethical considerations of informed consent, rights, and nonmaleficence (no harm) are particularly important when dealing with human subjects. During World War II, Nazi doctors performed unethical experiments on Jews, prisoners of war, and other prisoners. These activities have also occurred in the United States, such as in the Tuskegee study.
Thomas Kuhn and Scientific Paradigms
In his work The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962), American physicist and science historian Thomas Kuhn (1922-1996) challenged the idea that science is progressive and objective. Instead he argued that science, like other human enterprises, is a social construct - a product of its society. As such, it is biased by social expectations and professional norms that determine what is acceptable in terms of hypotheses and experimentation.
Scientific Revolutions and Paradigm Shifts
Kuhn argued in favor of three key concepts: normal science, paradigms, and scientific revolutions. Normal science refers to "research based upon one or more past achievements", while paradigms, building on normal science, provide an accepted view of the world. A scientific revolution, or a paradigm shift, occurs when a new scientific theory is developed to replace a problematic paradigm. Einstein's theory of relativity is an example of a paradigm shift.
Conclusions
Science and scientific thinking has generated enormous benefit to humanity. However, as critical thinkers we must be aware of its limitations, the temptations of pseudoscience, and the possibilities of other explanations for phenomena, and the possibilities of other explanations for phenomena. We muse use evaluative criteria when considering scientific reasoning, and recognize that new ideas may hold answers to questions that existing paradigms cannot resolve.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Week of November 12-18
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 12 in the Boss text - Science
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned). Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components.
*Review Mission Critical Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/main.html
*Review Causal Arguments Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/induc/causal.html
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 23 in its entirety, go back to page 383 and answer the following question: Read your horoscope for the day on the internet. How accurate, in your opinion is the prediction? Is the prediction falsifiable? Note some events that would definitively falsify the horoscope. (Be sure to include your horoscope at the beginning of the post so we can read it, and your answer).
2). Think of a time when you drew an incorrect conclusion on the basis of observation alone. How did you discover that your observation was misleading? Discuss the role scientific knowledge played in correcting misperception.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 12 in the Boss text - Science
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned). Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components.
*Review Mission Critical Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/main.html
*Review Causal Arguments Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/induc/causal.html
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 23 in its entirety, go back to page 383 and answer the following question: Read your horoscope for the day on the internet. How accurate, in your opinion is the prediction? Is the prediction falsifiable? Note some events that would definitively falsify the horoscope. (Be sure to include your horoscope at the beginning of the post so we can read it, and your answer).
2). Think of a time when you drew an incorrect conclusion on the basis of observation alone. How did you discover that your observation was misleading? Discuss the role scientific knowledge played in correcting misperception.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Grades updated in D2L
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Study Abroad Summer 2013 - Beijing
The Blogging Prof. is leading a study abroad trip to Beijing during the summer of 2013!!!!!!
Visit Beijing and earn four upper division units in communication studies!
During the summer of 2013 I will be leading an intercultural communication study abroad program to China, with a special emphasis on tourism, modernity, and urban life.
Students will stay at Communication University of China, which provides comfortable dormitory housing, low-cost meals, and easy access to the sights of Beijing. Classes focus on conversation and real-life exploration, and you will have lots of free time. That means opportunities to climb the Great Wall, wander the Forbidden City, experience the Peking Opera, and more.
 |
| Great Wall |
 |
| Forbidden City |
Pricing (excluding airfare and visa fees) is about $2,500, which covers housing, course fees, food, and several local tours. Cost for airfare and visa fees is estimated at an additional $1,500. The course meets COMM 161F requirements, but course substitutions can be made if you've already taken that class. If you a communication major, you should apply for this terrific opportunity. However, this opportunity is open to all SJSU students.
Want to learn more:
Please contact me for more information. Students are currently working
on getting their passports and deposits, but there is still time to join
the trip. I look forward to hearing from you.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Week of November 5 - 11
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 11 in the Boss text - Mass Media
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned). Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components.
*Quiz: Chapters 4, 9, 10 & 11. You should log onto D2L to take the quiz. Please do not wait until Sunday to take the quiz in case you run into technical difficulties.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 11 in its entirety, answer the following question from page 359: Discuss ways in which your media experiences reinforce your existing worldviews and values as well as ways in which they challenge or expand your views. Be specific.
2). Go back and review pages 360-365 "Internet Plagiarism Among College Students" and answer the following question: Critically analyze the responses of both Sadler and Hunt to the issue of Internet plagiarism. Which person presents the best argument and why? (Remember, use principles from the course text to back up your assertions).
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week, not already discussed, that found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 11 in the Boss text - Mass Media
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper. You will work in the same groups that you worked with for the second assignment (in other words, you will work with the current group in which you were assigned). Please get started on this assignment right away, as it is due on Dec 2nd, and contains a few different components.
*Quiz: Chapters 4, 9, 10 & 11. You should log onto D2L to take the quiz. Please do not wait until Sunday to take the quiz in case you run into technical difficulties.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 11 in its entirety, answer the following question from page 359: Discuss ways in which your media experiences reinforce your existing worldviews and values as well as ways in which they challenge or expand your views. Be specific.
2). Go back and review pages 360-365 "Internet Plagiarism Among College Students" and answer the following question: Critically analyze the responses of both Sadler and Hunt to the issue of Internet plagiarism. Which person presents the best argument and why? (Remember, use principles from the course text to back up your assertions).
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week, not already discussed, that found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Grades have been updated
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Week of October 29 - November 4
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 10 in the Boss text - Marketing and Advertising
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 10 in its entirety, answer the following question: Discuss different marketing strategies that you have encountered as a consumer during the past week. Evaluate the strategies. Discuss the ones you found most effective, and which are the least effective.
2). Go back and review pages 332-337 and answer the following question: Critically evaluate Wootan's and Liodice's arguments regarding government regulation of children's food advertising. Which person makes the best argument and why?
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 10 in the Boss text - Marketing and Advertising
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue working on the final assignment: Group Facilitation Paper.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 10 in its entirety, answer the following question: Discuss different marketing strategies that you have encountered as a consumer during the past week. Evaluate the strategies. Discuss the ones you found most effective, and which are the least effective.
2). Go back and review pages 332-337 and answer the following question: Critically evaluate Wootan's and Liodice's arguments regarding government regulation of children's food advertising. Which person makes the best argument and why?
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Week of October 22 - 28
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.
NOTE: The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 9 - Ethics and Moral Decision Making
*There is no discussion this week
*Group Participation Assessment for assignment #2. Just as you did for the first assignment, you should fill out an assessment for every person in your group and send it to me. If you do not send me a filled out assessment, you will earn zero points/20, regardless of how your group graded you Make sure to submit it before Sunday at 11:59pm.
*Assignment #3 due by Dec 2nd @ 11:59pm. As a reminder, there is no individual component to this paper. Please continue to work with the SAME group you worked with for the second assignment in the class. Take note that Assignment #3 is a bit more involved than the first two assignments and will take quite a bit more planning and preparation, so get started right away. You should touch base with your group members this week to plan a 'real time' meeting. Email me by Sunday night of this week with when/where your group will meet.
Reminder: I hold office hours of Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am on Yahoo Messenger. I can also chat with students over the phone during that time, or at your convenience. We can always make an appointment to chat over the phone in case you need clarification about something in the class. And of course, I'm always available through email.
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.
NOTE: The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 9 - Ethics and Moral Decision Making
*There is no discussion this week
*Group Participation Assessment for assignment #2. Just as you did for the first assignment, you should fill out an assessment for every person in your group and send it to me. If you do not send me a filled out assessment, you will earn zero points/20, regardless of how your group graded you Make sure to submit it before Sunday at 11:59pm.
*Assignment #3 due by Dec 2nd @ 11:59pm. As a reminder, there is no individual component to this paper. Please continue to work with the SAME group you worked with for the second assignment in the class. Take note that Assignment #3 is a bit more involved than the first two assignments and will take quite a bit more planning and preparation, so get started right away. You should touch base with your group members this week to plan a 'real time' meeting. Email me by Sunday night of this week with when/where your group will meet.
Reminder: I hold office hours of Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am on Yahoo Messenger. I can also chat with students over the phone during that time, or at your convenience. We can always make an appointment to chat over the phone in case you need clarification about something in the class. And of course, I'm always available through email.
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Knowledge, Evidence, & Errors in Thinking
Goals of this chapter:
1). Learn about the nature and limitations of human knowledge
2). Distinguish between rationalism and empiricism
3). Learn about different types of evidence
4). Set guidelines for evaluating evidence
5). Look at sources for researching claims and evidence
6). Study different types of cognitive/perceptual errors, including self-serving biases
7). Learn how social expectations and group pressure can lead to erroneous thinking
8). Examine the evidence and arguments regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and what type of proof would be necessary to establish their existence
Good Critical Thinking Skills Require a Sound Knowledge Base
Knowledge is information or experience we believe to be true and for which we have justification or evidence.
*Understanding how knowledge is acquired, as well as having an awareness of the limits of human understand, is essential in logical reasoning.
Rationalism and Empiricism:
Our views of the world are shaped by our understanding of the truth and the ultimate sources of knowledge.
*Rationalists, like the Greek philosopher Plato, claim that most human knowledge and truth derives from reason.
*Empiricists, on the other hand, claim that truth and knowledge are derived through empirical evidence collected by our physical senses.
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Kant, a German philosopher, rejected both rationalism and empiricisim.
*He argued that our experience of reality is not a matter of reason or empirical evidence, but is dependent on the structure of our minds.
*This means we do not see reality "as it is", but rather as our brain interprets it by structuring and processing incoming information.
Evaluating Evidence
*Evidence is something that tends to prove or disprove a particular view.
*It can come from a variety of sources, and as good critical thinkers we must evaluate all evidence before we employ it in critical analysis.
*Learn how to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of evidence is a key skill in critical thinking and logic.
The fallibility of direct experience:
*As noted previously, our brains organize and interpret, rather than directly record, sensory experience.
*As a result, direct sense experience, while widely relied upon, is not infallible. Memories are subject to influence from a range of factors, including time, language, and external suggestion. Also, our brains often create false memories of events, and these false memories can be as compelling and believable as real memories. This phenomenon is known as false memory syndrome.
Hearsay and anecdotal evidence:
Two types of evidence are notoriously unreliable and require us to approach their claims with skepticism:
*Hearsay evidence is evidence that is heard by one person, then repeated to one or more other persons.
*Anecdotal evidence - evidence based on personal testimony, is also unreliable due to problems of inaccurate memory, as well as the human tendency toward exaggeration and distortion.
Experts and credibility:
*Although experts are generally among the most credible information sources, it is always important to examine their credentials before accepting their arguments.
*Four factors used to determine expertise:
1). Education or training from a reputable source.
2). Experience in making judgements in the field.
3). Reputation among peers in the field.
4). Accomplishments in the field, such as publications and/or awards.
Evaluating Claims:
*Our analysis of the evidence for a claim should be accurate, unbiased, and a complete as possible.
*One thing we must watch out for when evaluating claims is confirmation bias, the tendency to look only for evidence that confirms our assumptions and to resist evidence that contradicts them.
*As critical thinkers, we need to consciously develop strategies that compel us to examine evidence - especially that which confirms our prior views - more skeptically, and to be more open-minded about evidence that contradicts our views.
Research is the key to knowledge:
*Good critical thinkers spend time researching claims and collecting information before drawing conclusions.
*Recommended Research Resources:
1). Expert interviews
2). Dictionaries and encyclopedias
3). Library catalogs and scholarly journals
4). Government documents and internet sites
*When doing research, take accurate notes, cite your sources, and use quotations to acknowledge sources.
Cognitive and perceptual errors in thinking:
*Most people underestimate the critical role that cognitive and social factors play in our interpretation of sensory data.
*Although emotion has traditionally been blamed for faulty reasoning, studies suggest many of our errors in thinking are neurological in nature.
*Most of these errors are either cognitive or perceptual errors.
Perceptual errors:
*Our minds are not like recording devices. Instead, our brains construct a picture of reality like an artist does, filtering our perceptions and filling in missing information based in part of our expectations.
*These processes result in a number of perceptual error predispositions, including distortion of objects, misperception of random data, memorable events error, probability errors, self-serving biases, and self-fulfilling prophecies.
Social errors and biases:
*As highly social animals, social norms and cultural expectations exert a strong influence on how we perceive the world. These norms and expectations often act as barriers to critical thinking.
*Some examples of social errors include the "one of us / one of them" error, social expectations, stereotyping, group pressure and conformity, and group diffusion of responsibility.
Conclusions:
*Although knowledge is a crucial component of effective critical thinking, we must recognize that the sources of knowledge, reason, and experience are subject to distortion.
*As critical thinkers, we must be aware of these limitations and conduct research thoroughly, with minds open to both supportive and contradictory evidence as we collect and analyze information.
Knowledge is information or experience we believe to be true and for which we have justification or evidence.
*Understanding how knowledge is acquired, as well as having an awareness of the limits of human understand, is essential in logical reasoning.
Rationalism and Empiricism:
Our views of the world are shaped by our understanding of the truth and the ultimate sources of knowledge.
*Rationalists, like the Greek philosopher Plato, claim that most human knowledge and truth derives from reason.
*Empiricists, on the other hand, claim that truth and knowledge are derived through empirical evidence collected by our physical senses.
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Kant, a German philosopher, rejected both rationalism and empiricisim.
*He argued that our experience of reality is not a matter of reason or empirical evidence, but is dependent on the structure of our minds.
*This means we do not see reality "as it is", but rather as our brain interprets it by structuring and processing incoming information.
Evaluating Evidence
*Evidence is something that tends to prove or disprove a particular view.
*It can come from a variety of sources, and as good critical thinkers we must evaluate all evidence before we employ it in critical analysis.
*Learn how to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of evidence is a key skill in critical thinking and logic.
The fallibility of direct experience:
*As noted previously, our brains organize and interpret, rather than directly record, sensory experience.
*As a result, direct sense experience, while widely relied upon, is not infallible. Memories are subject to influence from a range of factors, including time, language, and external suggestion. Also, our brains often create false memories of events, and these false memories can be as compelling and believable as real memories. This phenomenon is known as false memory syndrome.
Hearsay and anecdotal evidence:
Two types of evidence are notoriously unreliable and require us to approach their claims with skepticism:
*Hearsay evidence is evidence that is heard by one person, then repeated to one or more other persons.
*Anecdotal evidence - evidence based on personal testimony, is also unreliable due to problems of inaccurate memory, as well as the human tendency toward exaggeration and distortion.
Experts and credibility:
*Although experts are generally among the most credible information sources, it is always important to examine their credentials before accepting their arguments.
*Four factors used to determine expertise:
1). Education or training from a reputable source.
2). Experience in making judgements in the field.
3). Reputation among peers in the field.
4). Accomplishments in the field, such as publications and/or awards.
Evaluating Claims:
*Our analysis of the evidence for a claim should be accurate, unbiased, and a complete as possible.
*One thing we must watch out for when evaluating claims is confirmation bias, the tendency to look only for evidence that confirms our assumptions and to resist evidence that contradicts them.
*As critical thinkers, we need to consciously develop strategies that compel us to examine evidence - especially that which confirms our prior views - more skeptically, and to be more open-minded about evidence that contradicts our views.
Research is the key to knowledge:
*Good critical thinkers spend time researching claims and collecting information before drawing conclusions.
*Recommended Research Resources:
1). Expert interviews
2). Dictionaries and encyclopedias
3). Library catalogs and scholarly journals
4). Government documents and internet sites
*When doing research, take accurate notes, cite your sources, and use quotations to acknowledge sources.
Cognitive and perceptual errors in thinking:
*Most people underestimate the critical role that cognitive and social factors play in our interpretation of sensory data.
*Although emotion has traditionally been blamed for faulty reasoning, studies suggest many of our errors in thinking are neurological in nature.
*Most of these errors are either cognitive or perceptual errors.
Perceptual errors:
*Our minds are not like recording devices. Instead, our brains construct a picture of reality like an artist does, filtering our perceptions and filling in missing information based in part of our expectations.
*These processes result in a number of perceptual error predispositions, including distortion of objects, misperception of random data, memorable events error, probability errors, self-serving biases, and self-fulfilling prophecies.
Social errors and biases:
*As highly social animals, social norms and cultural expectations exert a strong influence on how we perceive the world. These norms and expectations often act as barriers to critical thinking.
*Some examples of social errors include the "one of us / one of them" error, social expectations, stereotyping, group pressure and conformity, and group diffusion of responsibility.
Conclusions:
*Although knowledge is a crucial component of effective critical thinking, we must recognize that the sources of knowledge, reason, and experience are subject to distortion.
*As critical thinkers, we must be aware of these limitations and conduct research thoroughly, with minds open to both supportive and contradictory evidence as we collect and analyze information.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Week of October 15-21
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 4: Evidence, Knowledge, and Errors in Thinking
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Continue to work on assignment #2: Critical Thinking and Social Organizations. As a reminder, this assignment is due on October 21st.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 4 in its entirety, answer the following question from page 98: Aristotle taught that wisdom is the greatest virtue. What is the difference or relationship between knowledge and wisdom? What are you acquiring at college: knowledge or wisdom - or both? Discuss whether the information age has made us wiser or just more knowledgeable.
2). Review pages 124-129 "Perspectives on Evaluating Evidence for the Existence of Unidentified Flying Objects" and answer the following question: Compare and contrast the arguments of Condon, Hynek, and Paynter regarding the existence of UFO's. Evaluate the conclusion that each person draws and the evidence each uses to support his conclusion. Which person makes the best argument? Explain.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 4: Evidence, Knowledge, and Errors in Thinking
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Continue to work on assignment #2: Critical Thinking and Social Organizations. As a reminder, this assignment is due on October 21st.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 4 in its entirety, answer the following question from page 98: Aristotle taught that wisdom is the greatest virtue. What is the difference or relationship between knowledge and wisdom? What are you acquiring at college: knowledge or wisdom - or both? Discuss whether the information age has made us wiser or just more knowledgeable.
2). Review pages 124-129 "Perspectives on Evaluating Evidence for the Existence of Unidentified Flying Objects" and answer the following question: Compare and contrast the arguments of Condon, Hynek, and Paynter regarding the existence of UFO's. Evaluate the conclusion that each person draws and the evidence each uses to support his conclusion. Which person makes the best argument? Explain.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Week of October 8-14
Hello Folks!
The only thing due this week is the Midterm Exam on D2L. Please log onto D2L to take the exam. It is open book, open notes and it covers Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, & 8. Remember that the midterm is timed, and it needs to be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday night. Please do not share answers or test questions with fellow classmates.
As a reminder, the second paper: Critical Thinking is Social Organizations will be due by Sunday, October 21st @ 11:59pm. This is a great week to work on that assignment!!!! This week is also a GREAT time to meet with your new groups, form a study group and study for the midterm exam together in addition to meeting about the second assignment.
Have a good week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
The only thing due this week is the Midterm Exam on D2L. Please log onto D2L to take the exam. It is open book, open notes and it covers Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, & 8. Remember that the midterm is timed, and it needs to be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday night. Please do not share answers or test questions with fellow classmates.
As a reminder, the second paper: Critical Thinking is Social Organizations will be due by Sunday, October 21st @ 11:59pm. This is a great week to work on that assignment!!!! This week is also a GREAT time to meet with your new groups, form a study group and study for the midterm exam together in addition to meeting about the second assignment.
Have a good week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Grades Updated in D2L
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept. 24-30
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept. 24-30
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Language and Communication
Goals of this chapter:
1). Define what we mean by language and discuss its relation to culture
2). Learn the different functions of language
3). Discuss ways in which language and stereotypes shape our view of the world
4). Learn the different types of definitions
5). Differentiate between a purely verbal dispute and a genuine disagreement
6). Look at communication styles and how sex and culture may influence them
7). Examine the role of nonverbal communication
8). Look at ways in which language and rhetoric can be used to manipulate people
9). Examine the issue of free-speech zones on campuses and the justification for having rules restricting speech that would normally be protected off campus.
Language: is a system of communication that involves a set of arbitrary symbols, whether spoken, written, or nonverbal, as in the case of sign language.
Fun fact: pg. 63 - there are 6,800 known languages in the world, and we are born with an innate ability to acquire language. (check out page 63 and beyond for more cool stuff about language).
Informative Language: this type of language is either true or false. An example of this type of language would be a fact. The fact is either true, or it's not.
Directive Language: this type of language is used to direct or influence actions. An example of this would be persuasive language (or as some of you are well aware, a persuasive speech). But at a basic level, it is language that can direct or influence behaviors (i.e. asking someone to complete a task).
Expressive Language: this is language that expresses feeling and attitudes, and is used to bring about an emotional impact on the listener.
Ceremonial Language: the fourth function of language, is used in prescribed formal circumstances such as the greeting "How are you?" and "I do" in a marriage ceremony and "Amen" after a prayer. Bowing or shaking a person's hand also serves a ceremonial function in many cultures.
Nonverbal Language: pg. 65 - We often look to nonverbal cues, such as body language or tone of voice, when interpreting someone's communication. Indeed, many jurors make up their mind about a case mainly on the basis of the nonverbal behavior of the defendant. Although some nonverbal communication is universal, such as smiling when happy, raising the eyebrow to signal recognition, and making the "disgust face" to show repulsion, much of it is culturally determined.
Personal Note: Nonverbal Communication has interested me for a number of years. When I was an undergrad student at SJSU, for part of my senior project I worked with Dr. Hegstrom (recently retired) to do a bit of research on Nonverbal Communication. He had quite a few videos for a research study he had started, but had not yet completed, regarding the matching/mirror principle for nonverbal communication. This means that when people are in a conversation with one another, they will either match or mirror the other persons body positioning. So there I was, a senior in college, watching tape after tape after tape trying to code these two principles in one minute intervals. While we did not find statistical significance with the tapes we had at our disposal, I truly feel like we 'could' have, had the study been conducted a bit differently. Needless to say, nonverbal communication has been quite interesting to me for quite a long time, and is one of the reasons why I am a professor of communication studies. Lucky you. ;)
Onto Definitions:
First, we must understand a few key principles:
1). Denotative Meaning: The denotative meaning of a word or phrase expresses the properties of the object, being or event the word is symbolizing; it is the same as its lexical or dictionary definition.
2). Connotative Meaning: The connotative meaning of a word or phrase includes feelings and personal thoughts that are elicited on the basis of past experiences and associations.
3). Stereotyping: In stereotyping, rather than seeing people as individuals, we see and label them as members of a particular group.
Got that? Ok great!!! Let's move on to definitions now.
Definitions:
1). Stipulative Definition: A definition given to a new term or a new combination of old terms. See page 69 for a more extensive explanation.
2). Lexical Definitions: This is as simple as it gets: a lexical definition is simply the dictionary definition.
3). Precising Definition: The definitions are used to reduce vagueness that occurs when it is not clear exactly what meaning a word or concept encompasses.
4). Theoretical Definitions: These are a special class of precising definitions used to explain the specific nature of a term.
5). Operational Definition: A definition with standardized measure for use in data collection and interpretation.
6). Persuasive Definition: A definition used as a means to influence others to accept our view.
There are 5 criteria for evaluating defintions:
1). A good definition is neither too broad nor too narrow.
2). A good definition should state the essential attributes of the term being defined.
3). A good definition is not circular.
4). A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language.
5). A good definition avoids emotive language.
Page 74
Individual Styles of Communication:
Starting on Page 81, there is a discussion about Cultural Differences in Communication Styles. Don't skip that discussion, it's pretty cool! ;)
Next, starting on page 83, there is a discussion about Rhetorical Devices, Euphemism, Dysphemism and my favorite, Sarcasm. Click the words below for more detail.
Finally, the book discusses Deception and Lying. This is a very interesting discussion as well, so don't skip this either. You'll be able to impress your friends and family with your new found knowledge about deception and lying (particularly as it pertains to the upcoming campaign.......wait, did I just say that?).
Pretty cool chapter, huh?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Prof. on Campus
Hello Fabulous Students,
I will be on campus Wednesday and Thursday of this week if you would like to meet with me f2f. That means that my online office hours on Thursday will be canceled because I will hold office hours in person.
I should be in my office from about 11:00am to 12:00pm if you would like to stop by. However, please let me know if you will be stopping by so that I can make sure I will be in my office when you get there. I have a number of meetings to go to, and will likely be running around the department during that time, so please contact me to let me know you'll be stopping by.
My office location is HGH 216
See y'all soon!
TBP
I will be on campus Wednesday and Thursday of this week if you would like to meet with me f2f. That means that my online office hours on Thursday will be canceled because I will hold office hours in person.
I should be in my office from about 11:00am to 12:00pm if you would like to stop by. However, please let me know if you will be stopping by so that I can make sure I will be in my office when you get there. I have a number of meetings to go to, and will likely be running around the department during that time, so please contact me to let me know you'll be stopping by.
My office location is HGH 216
See y'all soon!
TBP
Monday, October 1, 2012
Week of October 1-7
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 3: Language and Communication
*Study for the midterm (test is next week)
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Complete the Argument Mapping Tutorial: CLICK HERE to go to the tutorial.
*Meet with groups and start to work on assignment #2: Critical Thinking and Social Organization. Email instructor with meeting date/time.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 3 in its entirety, go back to page 65 and answer the following question: Looking back at the characteristics of a good critical thinker listed on page 7 in chapter 1, discuss ways in which Ride exemplifies these qualities.
2). Review pages 82-87. Discuss how you have used at least 2 rhetorical devices you have used in the past week or two. Make sure to define the rhetorical device, and give a personal example of each.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 3: Language and Communication
*Study for the midterm (test is next week)
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Complete the Argument Mapping Tutorial: CLICK HERE to go to the tutorial.
*Meet with groups and start to work on assignment #2: Critical Thinking and Social Organization. Email instructor with meeting date/time.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 3 in its entirety, go back to page 65 and answer the following question: Looking back at the characteristics of a good critical thinker listed on page 7 in chapter 1, discuss ways in which Ride exemplifies these qualities.
2). Review pages 82-87. Discuss how you have used at least 2 rhetorical devices you have used in the past week or two. Make sure to define the rhetorical device, and give a personal example of each.
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Paper #2 Group Assignments
Hello Brilliant Students,
Now that the 'voting' period has ended, I have some results for you:
Out of 19 votes, here are the results:
8 people voted for new groups
11 people voted to stay in the same group
Follow my train of thought here.... There are 7 groups in the class total. Some group members voted to stay together, whereas some wanted to new group for various reasons. Some of these reasons are as follows:
*Want to meet new people in the class
*A group member or two was difficult to work with
*I loved my group but simply want a new experience
*I think I would work better with a different group
*It was hard for my group to meet, so maybe a different group would have better availability
Whatever the reason, I have made the decision to keep 3 groups together, and split up the other 4 groups. The three groups that will continue to work together are groups that almost everyone voted to stay together (a member or two didn't vote). Whereas the groups I am choosing to split up have one or more votes to be in a different group for various reasons.
Having said that, I will email you the group assignments sometime before the end of our week on Sunday night.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
:)
TBP
Now that the 'voting' period has ended, I have some results for you:
Out of 19 votes, here are the results:
8 people voted for new groups
11 people voted to stay in the same group
Follow my train of thought here.... There are 7 groups in the class total. Some group members voted to stay together, whereas some wanted to new group for various reasons. Some of these reasons are as follows:
*Want to meet new people in the class
*A group member or two was difficult to work with
*I loved my group but simply want a new experience
*I think I would work better with a different group
*It was hard for my group to meet, so maybe a different group would have better availability
Whatever the reason, I have made the decision to keep 3 groups together, and split up the other 4 groups. The three groups that will continue to work together are groups that almost everyone voted to stay together (a member or two didn't vote). Whereas the groups I am choosing to split up have one or more votes to be in a different group for various reasons.
Having said that, I will email you the group assignments sometime before the end of our week on Sunday night.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
:)
TBP
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Grades have been updated in D2L
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept. 10-16
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept. 10-16
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Week of September 24-30
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 2 in the Boss text - Reason and Emotion
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Group Participation Assessment - send through email to instructor by Sunday @ 11:59pm.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 2 in its entirety, answer the following question: go back to page 39 and answer the following question: Identifying your strengths is important in choosing a career. What type of reasoning are you strongest in, and how might this best be used in a career choice?
2). Go back and review pages 56-59 "Perspectives on Reasons and Proof for the Existence of God", and answer the following question: Are evolution and a belief in God incompatible as Dawkins claims? Discuss how Aquinas might respond to Dawkin's position if he were alive today.
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 2 in the Boss text - Reason and Emotion
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Group Participation Assessment - send through email to instructor by Sunday @ 11:59pm.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 2 in its entirety, answer the following question: go back to page 39 and answer the following question: Identifying your strengths is important in choosing a career. What type of reasoning are you strongest in, and how might this best be used in a career choice?
2). Go back and review pages 56-59 "Perspectives on Reasons and Proof for the Existence of God", and answer the following question: Are evolution and a belief in God incompatible as Dawkins claims? Discuss how Aquinas might respond to Dawkin's position if he were alive today.
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Group Participation Assessment
Hello Wonderful Students,
I have had a few questions about the Group Participation Assessment (evaluation of your groupmates). Don't worry about turning this in just yet. The Group Participation Assessment will be due next week, and I will post details to my blog about it early next week.
Just concentrate on your Group Paper and the Individual Paper which is due by Sunday night.
Let me know if you have any questions.
:)
TBP
I have had a few questions about the Group Participation Assessment (evaluation of your groupmates). Don't worry about turning this in just yet. The Group Participation Assessment will be due next week, and I will post details to my blog about it early next week.
Just concentrate on your Group Paper and the Individual Paper which is due by Sunday night.
Let me know if you have any questions.
:)
TBP
Monday, September 17, 2012
Week of Sept. 17 - 23
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.
NOTE: The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 5 - Informal Fallacies
*There is no discussion this week - you should work diligently on your paper this week: Critical Thinking in News and Politics.
*Assignment #1 is due by Sunday, Sept. 23rd @ 11:59pm. Please email me your paper at the class email address. Follow the directions on the assignment sheet for submission. As a reminder, elect one person from your group to email the final paper. Make sure to email the paper early in case there is issue with transmission. As a reminder, you paper should be written in 'one voice' throughout the paper.
NOTE ABOUT PAPER SUBMISSION: One person from your group should compile your paper. There should only be one attachment that is submitted. That means that all individual papers should be 'copied' and 'pasted' at the end of the paper after the group portion of the paper. Thus, only one file per group should be sent to me.
Reminder: I hold office hours of Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am on Yahoo Messenger. I can also chat with students over the phone during that time, or at your convenience. We can always make an appointment to chat over the phone in case you need clarification about something in the class. And of course, I'm always available through email.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.
NOTE: The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 5 - Informal Fallacies
*There is no discussion this week - you should work diligently on your paper this week: Critical Thinking in News and Politics.
*Assignment #1 is due by Sunday, Sept. 23rd @ 11:59pm. Please email me your paper at the class email address. Follow the directions on the assignment sheet for submission. As a reminder, elect one person from your group to email the final paper. Make sure to email the paper early in case there is issue with transmission. As a reminder, you paper should be written in 'one voice' throughout the paper.
NOTE ABOUT PAPER SUBMISSION: One person from your group should compile your paper. There should only be one attachment that is submitted. That means that all individual papers should be 'copied' and 'pasted' at the end of the paper after the group portion of the paper. Thus, only one file per group should be sent to me.
Reminder: I hold office hours of Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am on Yahoo Messenger. I can also chat with students over the phone during that time, or at your convenience. We can always make an appointment to chat over the phone in case you need clarification about something in the class. And of course, I'm always available through email.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Grades have been updated in D2L
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept3-9
I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades. It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Discussion Week of Sept3-9
I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades. It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 7
Please note that some of the items on this post are clickable to further your knowledge on a particular issue/idea/theory.
Goals of this chapter:
1). Distinguish between deductive and inductive arguments.
2). Identify the characteristics of an inductive argument.
3). Learn how to recognize and evaluate arguments based on generalization.
4). Examine polling and sampling methods.
5). Study the various uses of analogies.
6). Learn how to recognize and evaluate arguments using analogies.
7). Learn how to recognize and evaluate a causal argument.
8). Distinguish between a correlation and a causal relationship.
*Inductive arguments claim that their conclusion probably follows from the premises. Because of this, inductive arguments are merely stronger or weaker rather than true or false.
*In determining if an argument is inductive, look for certain words that suggestion that the conclusion probably, rather than necessarily, follows from the premise (s). These include words and phrases such as probably, most likely, chances are that, it is reasonable to suppose that, we can expect that, and it seems probably that.
*Not all inductive arguments contain indicator words. In these cases, you have to ask yourself if the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises. If the conclusion is only likely, then it is probably an inductive argument.
*Remember from Chapter 8, Deductive Argument:
*A deductive argument claims that its conclusion necessarily follows the premises.
*Certain words and phrases are commonly used in deductive arguments; these include certainly, absolutely, definitely, conclusively, must be, and it necessarily follows that. However, not all deductive arguments contain indicator words.
NOTE: We use inductive arguments just about every day when we extend what we already know to situations that are not as familiar to us. See page 203 for further discussion about Inductive Reasoning in Everyday life.
There are some very important ideas covered starting on page 204. Here are some of the ideas:
1). Generalization: We use generalization when we draw a conclusion about a certain characteristic of a group of population on the basis of a sample from that group.
2). Polls: These are a type of survey that involves collecting opinions or information on a subject from a sample group of people for the purpose of analysis.
3). Sampling: This entails selecting only some members of a class or group and then making a generalization about the whole population that is based on the characteristics of these members.
4). Representative Sample: A sample that is on that is similar in respects to the larger population from which it was drawn.
5). Random Sampling: Every member has an equal chance of becoming part of the sample.
6). Self-Selected Sample: A sample where only the people most interested in the poll of survey participate.
Moving onto page 207, there are some interesting ideas that are covered.
1). Slanted Question: A question that is written to elicit a particular response.
2). Push Polls: A poll that starts by presenting the pollsters' views before asking a response.
3). Loaded Question: A fallacy that assumes a particular answer to another unasked question.
NOTE: You will see the above 9 principles used quite a bit during an election year. Or should I say, the two years prior to an election year. It almost feels like the Holiday Season when Christmas decorations come out earlier and earlier every year. The presidential election (or should I call it a 'battle') seems to start earlier and earlier during every election. You can impress your friends and family by knowing these concepts really well......and hey, you'll get a double bonus for knowing these ideas, because you'll likely see them on a test at some point this semester. :)
Page 209-210 cover the idea of applying Generalizations to Particular Cases. Don't skip this section - it will apply all of the above concepts, and expand your understanding of how these ideas are applied.
Moving onto page 211, the book covers the idea of Evaluating Inductive Arguments Using Generalization. "Like all inductive arguments, generalizations are neither true nor false; they are merely stronger or weaker arguments." Here are the ideas that follow:
1). The Premises Are True: True premises are based on credible evidence.
2). The Sample Is Large Enough: As a general rule, the larger the sample, the more reliable the conclusion.
3). A Sample is Representative: A sample should be representative of the population being studied.
4). The Sample if Current and Up-to-Date: A sample may be unrepresentative because it is outdated.
5). The Conclusion is Supported by the Premises: The conclusion should follow logically from the premises.
Page 214 builds even further on these ideas, and starts a discussion about analogies.
*An analogy is based on a comparison between two or more things or events.
*Metaphor, a type of descriptive analogy, are frequently found in literature. (Uses of Analogies)
Arguments Based on Analogies is the next section:
Example: Premise: X (which is familiar) has characteristics a, b, and c.
Premise: Y (which is not as familiar) has characteristics a and b.
Conclusion: Therefore, Y probably also has characteristic c.
Argument from Design: The argument from design begins by noting the similarities between the universe and other natural objects (such as the human eye) and human-made objects (such as the watch). Both natural and human-made objects share characteristics of both (1) organization and (2) purposefulness. The organization and the purposefulness of a watch are the direct result of an intelligent, rational creator - a watchmaker.
Example:
Premise: A watch has the following characteristics: (1) organization, (2) purposefulness, and (3) having an intelligent, rational creator.
Premise: The universe (or human eye) also demonstrates characteristics (1) organization and (2) purposefulness.
Conclusion: Therefore, by analogy, the universe (or human eye) also has (3) an intelligent, rational creator, and that creator is God.
Evaluating Inductive Arguments Based on Analogies:
2). List the Similarities.
3). List the Dissimilarities.
4). Compare the lists of similarities and differences.
5). Examine the possible counteranalogies.
6). Determine if the analogy supports the conclusion.
Page 220 covers Causal Arguments.
*A cause is an event that brings about a change or effect.
*A causal argument: An argument that claims something is or is not the cause of something else.
Pg. 220, "The tern cause in the commonly used premise indicator because is a sign of the importance of cause-and-effect relationship in arguments. Many of our everyday decisions rely on this type of inductive reasoning. If we are to have any level of control over our lives, we need to have some understanding of cause-and-effect relations".
*Correlation: When two events occur together regularly at rates higher than probability.
*Positive Correlation: The incidence of one event increases when the second one increases.
*Negative Correlation: When the occurrence of one event increases as the other decreases.
*Controlled Experiment: An experiment in which the sample is randomly divided into an experimental and a control group.
*Cost-Benefit Analysis: A process where the harmful effects of an action are weighed against the benefits.
Evaluating Causal Arguments (page 224).
1). Determine whether the evidence for a causal relationships is strong.
2). Make sure that the argument does not contain a fallacy.
3). Decide whether the data are current and up-to-date.
4). Make sure that the conclusion does not go beyond the premises.
Make sure that you thoroughly know these concepts, and how to apply them. There will be application questions on tests, including the midterm and final exam.
Email me if you need further clarification on any of these ideas.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Week of September 10-16
Hello Folks!
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 4 in the Group Communication text - Communication in Organizations
*Read Chapter 7 in the Boss text - Inductive Arguments
*Test on D2L: Chapters 1, 6, 7, & 8
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue to work with your group on the first assignment: Critical Thinking in News and Politics, The first assignment is due by Sept 23rd by 11:59pm.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 7 in its entirety, answer the following question: Think of an inductive argument that you used in the past week. Break down the argument into its premise(s) and conclusion. Explain why it is an inductive argument.
2). Review page 221 and answer the following question: Discuss ways in which Dr. Novello used cause-and-effect inductive reasoning in seeking a solution to the problem of smoking among children and teens.
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week. The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively. In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.
Due this week:
*Read Chapter 4 in the Group Communication text - Communication in Organizations
*Read Chapter 7 in the Boss text - Inductive Arguments
*Test on D2L: Chapters 1, 6, 7, & 8
*Participate in this week's discussion. (3 posts to your blog, 150 words each and 3 comments on your colleagues blogs, 100 words each). Make sure your comments are within this week's discussion. Do not comment on past weeks posts.
*Continue to work with your group on the first assignment: Critical Thinking in News and Politics, The first assignment is due by Sept 23rd by 11:59pm.
Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 5 points.
1). After reading Chapter 7 in its entirety, answer the following question: Think of an inductive argument that you used in the past week. Break down the argument into its premise(s) and conclusion. Explain why it is an inductive argument.
2). Review page 221 and answer the following question: Discuss ways in which Dr. Novello used cause-and-effect inductive reasoning in seeking a solution to the problem of smoking among children and teens.
3). Pick one concept from the reading this week and discuss it in detail.
Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm41perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 3 points.
Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Grades have been updated in D2L
Hello Fabulous Students,
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Created Blog - this means that you created and sent me your information by the due date. If you have received no credit for this item it is because you did not send me your information by the deadline.
Plagiarism Test - this is the grade that you emailed me during the first week of class. You will notice that the test was out of 50 points, whereas the Plagiarism Score was out of 100 points. I simply divided your score in half to obtain the amount of points you earned for taking that test.
Discussion Week of Aug 27 - Sept. 2 - This will be entered by tomorrow night at the latest. Check back for an update.
I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades. It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:
Created Blog - this means that you created and sent me your information by the due date. If you have received no credit for this item it is because you did not send me your information by the deadline.
Plagiarism Test - this is the grade that you emailed me during the first week of class. You will notice that the test was out of 50 points, whereas the Plagiarism Score was out of 100 points. I simply divided your score in half to obtain the amount of points you earned for taking that test.
Discussion Week of Aug 27 - Sept. 2 - This will be entered by tomorrow night at the latest. Check back for an update.
I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades. It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.
Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Instructor Wrap Up - Boss Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Please note that some of the items on this post are clickable to further your knowledge on a particular issue/idea/theory.
Goals of this chapter:
1). Identify the essential attributes of a deductive argument.
2). Distinguish between validity, invalidity, and soundness in a deductive argument.
3). Learn how to recognize and evaluate arguments by elimination, mathematical arguments, and argument from definition.
4). Study the different types of hypothetical syllogisms, including modus ponens, modus tollens, and chain arguments.
5). Learn how to recognize standard-form categorical syllogisms.
6). Reevaluate categorical syllogisms using Venn diagrams.
7). Practice putting arguments that are in ordinary language into standard form.
8). Analyze different arguments regarding the justification of the death penalty.
*A deductive argument claims that its conclusion necessarily follows the premises.
*Certain words and phrases are commonly used in deductive arguments; these include certainly, absolutely, definitely, conclusively, must be, and it necessarily follows that. However, not all deductive arguments contain indicator words.
*Deductive arguments are often presented in the form of syllogisms, with two supporting premises and a conclusion.
*A deductive argument is valid if the form of the argument is such that they conclusion must be true if the premises are true. The form of an argument is determined by its layout or pattern of reasoning. An argument is sound if both (1) it is valid, and (2) the premises are true.
Note: Valid and Invalid arguments are discussed starting on page 239. Make sure to pay close attention to valid and invalid arguments.
Types of Deductive Arguments:
There are three that are used in everyday reasoning.
1). Arguments by elimination rule out different possibilities until only one possibility remains.
2). Arguments based on mathematics depend on mathematical or geometric equations to generate conclusions.
3). In an argument from definition, the conclusion is true because it is based on a key term or essential attribute in a definition.
Hypothetical Syllogisms
*Hypothetical reasoning involves "if.....then...." reasoning.
*A hypothetical syllogism is a form of deductive argument that contains two premises, at least one of which is hypothetical or conditional if.....then statement.
*There are three basic patterns of hypothetical syllogisms:
1). Modus ponens (affirming the antecedent): there is one conditional premise, a second premise that states that the antecedent, or if part, of the first premise is true, and a conclusion that asserts the truth of the consequent, or the then part, of the first premise.
The following structure is used:
If A, then B.
A.
Therefore, B.
So......
Premise 1: If I get this raise at work, then I can pay off my credit-card bill.
Premise 2: I got the raise at work.
Conclusion: Therefore, I can pay off my credit-card bill.
Or......
If A (antecedent), the B (consequent).
A.
Therefore, B.
Does this make sense? If not, go back and read through the examples on page 247.
2). Modus tollens (denying the consequent): The second premise denies the consequent, and the conclusion denies the truth of the antecedent.
The following structure is used:
If A, then B.
Not B.
Therefore, not A.
So......
If Morgan is a physician, then she has graduated from college.
Morgan did not graduate from college.
Therefore, Morgan is not a physician.
Or........
If A (antecedent), the B (consequent).
Not B.
Therefore, not A.
You can read more about this on page 248.
3). Chain argument: are made up of three conditional propositions - two premises and one conclusion - linked together. A chain argument is a type of imperfect hypothetical syllogism since it may contain more than three propositions.
The following structure is used:
If A, then B.
If B, then C.
Therefore, If A, then C.
So......
If it rains tomorrow, then the beach party is canceled.
If the beach party is canceled, we're having a party at Rachel's house.
Therefore, if it rains tomorrow, we're having a party at Rachel's house.
There are more examples in the course text on page 249-250. This section also discusses chain arguments with more than two premises.
Evaluating Hypothetical Syllogisms for Validity
*Not all valid arguments are sound. Rewording arguments in ordinary language in the form of hypothetical syllogisms can help you expose faulty premises. They are also useful as clarification tools, and as decision-making aids.
These are a type of deductive argument that categorizes or sorts things into specific classes, such as mammals, students, or countries. A categorical syllogism is composed of a conclusion, two premises, and three terms, each of which occurs exactly twice in two of the three propositions. In the following categorical syllogism, each of the three classes or terms - in this case "mammals", "cats", and "tigers" - appears in two propositions.
All tigers are cats.
Some mammals are not cats.
Therefore, some mammals are not tigers.
*Categorical syllogisms can be written in any of 256 standard forms or combinations.
A standard form of categorical syllogism is shown here:
*All P are/are not M. (P=predicate, M=middle term)
*Some S are/are not M. (S=minor term, M=middle term)
*Some S are/are not P. (S=minor term, P=major term)
As with hypothetical syllogisms, if the form of a categorical syllogism is valid, then the argument will be valid regardless of term substitutions.
Are you thoroughly confused yet? Read starting on page 252 to clarify these issues a bit more.
Venn Diagrams
These are useful instruments for diagramming and evaluating categorical syllogisms. They directly engage our spatial reasoning ability and help us to visualize group relationships effectively.
You can read more about Venn Diagrams by clicking HERE, and of course in your course text.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of deductive arguments - including arguments from definition, mathematical arguments, arguments by elimination, and hypothetical and categorical syllogisms - is essential for us to effectively function in the world. As good critical thinkers, we must constantly identify and evaluate these types of arguments, both our own and those presented to us by others.
There are many examples in the course text, boxes with information, exercises, and stories. Please do not skip these things in the course text. Rather, make sure to read them and understand them......for they may appear on a test at some point.......
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