Final Exam Questions

 Nature/Biology
1. How are the elements interconnected in nature?
2. Do you believe that nature can heal itself or does it need our help?
3. Discuss some of the ways in which it appears we may be headed for a mass extinction.
4. How do you prevent natural disasters from happening?
5. Why is biodiversity so important?
6. Should animals have rights?
7. Are the punishments for animal abuse sufficient in Poland?
8. Are people aware of the need to take care of the environment and has this awareness changed over the years?
9. Are GMOs a threat to biodiversity?
10. Is global warming a real threat in your opinion? If so what are some of the signs, if not, why do so many people believe it is.

Controversial Issues
1. Discuss a couple of popular conspiracy theories.
2. Do you find conspiracy theories interesting?
3. Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?
4. Do you find conspiracy theories believable or funny?
5. Do you regard conspiracy theorists as skeptics or lunatics?
6. Are you for or against adoption by homosexual couples?
7. What are the pros and cons of late motherhood?
8. Does the media manipulate us and are people generally aware of this?

Psychology
1. How do men and women's brains differ?
2. Can anyone be a sociopath?
3. Why do people suffer from depression?
4. Are sociopaths dangerous to society?
5. Would you recognize a sociopath? If yes, how?
6. Do you think that sociopaths have to potential to attain positions of power?
7. What are the positive and negative features of being a sociopath?
8. What's the connection between being a sociopath and committing crimes?
9. Do you think that it is possible to 'cure' someone of sociopathy?

Global Issues
1. What is a whistle-blower and can you give a couple examples.
2. Why do people disagree about whether or not whistle-blowing is a good thing?
3. Do you think that there are some circumstances under which being a whistle-blower can be justified?
4. Are whistle-blowers traitors?
5. Do you support Edward Snowden?
6. Do you think it's possible to be fair and loyal at the same time?
7. Does the world need whistle-blowers?
8. How do you become a contemporary hero?
9. Can racism be totally eradicated?
10. Is it possible for immigrants to become fully assimilated?
11. Should be allow the government to invigilate society in order to provide security?

Class on Saturday May 10th

Hey guys. Just a reminder that Saturday's class will be devoted to making final exam questions for the last four topics so please come prepared (read or bring the articles) to talk about: Biology/Nature, Conspiracy Theories, Psychology and Global Issues. See you Saturday.

USOS - Important (I think)

Hey guys. I'm inputting the USOS grades at the moment and there seems to be a shortage of names registered. If your name doesn't appear below it means you're not registered on USOS and may have a big problem if you don't get it fixed soon (April 29th is the deadline for grades I think). Please email me if you get your name on the list so I can input your grade.

Hęś Norbert
Karaś Marta
Lester-Szymańska Agnieszka
Marciniak Paulina
Weryńska Daria
Wojciechowska Wiktoria

Global Issues

Hey guys, I'd like you to read three short articles for Saturday's class:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/opinion/sunday/the-whistle-blowers-quandary.html

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/06/11/in-nsa-leak-case-a-whistle-blower-or-a-criminal/whistle-blowers-deserve-protection-not-prison

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/opinion/friedman-blowing-a-whistle.html?ref=whistleblowers

The last one is from the mustache of wisdom himself so be careful.

If you've never seen Collateral Murder, it's not a bad idea if you've got the time -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rXPrfnU3G0
Or read something like this - http://roarmag.org/2014/04/collateral-murder-the-conscience-of-chelsea-manning/

Psychology

Hey, a little late, but you know what they say about it being better that way than never; here's your article for Saturday's class:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201305/confessions-sociopath?src=longreads

Conspiracy Theories

Hey guys, here's your article for Saturday's class:

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/11/conspiracy_theory_psychology_people_who_claim_to_know_the_truth_about_jfk.single.html

Biodiversity bonus

Hey guys. Just extra stuff for you as I saw this article with another interesting take on species that have a big influence on their environment, rhinos!
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/articles/heres-what-might-happen-local-ecosystems-if-all-rhinos-disappear-180949896/?no-ist

In case you're interested, the documentary I showed a piece of today is called Food Inc and the other one I mentioned about fracking is called Gasland.