Opening Questions

I'll use this blog to post weekly calendars and important documents for our course this year. Make sure you bookmark this site and get in the habit of checking it regularly. If you have a google account you can even designate yourself as a "follower." (Don't worry -- becoming a "follower" doesn't mean you're joining a creepy cult. It just means that you've designated this blog as a site you regularly visit.)

For Thursday, August 30^th, answer the reflection questions below.  Your responses should be typed and double-spaced and printed off. 

1. What is a figurative "bridge" in your life?  By figurative "bridge" I mean something that connects you to others and makes you feel like you're part of a group or community.  Identify the "bridge" and explain how it's a figurative bridge for you.

2. What is a figurative "border" in your life?  By figurative "border" I mean something that separates you to others and makes you feel like you're separate from another group.  Identify the "border" and explain how it's a figurative border for you.

3. Briefly describe a time you were able to bridge a gap between yourself and another person who seemed very separate from you.  How did you do it?  How was a figurative "bridge" built?

4. What are some benefits of having literal borders in the United States?  Consider "borders" as state line, country lines, or other things/institutions that clearly separate people or things.

5. What are some drawbacks of having literal borders in the United States?  Consider "borders" as state line, country lines, or other things/institutions that clearly separate people or things.

6. What are some figurative "bridges" that unite Americans?  These might be institutions, policies, or something else that unites all Americans as one people.

7. If there’s one thing that Lawler needs to know about you as a person – one thing that would help him be a better teacher for you – what would that be?

Be ready to share your thoughts on these questions in class on Thursday, August 30^th.  I expect to hear from everyone!  (Note: we won’t be sharing responses to #7.)