Category: Writing

Okay, for this week, we have a short writing assignment that asks you to read Why Nation’s Fail and listen to his lecture and identify what his research question is, and what are his causal variables. We are building on the work of the previous weeks in identify how political scientists think about their research. Ultimately, what is his argument as to why some nations are more successful than others?

In 3 double-space pages I want you to (1) identify Robinson’s argument and (2) do you agree with him, why or why not? To be successful, you need to identify Robinson’s terms and clearly identify his argument citing the reading or the lecture video. Second, I want to see your voices come through. You are not graded on whether you agree or disagree, but on the quality of your argument. Do you think his variables are sufficient to explain why there is liberty and freedom in some countries but not others? Are they missing something? Or are they correct? What matters is that you justify why you are making the argument you are making. Now, the literature on democracy is vast, and more vast, and we are starting out this discussion, so don’t feel overwhelmed or like you might be missing something. The debate over democracy goes back to the beginning of political time, and we have been debating it since Aristotle. I just want to know what you think!

Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): EU English Style Guide – 2025 Euclid RP4.pdf

Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

For our discussion this week, we are looking at the Six Day War of 1967 and its impact on the region.

I want you to debate the following questions:

1. What caused the Six Day War, and would you have launched a preemptive strike as Israel did?

2. What is the political significance/consequence of the Six Day War?

Reading Response 05: Personal Reflection

Personal Reflection

For this assignment, write a personal reflection that connects themes from our readings to a personal experience you have had with technology.

Assigned Readings:

• Crawford, Kate and Vladen Joler. “Anatomy of an AI System.” 2018. Accessed online.
• Sadowski, Jathan. A Machine for Smart Living. Too Smart: How Digital Capitalism Is Extracting Data, Controlling Our Lives, and Taking Over the World. The MIT Press, 2020, pp. 105-128

What to Do:

1. Engage the readings: Identify at least one key concept from each author and briefly summarize each one.
2. Make it personal: Connect those concepts to a personal life experience where you interact(ed) with technology. This could be an everyday moment or something more singular.
3. Reflect critically: Ask yourself questions such as:
   • Why do people adopt and use these kinds of technologies?
   • What are their impacts or risks? This could be physical/material or conceptual.
   • What could make the Internet of Things better?

Format & Requirements:

• Length: 500 words
• Format: Google Doc, Word Doc, or PDF
• Reference both readings (at least one quotation or paraphrase from each)
• Clear connection to your own lived experience
• Focus on analysis and reflection, not just summary
• Cite your sources

Hi Everyone,

This week we are looking at what type of questions we, as comparative politics examine, what makes a good theory in explaining these questions, and how to set up a research design. You have looked at two famous studies “Why Nations Fail” and “Guns, Germs, and Steel” which use the comparative method to attempt to provide answers to big and difficult questions, specifically why are some countries more successful than others.

For this discussion I want you to look at Acemoglu and Robinson’s Why Nations Fail and identify what are the variables of the study? The Dependent Variable is the political phenomena being explained and the independent variables are those factors that explain the specific political phenomena (outcome). In other words what explains the differences in outcomes (wealth, development, rule of law, etc). Do you agree with their argument overall, why or why not?

Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): 04_02 – Lee Lori – Neighborhood groups fight to protect marginalized communities from disruption and displacement (2024).pdf, 04_01 – Kaplan Jeffrey – What Houston needs to build the neighborhoods young people want – Houston Chronicle (2024).pdf, 03_01 – Grabar Henry – Is the tiny little neighborhood the city of the future_ _ Cities _ The Guardian (2023)-1.pdf, 03_02 – Wilson Kea – Want a Better 15-Minute City_ Ask Residents What They Really Want Streetsblog USA (2024)-1.pdf

Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

PART 1

HappinessAristotle on Happiness

What does it mean for someone to have achieved “happiness” according to Aristotle. Do you agree with these requirements or not? Explain.

Next, respond to one or more of your peers with respect to how they answered the question. For example, did they help you understand something by their post? Did they cause you to think about something more deeply? Do you disagree with what they said?

Have fun!

PART 2

OVERVIEW

This prompt, in addition to the “” and “” and “” Pages, will serve as the guidelines for the remaining responses for this entire semester. Below, I have copied the highlights from the “Readers Write!” page for your convenience.

Be sure to mention the title of the work to which you are responding, the author, and the main thesis of the text, using correct English for the first sentence of your paper.

Respond with your ideas. What do you think?

Be sure, also, to avoid plagiarism. While you can summarize an idea from the author or borrow a quote, you must also make sure that you parenthetically and bibliographically cite the essay using MLA format.

The basic bibliographic formula for our responses’ essays will look like this:

Author Last, First Name. “Article Title.” Periodical Title, Date Month Year. Database, url.

When you finish reading the article, click on the citation (“) icon on the right and scroll down to MLA 9th edition, and the bibliographic citation will be done for you–yahoo!

We will cover more bibliographic citation methodology in the coming Modules.

Any idea, thought, word, or phrase from the original source must be cited.

Reading responses need to be 250 words in length. They should be titled and follow MLA conventions.

TIP: Remember, too that I gave the full version of this prompt on the “Readers Write!” Page.

Instructions:

To begin this assignment, compose your Response 2 by addressing the following requirements:

1. Read all of the assigned essays (, , , , , OR ), but respond to only one.
2. In the opening sentences, give the author’s full name and “Essay Title” in a complete sentence.
3. Give your reactions, opinions, and thoughts about the material; do not simply summarize the article.
4. You need not mention the author again unless you quote or summarize the material.
5. If you give the author’s name again, use last name only.
6. If you use the author’s words (quote) or ideas (summary), cite both in text and bibliographically.
7. Remember to title your response.

NOTE: Be sure to see the and the Pages for guidance.

***Remember that Responses 1, 2, & 3 are a unit; if you did Response 1, you need to do only Response 2 or Response 3–you choose.***

Write your answer in a short paragraph (250+ words).

Submission

You may submit/upload this assignment as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file.

When you have composed your Response, name and save your document, then upload the file by selecting “Submit Assignment.”

PART 3-

Functions)Discussion 2: Tattoo as an Artform (Purposes and Functions)

Learning Objective

In this assignment, students will describe and examine a work of art (in this instance, a tattoo) in its social and cultural context as it relates to six different purposes and functions.

Before you get started, be sure to read

Plagiarism Warning!

All student submissions are rigorously checked for the inclusion of AI generated text. This includes your initial post and responses to your classmates. You will receive zero points for every assignment you submit which includes any AI generated content, with or without citation. This includes, but is not limited to, using generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly) to ideate, pre-plan, edit, translate, or otherwise create material you claim to be solely your creation. Do your best work, but keep in mind that it doesn’t need to be perfect. I will give you a fair score for submitting your own, original work, even if it has flaws, because it tells me that you care about learning and that you are trying.

For more information please read the

Overview

Tattooing has a long and varied tradition, dating back 1,000 years. During the early 19th century, the art of tattooing was brought from Polynesia to Europe by sailors, and was mainly the domain of men. In the present day, however, tattooing has become ubiquitous, with both men and women adorning their bodies with tattoos, often as a fashion statement. In fact, in America today, one in five people have tattoos, and 36% of people aged 18-29 have tattoos.

Your Assignment

In this Discussion, you will select a specific image of a tattoo, then post a 500-750 word analysis in which you explain the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will base your analysis on the concepts from the reading and videos, as well as your own ideas and insights.

This Discussion is worth 100 points. Please read the instructions and Grading Rubric before you begin.

DUE DATE

• Your contributions to this Discussion are due by Sunday, Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m
• Your responses to posts by at least two different classmates is due by Sunday, Mar. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

You must post in the Discussion before you can read your classmates’ posts.

Instructions and Grading Criteria

Before you begin, review the reading and study guides for pages 20-34 of Artforms. Also, be sure to watch the

ORGANIZE WHAT YOU PLAN TO WRITE

Important! Approach this discussion as you would if you were writing a college paper. In other words, don’t just start writing in the discussion board without having a plan. I recommend that you open a Word Doc or Google Doc, turn on version history, then write and revise a polished 500-750 word paper, which you will copy and paste into your discussion post.

• Outline – Start with an outline and organize your analysis into separate topical paragraphs that begin with topic sentences (see below). It may be helpful to use headings.
• First Paragraph – In your first paragraph, introduce and describe the tattoo you chose and clearly state the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will explain more in the subsequent paragraphs.
• Subsequent Paragraphs – Support your choice of purpose or function in each of the subsequent paragraphs. Use reasoning that demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts from the reading and videos.
• Topic Sentences – At the beginning of each of the subsequent paragraphs, write a concise topic sentence that clearly states the key point you plan to make in that paragraph. This approach will make it easier for your reader follow your key points and how they support your choice of purpose or function.
• Stay focused on the tattoo you are writing about and don’t wander off-topic. Support your key points with clear descriptions and observations of the image you selected.

STEP ONE – SEARCH FOR AN IMAGE

First, you must search online for a clear image of an actual tattoo. You will post this image in Step Two and use it as the basis for your discussion. If you like, you may share images of your own tattoos. In either case, please only select images that are appropriate within the standards of this institution – NO nudity or anything too graphic, and please post images that are clear and easy to discern. High resolution images are preferred.

Helpful tip: Think out of the box. As you search for an image, don’t limit yourself to only traditional tattoos. There are so many complex, original and beautiful contemporary tattoos, out there. Select a design that is really interesting to you.

STEP TWO: POST IN THE CLASS DISCUSSION

Your post is worth 80 possible points

First, post the image you found in Step One. Follow these instructions that explain

Next, in 500-750 words, explain how the tattoo you chose is an example of one of the Purposes and Functions listed below. Please note that the tattoo might be an example of a few different purposes and functions. However, you must select only one purpose or function, the one that best applies to the tattoo you chose, then cogently explain and justify your choice based on concepts from the reading and videos.

PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF ART

• Art as Commentary
• Art in Worship and Ritual
• Art for Commemoration
• Art for Persuasion
• Art as Self-Expression (unique and autobiographical)

Please note: Because of the personal nature of tattooing one’s body, all tattoos might be viewed as Art as Self-Expression. As such, please do not write about the tattoo as Art as Self-Expression unless the tattoo truly expresses something unique and autobiographical about the person wearing the tattoo.

Helpful tip: Before you write your post, take some time to apply what you know about each of the purposes and functions to the tattoo you chose. Write down the characteristics that would qualify the tattoo as being Art as Commentary, Art for Worship and Ritual, Art for Commemoration, etc. Do this for each purpose and function listed below. This process will help you identify the purpose and function that best applies to the tattoo you chose.

TO HELP YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR POST, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

(You are not required to answer each of these questions. This list is included to help get you thinking.)

• What are the main features of the tattoo? Describe them.
• What makes it unique compared to other tattoos you’ve seen. Explain.
• What is the level of skill or training required to execute the tattoo?
• Is there a tradition behind the design? Describe it.
• Is the tattoo a symbol of a group? If so, tell us about that group and why they use this style of tattoo.
• What type of statement is being made by the person wearing the tattoo?

You are welcome to do more research about the tattoo, but it is not required. I’m mostly interested in your original thoughtand how well you apply concepts from the reading and videos. Remember to cite your sources and do not plagiarize or cut and paste information from the internet!

STEP THREE: RESPOND TO TWO CLASSMATES

Each post is worth 10 possible points (20 points total)

Next, review the posts of your classmates. Post a substantive and cogent response to a post by two different classmates (at least 100 words each). Consider the key issues that underpin this topic, including the characteristics of the tattoo, the statement being made, the training/skill level of the artist, traditions, personal choices, etc.

• Do you agree or disagree with their reasoning for their choice of purpose or function? Why or why not.
• Did they leave out something important? If you think so, introduce this to the discussion.
• Did you find something interesting in the post, but you don’t fully understand? Politely ask them to clarify for you.

Grading

This Discussion topic is broadly framed and there is no right or wrong answer. Instead, you will be graded on how well you demonstrate your ability to think clearly about this topic and to logically support your ideas with concepts from the reading and videos.

Before you submit your posts, take a little more time to proofread and revise your work to make sure that what you write actually conveys what you intend to say. Your posts must be clearly-written, well-supported, grammatically correct, and free of spelling and punctuation errors. This is a college level assignment!

Assignment Feedback

I care very much about the quality of the work you submit and I will carefully read, evaluate, and provide feedback on your post within approximately one week after you submit responses to your classmates (usually sooner).

As you can imagine, this takes time and I appreciate your patience while I assess your work. Click this link for instructions on how to

Please review the Grading Rubric before you begin. You can view the Grading Rubric by clicking the three dots in the upper right of this page, then click “Show Rubric.” Here are more .

Earn a High Grade

1. Before you begin, read all of the instructions, as well as the rubric.
2. Focus on the key ideas contained in the weekly reading and videos.
3. Start with an outline and organize your main points into separate topical paragraphs.
4. Write concise and complete sentences that clearly convey what you intend to say.
5. Write in third person, present tense, as much as possible.
6. Support your statements with careful observations about each tattoo.
7. Include your own insights that support your key points.

Submission Resources

Be sure to write your initial post in the first “reply” box you see below.

Read as in

PART1-

PlayWeek 3 Discussion on Play

Cultural Views of Play

Research has demonstrated that young children learn through play, in much the same way other mammals do.

Through play children begin to explore the world, they try out new roles and learn how to use their bodies, minds and senses. Through play children learn to how to fit into society. Through play children develop physically and creatively. Children learn new things by experimenting in much the same way as a scientist experiments. Through play children learn to problem solve and negotiate.

As a child development professional, you learn the critical importance of play in the lives of young children but not all people feel the same way about play.

Some people see play as a distinctly different activity apart from learning. Some people and cultures may see play as a waste of learning time. Some parents today are so worried about academic performance that they think a preschooler should be doing pencil and paper tasks and having teachers teach through direct teaching, like they remember from their elementary years. Some people believe that preschoolers should be doing worksheets and what some call “seat work”. This is not developmentally appropriate for the young child.

Play is important for ADULTS as well as for children. Many of the most creative entrepreneurs and techies will say that they are the most creative when they have added play to their lives.

So let’s explore your thoughts and experiences with play!

1. How did your parents view play as you were growing up?

1. Did your culture’s view of males and females affect your ability to play? If so, please describe.

1. What are your best memories of play?

1. For those of you who are working in a preschool, have you had experiences with parents who want to see more formal academics and less play? If so, what did you or the teacher do?

Post your responses to the prompts above and reply to at least two of your peers

Word count-150-200

PART 2

Video?What Are Your Thoughts About the Anti-Bias Video?

After watching the Anti-Bias Education video filmed by faculty at Pacific Oaks College, I am hopeful that you can see that there is more to an Anti-Bias classroom that simply putting diverse dolls and props in the learning centers.

After watching the video:

1. Have you seen this kind of interaction in preschools you have observed

or worked for?

1. What questions do you have about the interaction in the videos?

1. Do you see activities or interactions in the video that you might use in

your own teaching? Describe.

1. Do you feel comfortable talking to children about differences and answering their questions about race, gender, disabilities, etc?

Reply to two of your peers.

You will see the posts of your peers once you submit your own initial post.

Word Count-150-200

PART 3-

Reflection Journal Guidelines:

Purpose:
The purpose of the reflective journal is for you to reflect on your values, perceptions, and beliefs about caring for infants and toddlers.

Expectations:
Each journal entry should be at least 1 paragraph long. You will be graded on the depth of your responses to each question. These assignments are eligible for resubmission.

Reflective Prompt:

As you listen to his talk, share how you might see yourself following the steps in the video to support your advocacy plan.

Due date: Sunday, February 23, by 11:59 am