Secondary – May 3

Niccolò Machiavelli was born on this date in 1469. Explain why you agree or disagree with his famous maxim that the ends justify the means.

Secondary – May 2

On this date in 1933, the contemporary era of Loch Ness monster stories began with a news-making sighting. Accounts of an aquatic beast living in the lake date back 1,500 years. Explain your opinion about whether the Loch Ness monster exists.

Secondary – May 1

On this date in 1960, the Soviet Union shot down an American U-2 surveillance plane and captured its pilot. Explain your opinion about whether spying on other countries is a legitimate or illegitimate use of a nation’s sovereign power.

Secondary – April 30

On this date in 1939, Franklin Delano Roosevelt became the first US president to appear on TV during opening day at the New York World’s Fair. Explain why you think politicians perform their public services worse or better because of television.

Secondary – April 29

“News is something somebody doesn’t want printed; all else is advertising.” -William Randolph Hearst, born on this date in 1863. Explain why you think the news media should maintain it is unbiased and objective or should advocate an ideological perspective.

Secondary – April 28

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” -Harper Lee, born on this date in 1926. Consider the person in your life who is most different than you, and describe yourself from that person’s point of view.

Secondary – April 27

Samuel F.B. Morse was born on this date in 1791. Before inventing the telegraph, he was a well regarded portrait painter. Describe how you think his artistry affected his inventiveness.

Secondary – April 26

“Truth springs from argument amongst friends.” -David Hume, born on this date in 1711. Describe the last thing you learned from arguing with a friend and its importance.