Class

Monahan/Journalism

12.22.2011

Do Now:

Print out your original Year-in-Rap 2011 and your blog post in which you self-assess your work on our 12 point scale.

Class Work:

1. Once the Do Now is complete and you have submitted hard copies, you are to create a blog post in which you reflect on 2011 from a more personalized perspective. List between one and three significant events per month.  Finally, choose a month or event on which you may write in detail.

2. Students’ Pick: you are to find an article on a topic you either care about or are interested in. Next, write a piece in which you summarize the information you have found and express your opinion on the matter. If you are having difficulty finding a topic, you are encouraged to follow one of the links below and post directly to the site (following the sites guidelines, of course):

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/can-you-be-good-without-god/

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/have-you-ever-interacted-with-the-police/

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/what-will-you-remember-most-from-2011/

Homework:

Stay informed, be safe and enjoy your break!

2011 Year-in-Rap [example]

‘Bout got into fist-a-cuffs with a trust-a-far-ian

Over the Ninety-nine Percent

And I’m a liber-tar-ian

It’s easy to dismiss the Movement when you’re all grown

your rents still payin’ your rent

And you livin’ on your own

Get off my back MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Obama ends War in Iraq

Eyes on the prize, no made up WMD’s

SEAL Team Six ran the QB-sneak like a ring wearin’ Drew Brees

Were it not for that burned out hull of a Sikorsky

Our man in Pakistan wouldn’t’ve even known ‘bout the attack

Osama Bin Laden buried at sea

And now Twenty-eleven comes to end

‘Nother byte outta the Apple, the Woz lost his best friend

Turn On the News: Top Ten from 2011 and Why?

What makes one news story more “important” than another?

What are the characteristics of a news story that might make it important for more than one day?

In a comment or blog post answer the preceding questions and then make a list of the top ten stories  from 2011. Next, include a brief statement as to why each item or story made your list. Finally, link at least three items from your list to a story from a major news outlet.