GT Seminar I: The Ethics of Autonomous Cars

Write a response to the Wired.com article we read in class. Discuss your opinions on the first scenario (SUV vs Mini Cooper) and the second scenario (motorcyclists with helmet vs without helmet). 

Then, discuss whether or not you think the idea to have the car make decisions through a random-number generator is a good one or not. 

Finally, answer commenter Alexander Karasulas's question:  If the driver is not making control decisions, should the driver be responsible for any outcomes at all? Why or why not?

This is an Assessment grade.

GT Seminar I: Who are the outliers of the world?

Identify a TRUE outlier. This is likely to be a prominent, distinguished, and/or influential person. Or perhaps not! (Think Chris Langan.)

Using Malcolm Gladwell's definition, defend your choice as an actual outlier. You will need to do significant research into this person's life experiences.

Search for and identify those special opportunities and stepping stones that may have allowed this person to achieve success.

You must also incorporate Dr. Robert Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence by evaluating this person's analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.

Be sure to include your sources.

Passion Project: Reflections on your progress

You will be writing a blog post every 2 weeks in which you reflect on your Passion Project progress to date. It should be comprised of your thoughts on your achievements and obstacles and will serve as documentation of what you learn along the way. If you face an obstacle big or small, be sure to write about how you overcame it or how you will. Work your way up this "Taxonomy of Reflection":

G&T II: Jeremy Rifkin's Empathic Civilization

After listening to and reading Jeremy Rifkin's thoughts, discuss your own. How can we bring out our "empathic socialibity?" What do you think are the most pressing issues facing humanity as a whole right now? Is it possible we can extend our empathy to the entire human race? (Is it impossible to even imagine it?) Use Rifkin and do some other research to support your points. 

Passion Project Update

To date, you have had 5 Passion Project days (2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, and 3/21). We have approximately 8 Fridays left until presentations begin. 

Write a reflection on your Passion Project progress thus far.  

Your reflection should be an honest account of your progress, achievements and obstacles in the past 5 weeks. You should also include a list of things you still need to do and a plan to overcome current and/or anticipated obstacles.

G&T I: Blog post due by Thursday, March 27
G&T II and ROGATE 8: Blog post due by Monday, March 31

GT Seminar II & III: 127 Hours

"There is no force more powerful than the will to live." As the tagline of the film, we discussed this bold statement before watching. Now that we have seen the movie, write about your (new?) thoughts on it. Then, write about your reaction/thoughts/feelings about the film and Aron Ralston's story.  

GT Seminar II: Dasani - Invisible Child

Now that we have finished reading the 5-part series about Dasani and her family, I'd like you to write about your honest reactions to the piece. Then, answer the following questions. (Questions via NYT Learning Network)

1. What questions does this piece raise for you?

2. You may be struck by how different Dasani’s life is from your own, but parts of her story share commonalities with any coming-of-age tale. In what ways do you recognize yourself or your own world in Dasani’s?

3. What would you like to say to Dasani if you could? Why?