Persuasion: do "sound bytes" truly convince or simply distract (one page)
Social media:this is the future... is it going to be a good one?(one page)
Clarity: is it merely a function of style?(one page)
Does great literature express "the message" clearly?(one page)
VANADIUM: In this chapter, Levi writes that he had dreamed for years of coming face-to face with one of the Germans who had worked in he camps where he was held prisoner, yet when given an opportunity for such an encounter, he pulls back.
If he had chosen differently, if he had met Dr. Muller, what do you think might have happened? For this week, write a conversation (dialogue) between the two men. Try to keep their voices distinct, remembering what you know about each of them through the chapter Vanadium.
Discussion Board
Watch the clip "Measure of a Man" from Star Trek Next Generation.
First: What do you think of the argument made by the Captain about Lt. Data's status? Is he sentient? Should he have the same legal status as a human?
Second: Apply the argument to Andrew in The Bicentennial Man. Is it similar to the argument(s) made by Asimov? Why do you think Asimov inserts sections about legal status throughout the story? Why are they important? Do you think that Andrew and Data are similar cases? Why or why not?
Discussion Board (last one!)
In the opening paragraph of the book review linked above, the author, a genetic counselor, asserts that "Anyone involved with human genetics will want to read this book." Do you think he is right? Why?