Biology / Nature

Hey guys. This weekend I'd like to discuss biodiversity. To that end, the article you should read is this one:

http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21585091-biodiversity-once-preoccupation-scientists-and-greens-has-become-mainstream

It's a little short and simple, so if you're looking for more you could always read this:

http://www.ecoservices.asu.edu/pdf/Cardinale%20et%20al,%20Nature%20%282012%29.pdf

Or, maybe you just want to watch a video. Try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFeRFmqFChQ

See you all Saturday!

Final Exam Questions

Politics

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the private sector financing of elections.

2. Are you interested in politics? Why or why not?

3. Describe a good politicians.

4. How does the legislative system in America work?/look like? ****

5. Why is the present Congress considered by some to be the worst ever?

6. What do you think about the political system in Poland and how does it compare to the American? ****

7. What political scandal in the USA to be the most shocking?

Communication/Media

1. What makes communication effective?

2. How has communication between people changed over the years?

3. What is the easiest way to stay in touch with friends?

4. How does human communication differ from that of animals?

5. Should the government have the right to shut down social networks/communicators to prevent or stop public disturbances?

6. Is data stored by social media sites safe? communication?

7. How would you feel if you had your laptop or cell phone taken away?

8. Is face to face communication superior to xxxxxxxs? Remembering phone numbers????

Medicine

1. Why is sugar called the white death?

2. What do you think about sugar-free products?

3. What are some of the reasons for the rising obesity rates in developed countries?

4. What's your opinion of medications? Are they over/under used/ abused?

5. How can you stay fit and healthy in today's world?

6. Do you think people take enough care of their dietary habits?

7. What do you think about traditional medicine? Do they have a place in today's medicine cabinet?

8. Why do you think the food industry produces unhealthy products?

Science and technology

1. What are the risks of replacing people with machines?

2. Do you think artificial intelligences poses a real danger to humanity?

3. Is AI still only science fiction?

4. Are technological advances still making our lives easier? To what extent?

5. Should we have the right to switch the robots off once their AI makes them 'too' human-like?

6. How does technology affect your everyday life and can you imagine your life without any electronic devices?

7. Do you think it's wise to allow robots to take care of kids?

Culture/Art

1. Do you think Vermeer was more of an artist of an inventor?

2. Should art be taught at schools or should the time be used to focus on more practical subjects?

3. Should art have boundaries?

4. What do you consider to be art?

5. How do you feel about using technology to create art? Is it still authentic art?

6. What is more important to be a successful artist, talent or training? Genius/creativity?

7. Can the reproduction of a painting still be called a piece of art?

8. Personal versus public?

Social Issues

1. Can religious and/or ethnic profiling in the US be justified?

2. Should stereotypes influence our judgment of people?

3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of immigration for society?

4. Does globalization and migration inevitably lead to racial profiling/problems/friction?

5. How has the social environment changed in the US since 9/11?

6. I hate feeling at home when I'm abroad. (GBS quote) agree/disagree? Can home ever be abroad?

7. Does local patriotism still have a place in the globalized world?

8. Do you think immigrants should maintain their identity and traditions or conform to their new home?

Review Class + Quiz

Hey there. So, next Saturday as planned I would like to have a class in which we have a quiz followed by a discussion of all the topics until now so we can make some final exam questions. Therefore, I'd like you to be prepared for a short quiz based on vocabulary from these three articles:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/42275248-ef46-11e2-bb27-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2rozxQ38f

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/Shutdown_Blues

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/04/demon-drink-war-on-sugar

See you Saturday!