Hi class,

We're just about at the end of our College and Career journey together...Well, at least until next year. :) You need to be done with your research paper by Friday the 16th. Yes, that's this Friday! For most of you, this is not a problem, but for a few of you, you need to get to work. Don't forget, this final draft is a large part of this quarter's grade - like 60%. If you blow off this paper, you will not pass this quarter. And I'll cry...well, not really.

After Friday midnight, you are free to grade your grading partner's paper. You must have it graded by Tuesday the 20th.   If you do not have your partner's paper graded by Tues, the 20th, your paper grade will be reduced by 5%. Do not forget to put your name and your partner's name on the top of the rubric. I have re-sent you the rubric. It is a Word doc. Here are your instructions:

1. Print out the rubric (yes, one person can do this and make copies).

2. Put your name and paper's author's name on top where indicated.

3. Grade paper using the objective criteria. (I know you all love each other but do not allow this fact to
    cloud your judgement. You are simply grading based on the OBJECTIVE criteria provided in the
    rubric. However, there is some room to be gracious... or harsh. :)

4. Bring the rubric to class on Wed. the 21st (last day of class) and prepare to turn it in when I ask for
    the rubric. If you do not have the rubric ready to turn in, this will count as not having your partner's
    paper graded and your paper's grade will be reduced by 5%.

See you tomorrow!

Hi Class,

For the next few classes we'll dive into some pretty heady issues. This may not seem like college prep. but it is. I'll give you a few reasons why.

(1) These issues cause you to think critically and critical thinking is critical to your university success.
(2) These issues will be "in your face" as soon as you begin campus life. They may seem insignificant         now but just wait.
(3) These are the issues that media and culture saturate you with and convince you of their opinions on (example: relativism) whether or not you are aware of it. Make sure you are aware!

DB Thread (is this DB #5??) At least a 200 word initial response and a 50-100 word response to a classmate.

(1) Define relativism. (2) What do you believe regarding this issue and why? (cite a source if needed). (3) What life issue(s) makes relativism attractive and what issue(s) makes it unattractive? (4) How might relativism effect your university experience?

Due: Fri. by Midnight

Hi class,

Your rough drafts will be graded by the end of the day tomorrow (Thursday, 8th). You will have about a week until the final draft is due: Wed. 14th.

I will send you all a grading rubric for the final draft. This is NOT the rubric I used for my very generous and merciful grading of your rough draft. You will use this grading rubric to grade a classmate's final paper. Yes, that's right, you will grade a classmate's final paper based on the rubric criteria.

Here's how this benefits you. (1) You get to read about another career field and possibly learn something you didn't already know. (2) You get some experience at carefully looking at a research paper and evaluating it based on objective criteria. And (3) You get to see the grading criteria before the final draft is due and MAKE SURE you have met the criteria.

I will be choosing who grades who's paper and will give you that info on the 15th.

Hi class,

Here is your DB Thread:

Answer these questions in no less than 250 words and respond to at least one classmate with no less than 100 words.

(1) According to Erikson (pg. 450) what life stage are you currently in? What aspects of your life are contributing to either the positive or the negative aspect of the stage?

(2) Looking back at the previous life stages (according to Erikson), how has each stage of your development worked out for you? Can you look back at a past stage and see why you now react to certain situations or feel certain ways?

(3) Looking ahead at the stages to come, what can you do now to help ensure that you pass through the future stage well?

This DB Thread and response is due by Midnight Monday.

Hi class,

Now that you are done with your survey, spend the rest of the hour:

(1) Look up 1 to 2 universities of interest (don't just choose name brand universities but look based on        geographic location, majors of interest, personal values, affordability, etc.).

(2) Locate a contact email for their admissions department. Cut and paste the email into your school            gmail account.

(3) Craft an email to the admissions department (using a word processor) that states:
     
      (a) Who you are: what grade, what school, what nationality, your current GPA, your interests, and              your reasons for pursuing higher education. (You should have no more than 1 sentence for each            of these personal points).
      (b) Ask about scholarships, work study programs, foreign exchange programs, etc.
           
            (i) Use your positioning statement in your initial paragraph (craft a new one if needed).
            (ii) End by thanking them for their time.