research project

Here are my notes from period 0 and period 1 this morning.  I write fast, but I'm certain that I didn't capture everything, so please add your thoughts in the comments.  I will review the thread with you and fabricate the final question/s and evaluation based on your feedback tomorrow (Thursday).

Relevant TOPICS we've covered:

• the "right" to our opinions
• the value of life
• schema, stereotypes, and racism
• ingroups/outgroups
• interpersonal communication (verbal, nonverbal, paraverbal)
• limitations of the First Amendment (hate speech, obscenity, anything that causes immediate harm to the nation or its people)

Suggested questions:

• How do our genetic heritages and cultural understandings of communication contribute to racism?
• How can we improve relations between people of different backgrounds?
• Is racism a "special" form of discrimination, or is it just another way to separate ourselves from others?
• NOTE: find the discipline/angle that links with your Big Question or personal curiosity (anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, [?]) and use the opportunity to learn more about how the field you're interested in views the issue

Methods:

• Reviewing popular and academic literature in the library and online
• Asking questions (personally or via survey) to conduct research
• Citing student blogs

Criteria for success:

• Mechanics (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
• Evidence (quantity and quality of cited sources)
• Organization
• Compelling argument/s