Discussion and Essay Questions from my Environmentalism Class at Rasmussen
I would like to present to you the quality of education in one of the classes at Rasmussen, the college which I am attending again just so that I may finish the darn Bachelor's in Accounting since it would be a waste of money if I don't receive the blasted piece of paper in trade for this valueless rigmarole. Please take note that for the most part the questions are what is known as Leading Questions. These are questions which provide the suggested answer in them and, not only that, but also oversimplify the debate and denigrate the opposition by implication. As such, I consider this to not be fitting in a place of education and it should be revised or eliminated. Also, consider how relevant most of the questions raised are to actual environmental issues. The first one is implying that more 'scientists' should be in Congress ("the policy making process"), the second one is a purposeful contradiction in terms, the third one is about immigration, and the forth one is a about embryonic stem cell research. These may all be controversies, certainly, but this class is supposed to be about "Human Uses Of The Environment", and not about Political Uses Of Captive Student Audiences who are unwillingly paying to be indoctrinated.
Written Assignment, Module 1: Science and Politics wrote:
Do you feel that scientists should be cut out of the policy making process, particularly on environmental issues, when their research is proven and widely accepted and is being ignored and disputed? Politicians ultimately make the decisions, but shouldn't the scientists have a voice? Do you feel that lobbyists and special interest groups exert too great of an influence and act as an impediment to finding solutions to, and providing the funding for, research for the environmental problems we face?
Discussion Question, Module 1: Sustainable Resources wrote:
This week you were introduced to environmental science. With some of your background knowledge, and what youhave learned from your readings, consider the following statement:
The world will never run out of resources because we can use technology to find substitutes; this will help us reduce resource waste.
Do you agree with this statement? Explain your position.
Written Assignment, Module 2: Immigration and Population in the U.S. wrote:
How do the views presented in thearticles differ? How does illegal immigration both hurt and help state economies? Do you feel that the author's of these two articles are ignoring each others side, or is it possible that the Illinois economy is simply better equipped to absorb illegal immigration? Before answering this final question make sure to consider the affiliations of the authors.
Discussion Question, Module 2: Stem Cell Research wrote:
A controversial issue, closely related to cloning, that has caused a lot of debate is the use of embryonic stem cells. One possible application of these cells is that they may be able to supply replacement tissues to treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, and other degenerative diseases. The word "embryonic", has caused fierce opposition to this type of research because embryos are destroyed when the stem cells are removed. Questions that have surfaced in this debate include: When a cell nucleus is transferred to another cell, have we created life? Does a stem cell have the same status as a human? What should be done with the embryos that are left overat in vitro fertilization (IVF), clinics? Advocates argue that the medical benefits of stem cell research would be enormous. Opponents argue that life begins at conception and thus this type of research is abortion. Based on what you have read, explain why you are for or against stem cell research. How would you explain your position to someone who disagrees with you?
18 Aug 2010, 2:44 pm
