First Person & Critical Thinking

January 23, 2013Critical ThinkingIntro to Issues

For Today:Getting started: brief writing promptExploring critical thinking more criticallyCrime & PunishmentClosing reflection

And then I found myself questioning their ethos

Getting StartedUse three of the following words to create a sentence. Your sentence can be funny, sarcastic, etc., and changing the form of a word (e.g., noun to verb) is fine.penguincharminggravediggerprocrastinationannoyinghappyNow, use the remaining three words to create a second sentence (same rules apply).

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

Perspectives: Personal vs. ReasonableShould Doris go back to prison, or be let off?Previously drug dealer. Now, anti-drugs, giving back. Concerned w/ effect of arrest on her sonHusband: Loves Doris unconditionally; loss would be equiv. to death. Maintains she has integrity, taught children.Children: To be model citizens. Taught to be responsible & avoid drugs.Neighbors: Dont think Doris should be sent back. Not useful.Legal & social: Fugitive, regardless of change. Its been 34 years. Shes old, so shouldnt have to go back. Purpose of prison is rehab. Reason: retrialjury should decide whether or not she should go back. Question of change. Change brought about by guilt (disingenious). Reconsidering punishment, still serve some sort of sentence. Unsupervised pro., fine, random drug testing. Change does not change the fact that a crime was committed.Closing Reflection:Write 2 brief letters to the governor expressing why or why not Doris Doe should/nt finish serving her sentence. The first letter should express your personal view/perspectiveThe second should offer a reasonable response Use supporting information from the article

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How has this activity informed your view and understanding of critical thinking?What was most difficult?How did you work through the difficulties you encountered?Questions taken from Gita DasBenders Critical Thinking in College Writing PS: At this point you all should be writing at least -1 page.

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