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Module 8 Weekly Postings
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MODULE 8 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Post the following assignments to this Discussion Board:
Pol Theory Module 8 Discussion Questions Week 8
MODULE 8 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Post the following assignments to this Discussion Board:
Write ONE short essay of about 250-300 words
For ONE SHORT ESSAY, select and answer at least SIX
ANSWER QUESTION #2 REQUIRED (OPTIONAL #1,) FROM GRADY [quote/cite your text]
CHOOSE AND ANSWER AT LEAST ONE QUESTION from Kilbourne (#3, #4, #5)
CHOOSE AND ANSWER AT LEAST ONE QUESTION from #6 (Conroy), #7, (Perry), #8 (Guerrero)
CHOOSE AND ANSWER AT LEAST ONE OF QUESTIONS from GINSBERG #9-#13 (Ginsberg, chapter 9, “Congress,”6) [quote/cite your text]
SELECT AND ANSWER ONE QUESTION from MILLER (#14-18) [quote/cite your text]
SELECT AND ANSWER ONE QUESTION from either of the TWO FILMS (#19-31) [quote/cite your text]
ANSWER at Least one other FOR EXTRA CREDIT (OPTIONAL #1, and another question);
REQUIRED & EXTRA CREDIT
READ: Chapter 1 (Selections) Fredric Jameson, Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism
EXTRA CREDIT: How does Jameson define Postmodernism over against modernism, through “cultural productions of consumer society” such as nostalgia/pastiche (define each), which, as a representation of postmodernism, reflect a problem with current cultures that have an inability to represent (portray and adequately understand) their own time. (For example, from the longer essay, discuss whether you agree or disagree with what Jameson writes about “Star Wars”—and similar scifi films as nostalgic/pastiche).
READ: Constance Grady, The waves of feminism, and why people keep fighting over them, explained, VOX, Jul 20, 2018
REQUIRED Name at least one difference and one author or activist among each of the four waves of feminism. Describe which wave is most/least convincing to you and why. Describe one difference you have with someone you know and how this person typifies a different “wave” of feminism (e.g. relative or friend).
VIEW/READ: View one of Kilbourne films/essays (Conley): Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising Image of Women
REQUIRED: SELECT ONE
How does transnational consumer advertising create a climate in which women (and men’s) bodies are turned into things objects (“objectification”) that justify violence, or become “dismembered” (parts are taken for wholes, such as breasts and buttocks), or become part of a “cult of thinness” (Kilbourne, Killing Us Softly)?
How does consumer culture define “femininity” and “masculinity” and even nonbinary gender identities? What are some stereotypical stories media tell about women? What are some stereotypical stories media tell about men? How are men and women of color, or “nonWesterners” portrayed? How are bodies “represented” as “colonized interiorities/subjectivities”? (Conley–do you agree or disagree?) Give some examples of each.
Few seriously claim attractiveness or beauty are evil. But what happens when either are reduced to visual sex appeal which becomes consumerized or when media hyped sexualized exhibitionism (explicit displays) —for women, men or nonbinaries—combines with messages that “real men/women/embodied persons” should have the gusto of becoming at least voyeurs (leering gawkers or those who stare) and aspire to be ideally aggressively violent (“dominant”). What would Aristotle argue about the (in)adequacies of commitments or friendships based on knowledge—as alternatives to relationships driven by internalized hopes and fears of socially marketed body shame?
REQUIRED SELECT ONE
READ: Meredith Conroy and Nathaniel Rakich, More Women Than Ever Are Running for Office. But Are They Winning Their Primaries?
Discuss two reasons why more women running for Congress has/has not made a difference in 2020.
READ: Andrew M. Perry, “To protect Black women and save America from itself, elect Black Women” Brookings Institute, July 2020
Name at least three reasons why Black women should “protect themselves by electing more black women” and whether you agree/disagree and why.
READ: Guerrero, Ed, “Bamboozled in the Mirror of Abjection,” in Mia Mask, Contemporary Black American Cinema: Race, Gender and Sexuality at the Movies. New York: Routledge, 2012, 109-128
How and why has contemporary entertainment, especially film, fooled (“bamboozled”) people of color, notably blacks with fame and celebrity disguised as inner rage, self-contempt and self-destruction (called “abjection”)?
READ Ginsberg, Chapter 9 “Congress”; in Ginsberg, We the People (Essentials Twelfth Edition) New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
REQUIRED SELECT ONE
Describe who serves in Congress and how they represent their constituents (pp. 277–88) Explain how party leadership, the committee system, and the staff system help structure congressional business (pp. 288–93) Outline the steps in the process of passing a law (pp. 293–97) Analyze the factors that influence which laws Congress passes (pp. 297–303) Describe Congress’s influence over other branches of government (pp. 303–5)
READ Miller, William, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Political Issues 21st Edition New York: McGrawHill, 2020 Unit 2 Issue 3, “Is Congress a Dysfunctional Institution?”84-92
REQUIRED SELECT ONE
Identify at least three and discuss at two sources of institutional deadlock.
Identify and explain at least two ways that partisan rancor impacts government.
Describe at least two different ways that members of Congress view their work within the body of Congress.
Assess at least two ways, whether and insider or outsider perspective is more accurate.
Describe at least two ways that Congress compares to others branches of government when it comes to power.
VIEW FILM AND ANSWER AT LEAST ONE QUESTION:
Framework for Democracy- “The First Branch” Full Video (26:41) [Running and Outcomes, Congressional Elections]
Framework for Democracy-“Government by Committee” Full Video (26:41) [Government by Congressional Committee]
REQUIRED SELECT ONE
EITHER
Framework for Democracy- “The First Branch” Full Video (26:41) [Running and Outcomes, Congressional Elections]
Explain at least two reasons why incumbents in Congress have such a high election rate.
Describe at least two possible electoral problems faced by incumbents.
Discuss at least aspects of the typical background of people who run for Congress, and explain how the composition of Congress has changed in recent years.
Define each with at least one example, reapportionment, redistricting, gerrymandering.
Using an example of each, describe at least two features of the leadership system in Congress.
Using at least one example, explain how the lawmaking function of Congress conflicts with its members’ re-election needs.
OR
Framework for Democracy- “Government by Committee” Full Video (26:41) [Government by Congressional Committee]
Explain how committee chairs are chosen, and list at least advantages and two disadvantages of the method.
Using at least two examples, describe the different types of committees, their functions, and how their members are selected.
Concisely outline at least five steps through which a bill becomes a law—and specify how the process differs from the House to the Senate. In one or two sentences, explain the role of conference committees.
Using an example, describe at least three aspects of the lawmaking function of Congress.
Using an example, describe at least three aspects of the representation function of Congress. Discuss at least two tensions that makes it sometimes difficult for members to carry out that function.
Using at least one example, discuss congressional oversight.
Using at least one example, discuss how members of Congress make voting decisions. Explain the influence exerted by constituents, lobbyists, party leaders and others.
(Thanks to colleagues; Thanks, Dino Franco Felluga // Purdue College of Liberal Arts, Professor Bannister, Swarthmore; Professor Mia Mask, Vassar)
(Pol Theory Module 8 Discussion Questions Week 8)
Select only several (not all) sources (readings and videos).
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Module 8 Weekly Postings
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TWO ESSAYS one on Micro and one on Macro:

Essay #1 (Microeconomics):

Introduction: We are living through an unprecedented time, what some are calling a once in a hundred years pandemic. This is affecting daily life, both at home and for many, also in the workplace. All people living in the U.S. have made adjustments. We have spent time sheltering in place to stop the spread of the covid-19 virus. We have adjusted our shopping and dining habits and foregone many simple pleasures like attending concerts, visiting with family, etc. Even more concerning, since the start of the pandemic, millions of Americans have lost their jobs, and almost 300,000 have lost their lives to COVID.

The Focus: Some economic sectors in our economy have been more negatively affected than others. One example is the commercial real estate sector, which consists of office buildings, retail stores, industrial real estate (warehouses), etc. Another is the restaurant business; the average restaurant in the U.S. has suffered a sizable fall in revenues this year, especially in cities like New York. Both of these sectors are undergoing enormous change. Choose ONE of these sectors to write about. DO NOT WRITE ABOUT BOTH.

Discuss how businesses in your chosen sector are adapting to the pandemic. Make this essay about their micro decisions.

Commercial Real Estate:
If you have chosen to write about commercial real estate, think about the products sold in this space, mostly physical space one can rent:
    In the commercial real estate market, the important price is rents. Discuss the change in commercial rental prices using the supply and demand model. (What demand curves have shifted, and what supply curves have shifted?)
    Are the changes the same for retail space as for industrial warehouses? Why or why not?
    Discuss also at least one new trend in the commercial real estate sector.

Restaurant Sector:
If you have chosen to write about the restaurant sector, think about the service restaurants sell.
    Discuss the business challenges in the restaurant world. Are there price changes, layoffs, a downturn in the demand for indoor and/or outdoor dining?
    What other types of services have restaurants turned to? How have businesses adapted to the new market conditions and regulations from state and local government entities?
    Which new types of new services in the restaurant sector are experiencing an increase in demand?
    Discuss employment conditions in the restaurant sector.
While writing your essay try to use as many terms from microeconomics as possible, as this will show how much you have learned about microeconomics. Some possible terms include the following: demand, supply, substitutes, markets, market structure, monopoly, lack of competition, elasticity, price, entrepreneurs, etc. You can use a couple of examples from our own life, but use the sources provided below and discuss what people in the U.S. or the New York area have faced in general. The essay will judged on your ideas, the organization and clarity of your ideas, and your language and grammar. Aim for 5 to 6 paragraphs. You must submit your essay through Turn-It-in, at the link for the Micro essay.

To inform yourselves, you have a few sources to focus on:

Commercial Real Estate:
1.    Podcast from National Public Radio (NPR): What will happen to Commercial Real Estate as more People work from Home. October 9th, 2020, 3 minutes long:
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/09/922375801/what-will-happen-to-commercial-real-estate-as-more-people-work-from-home

2.    Article from CNN: Commercial real estate flounders as residential housing market booms. September 22, 2020:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/22/investing/commercial-real-estate-recession/index.html

3.    Article from Development Magazine, Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), written by Ron Derven, Summer 2020: Experts Speak, Covid-19s Impact on the Commercial Real Estate Market
https://www.naiop.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Magazine/2020/Summer-2020/Business-Trends/Experts-Speak-on-COVID19s-Impact-on-Commercial-Real-Estate

Restaurant Sector:
1.    Article from the New York Times: Pandemic Closures Devastate Restaurant Industrys Middle Class, written by Noam Scheiber, Dec. 9, 2020:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/business/pandemic-restaurant-middle-class.html

2.    Podcast from Harvard Business School: Is Survival on the post-Covid menu for restaurants? November 11, 2020 (You do not have to listen to the whole thing, and the transcript is the most efficient way to get information from it):
https://www.hbs.edu/managing-the-future-of-work/podcast/Pages/podcast-details.aspx?episode=16761683
Note here that on this podcast from Harvard the guest being interviewed knows a lot about the restaurant industry but is also on the podcast to sell the Toast product. Pay attention to how the restaurant industry is being described and not to the sales pitch.

3.    Article from New York Magazine, All This Is Kind of Killing me Right Now. New Yorks restaurant workers grapple with the crushing mental and physical toll of COVID, written by Chris Crowley, Dec. 10, 2020:
https://www.grubstreet.com/2020/12/nyc-restaurants-workers-covid-fatigue-burnout-mental-health.html
[Note: Some restaurant workers are quoted here using swear words, words that I would never use publicly or condone in class, from either you or from myself. In my opinion they are expressing great stress, frustration and exhaustion. Please forgive them].

4.    Report from the New York State Comptroller on the restaurant sector, Oct. 1, 2020 (very short):
https://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/2020/10/dinapoli-restaurant-industry-critical-new-york-citys-economy

Essay #2 (Macroeconomics):
Introduction: The forced shut down of parts of the U.S. economy this year has led to the highest ever U.S. unemployment claims and the biggest drop in GDP. Since then the economy has recovered dramatically, especially outside of New York.

Focus: I want you to tell a story of what happened to our economy this year. You have three main issues:

1.    Briefly, during the year 2020, and up to the point when we have data, what happened to some of the main economic indicators, like GDP and unemployment? Write about both the absolute debacle that started in March and lasted through the second quarter (April through June) and the recovery that started in the third quarter.

2.    Briefly (one paragraph only), what fiscal policy did the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress pass this year to help firms and  unemployed individuals undergoing financial crisis? What monetary policies did the Federal Reserve, our central bank, establish in March and April? Describe the policies and what policymakers hoped for in terms of the AD/AS model. What did policymakers hope for in terms of the AD/AS model?

3.    From an economic standpoint, the pandemic has hit people in the U.S. differently. Discuss the degree of inequity in terms of the impact of unemployment. Who has lost more in terms of jobs and working hours? You can refer to education background, business sector a person worked in, types of jobs, ethnic and racial background, age (new college graduates), gender, wealth, etc. 

While writing your essay try to use as many terms from macroeconomics that refer to unemployment as possible, as this will show how much you have learned about macroeconomics. Some possible terms include the following: AD/AS model, expansionary, monetary policy, fiscal policy, unemployment, layoffs, furloughs, temporary, discouraged worker, labor force, unemployment benefits. Also, you can use a couple of examples from our own life, but use the sources provided and discuss what people in the U.S. or the New York area have faced in general. The essay will judged on your ideas, the organization and clarity of your ideas, and your language and grammar. Aim for 5 to 6 paragraphs. You must submit your essay through Turn-It-in.
To inform yourselves, you have a few sources to focus on:
1.    Podcast from The New York Times, The Daily, November 19, 2020, The Pandemic Economy in 7 Numbers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-pandemic-us-economy-unemployment.html

2.    Economic Statistics:
a.    The November Unemployment Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, published Dec. 4th, 2020: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf (Focus on page 7).
b.    Details on New York State unemployment: https://www.bls.gov/regions/new-york-new-jersey/new_york.htm
c.    Prof. Raj Chettys website at Harvard University: https://tracktherecovery.org/ This is optional.
d.    The report on 3rd quarter 2020 GDP from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product
e.    Slides: see pdf attachment with four slides on data, fiscal policy and monetary policy.

3.    Podcast from Wall Street Journal, December 1st: Black Workers Face Economic Disparities in Pandemic Recovery. Link: https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/black-workers-face-economic-disparities-in-pandemic-recovery/ED4B868D-69A6-44B7-8CD5-7227978DD0F4

4.    Podcast from Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/your-money-matters  Go down the page to the December 4th episode, Class of 2020: Getting Their Job Search Back on Track.

Some tips on writing for both essays:
1.    Use paragraphs to organize your ideas.
2.    Use transition sentences between paragraphs and to guide your reader from idea to idea.
3.    Start sentences with word that is capitalized. End sentences with a period.
4.    Avoid the passive voice and try to use the active voice.
5.    Avoid run-on sentences. One way to do this is to write shorter sentences.
6.    Make sure you eliminate spelling mistakes from your paper.
7.    Capitalize all proper nouns.
8.    As you write your sentences please do not repeat the same words from sentence to sentence, as the reader gets bored reading your sentences. (Note how boring this sentence was to read!!)