Discussion Topics & Materials

Please consult the following materials and accompanying questions as you prepare for each discussion. Refer to the Guidelines & Phrases for Discussions as you prepare.

Discussion: Language = Identity?

• Read the TED article,“How Language Can Affect the Way We Think“
• Watch the last four minutes of Tim Doner’s TED Talk, “Breaking the Language Barrier” (start at 12:53)
• Questions for Preparation

Discussion: Would You Want to Know Your Future?

• Read The Week’s article, “No, You Don’t Want to Know Your Future“
• Listen to the podcast, “Do You Really Want to Know Your Future?” (transcript here).
• Questions for Preparation

Discussion: The Purpose of Education

• Read the Washington Post article, “What’s the Purpose of Higher Education?“
• Watch this short news interview (stop at 8:00)
• Questions for Preparation

Discussion: What’s Up with Politics?

• Watch the TED talk, “Who Would the Rest of the World Vote for in Your Country’s Election?“
• Read the article you selected in class (linked on the “Questions for Preparation” page)
• Questions for Preparation

Discussion: “Changing” Families & Relationships

• Read the “Introduction” section AND the section you selected in class from the NYT article, “The Changing American Family.”
• Questions for Preparation

Discussion: English as a Global Language?

• Watch Jay Walker’s TED talk, “The World’s English Mania”
• Watch English teacher Patricia Ryan’s TED Talk, “Don’t Insist on English”
• Find additional credible resources on the internet to support ideas for and against the issue for debate.
• Questions for Preparation