UNIVERSITY WEEK HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Due to the fact that we do not have classes week, in order to stay in tandem I am assigning
homework assignments in order to keep your English brain working. You will have 3
assignments to complete. Everyone must complete the core assignment. Then, you will choose
two optional assignments (one from set 1 and one from set 2). Complete these assignments
and bring them to class Monday 12/3. The video assignments must be submitted to me via
email by 11:59 pm Sunday night 11/3

Core Assignment (Everyone Must Do)

New York Times Article Please read the attached article. At the end of the article, there are
five comprehension questions (Starting with Do you think Norway is unique in wanting to play
down its athletes’ achievements instead of openly displaying pride?...). You do not have to
answer these questions in essay format. However, they must be answered in complete
sentences.

Optional Assignment Set 1: Social Media - Choose ONE of the following assignments

1. Black Mirror Season 3 Episode 1: Nosedive (Access to Netflix Needed) - You will need
to watch this episode of the Netflix original series and answer the following questions IN
ESSAY FORM. This means the questions must be answered in complete sentences,
paragraphs, etc.
a. What do you think the writers of this episode wish to communicate about society?
b. Do you think that social media have too much control over the way we behave?
Why or why not?
c. Do you believe people are truthful and genuine on social media? Why or why
not?
d. In the episode, we met a lady who drives trucks with a very low ranking.
However, the lady appeared to be very happy. Why do you think she was happy?
e. What do you think it means to have a true friendship? How do the friendships in
this episode differ?
f. Does this episode make you want to change the way you manage your social
media? Why or Why not?
2. The Guardian Article - Read this article and answer the following questions IN ESSAY
FORM. This means the questions must be answered in complete sentences,
paragraphs, etc.,
a. What are some of the advantages of social media that are highlighted in the
article? Disadvantages?
b. According to the article, what effects can social media have on someone’s
mental health?
c. Consider the following quote from the article:
When we willingly choose to become unpaid content providers, we
commercialise ourselves. And we are encouraged to be obsessed with numbers
(of followers, messages, comments, retweets, favourites), as if operating in a
 kind of friend economy, an emotional stock market where the stock is ourselves
and where we are encouraged to weigh our worth against others.

Do you think this thought process is dangerous? Why or why not?

Optional Assignment Set 2: Video Assignments - Choose ONE of the following assignments.

1. My favorite place in Manizales - Create a video that is 1 - 2 minutes in length at your

favorite place in Manizales (or the city in which you currently live). Answer the following
questions about the place in the video, and send me the video by :
a. Where is the location?
b. Why is it your favorite place?
c. How did you discover this place?
d. Why should other people visit this location (if they can)?
e. Any other facts you wish to include
2. My favorite person - Create a video that is 1 - 2 minutes in length about your favorite
person. The person does not have to be in the video if they are unavailable. You may
record yourself speaking about this person. Answer the following questions about this
person in the video:
a. Who is this person?
b. How do you know them?
c. Why are they your favorite person?
d. Any other facts you wish to include