DL: December 14-18

Monday    (12/14) — Handout course overview, syllabus, go over course expectations.  Introduction to First Amendment: Define freedom of speech and censorship: rights and responsibilities of citizens and students; speech as power; the words you can’t say.  Is censorship ever appropriate?
HOMEWORK: Choose one of the essential questions on the course overview and write a thoughtful, personal response (2 pages, typed, double-spaced).  This will be shared writing.  Due Tuesday 12/12.

Tuesday    (12/15) — Response due.  Share writing and discuss essential questions.  First Amendment discussion continued.
HW: Read the list of banned/challenged books and answer the questions on the back.

Wednesday    (12/16) — NO CLASS

Thursday    (12/17) — Banned Books discussion. Guest speaker: Karyn Silverman.  Discuss banned and challenged books, censorship vs. selection, reasons for and statistics about censorship and challenges
HW: Optional independent reading – choose one of the titles from the banned books list and read the book over the break.  This is not required, but if you choose to read a book it could be the basis of your final project for the course!

Have a safe and restful winter break.  See you in 2010!