734 words

Quindlen's argument for same-sex marriage rights in "Evan's Two Moms"

The author's evidence for writing "Evan's Two Moms" seems to be her own understanding of the gay community and the problems they face in everyday life, in everything from sharing their commitment to adopting children and simply living life.

~4 min read

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567 words

Al Gore's argument on climate change and civilization in Earth in the Balance

In Chapter three of his book Earth in the Balance, former vice president Al Gore makes the point that our civilization is heavily dependent on stability in the climate. For the last ten thousand years, we have experienced the same sort of climate with very few changes.

~3 min read

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561 words

How male and female students use language differently

Tannert begins her essay by enumerating the differences in types of verbal communication used by males and females. She then applies these instances to both students in the classroom, and the gender of the professor in the classroom.

~3 min read

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650 words

Reading and writing skills for developing democratic citizens

One of the frequently-cited reasons for including social studies in the curriculum is to prepare students to become good citizens. Because America is a democratic, free society, students must learn to make good choices because their choices will affect the national community.

~4 min read

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1,947 words

Interpreting line and composition in Basquiat's early untitled paintings

One of the most famous stars of the East Village graffiti scene and Neo-Expressionist movement of the 1980s, Jean-Michel Basquiat once famously remarked of his paintings, "Every single line means something." If this is true, then this sets an unprecedented task for the interpreter, who is faced…

~10 min read

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623 words

Christoph Irmscher's Longfellow Redux and American literary culture

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American literary icon when he was alive. Schoolchildren were asked to memorize his immortal poetic classic "The Song of Hiawatha" as part of their education and there was even a drink called the "Hiawatha" in memory of the Indian warrior of Longfellow's poem.

~4 min read

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905 words

Evaluating the American Revolution webquest's pedagogical effectiveness

Chiang, Judy. "The American Revolution: Was it worth it?" 19 Oct 2007. http://questgarden.com/47/76/3/070311160651/ The introductory page of the Webquest "The American Revolution: Was it worth it?" is strong and provocative.

~5 min read

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795 words

Plato's definition of justice and obstacles to truth

What is the problem of truth? What are two of the main types of obstacles to the pursuit of truth? How does Zen practice help to overcome one type of obstacle? How does Socrates work help to overcome another type of obstacle to the pursuit of truth?

~4 min read

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1,028 words

Equiano's narrative portrayal of African and American slavery

One of the most starling revelations provided by the life of the Interesting Narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano is the commonness of African slavery and the tolerance of slavery in the world in general, even by whites who acknowledged African intelligence.

~6 min read

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1,504 words

Emma Goldman's vision of women's emancipation remains relevant today

The interesting thing about history is, as the saying goes, "the more things change, the more they stay the same." In the last century, the U.S. has undergone tremendous technological change. In many respects, it has changed in its political philosophy as well.

~8 min read

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