UNIT 1 Defining the task and the terms

How closely does the fabled hierarchical society match our own? How would our leaders respond to the challenge posed by "the masses" in this fable?

Do you agree "there's nothing the people of our culture want more than change"?

In 1999, not long after the Columbine Massacre, a law was passed in Louisiana requiring public-school students to address teachers and other school employees as "ma'am" or "sir" and to use the appropriate title of Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs. with their names. What "problem" did this legislative change address?

If you own a fishing boat, the fish you catch are free for the taking. What are the stages by which the fish you catch are turned into food under lock and key?

The text says that some 200 species a day are becoming extinct, thanks to us. Have students start three lists, one of species they think might one day disappear entirely (except for zoo specimens), one of species that are very unlikely to disappear in the near future, and one of species that will probably survive even if we don't. As the lists grow, see what generalizations students can make about them. (For example, the first list is going to include large-bodied creatures that are not deemed essential to human survival--gorillas, rhinos, whales, and so on; the second is going to include creatures we like and need--domesticated cats, dogs, rice, cows, and chickens, and so on.)

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