SOAPS - December 3rd

Reflects on previous discussions regarding how certain concepts can be challenging for students.
Reference to a previous reading session focused on the theme of disability (specifically being a cripple).

Context: Excerpt pertains to advancements in genetic technologies related to butterflies.
Source: Taken from the book "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv.
Key Concepts Introduced:
- Genetic technology used on butterfly wings.
- Potential for advertising in nature, introducing a new form of media.

Research Background: 2002 announcement from researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo about butterfly wing coloration.
Advertising Implications:
- The author, Matt Richtel, suggests new advertising avenues through nature.
- Quotes mention that nature may need to support itself financially through sponsorships.
Cultural Impact of Nature as Advertising:
- Discussion on the acceptance and popularity of advertising through nature.
- Questions raised regarding the respect and importance of natural ecosystems.
- Key Argument: There is an inevitable decline in appreciating true nature due to synthetic nature taking its place.

Suggestion to discuss with a partner which line captures the author’s main argument.
Consensus reached with students favoring the final statement of the excerpt, emphasizing that synthetic nature threatens the true essence of nature.
This captures a significant ethical concern regarding the commodification of natural beauty.

Source: Excerpt from the New York Times editorial board regarding raising the minimum wage.
Current Context: Federal minimum wage discussion and its relevance, despite the editorial being older than its content would suggest.

Statistical Evidence:
- Approximately 27,800,000 Americans would benefit from increasing the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016.
- Notable demographics: average age of affected workers is 35, many work full-time, a significant portion are parents, and they contribute substantially to family income.
Political Context:
- The editorial highlights the ongoing political struggle over minimum wage between Democrats and Republicans.
- Discusses the historical context dating back to the New Deal legislation of 1938.
- Large themes: government’s economic role, corporate power vs. public needs.
Conclusion by the Editorial Board:
- Extensive research indicates increased minimum wage supports economic security for millions and benefits the overall economy.

Students discuss which line presents the key argument, leading to agreement on the final sentence, reiterating the point about the importance of increased minimum wage.

Discussion on typical placement of thesis in academic writing, emphasizing that it usually appears at the beginning.
Observations made regarding the placement of arguments in the examples provided—realizing that they are all located at the end of their respective pieces, contrasting with conventional academic writing structure.
Implications of publishing styles in media and how this affects reader engagement with arguments.

Students reminded of the prior assignment concerning Ronald Reagan's Challenger speech.
Instructions given to perform a SOAPs analysis which includes:
- S: Subject - what is the speech about?
- O: Occasion - what is the context/situation of the speech?
- A: Audience - to whom is the speech directed?
- P: Purpose - what is the intent behind delivering the speech?
- S: Speaker - who is delivering the speech?

Students are instructed to reread specified pages from the speech and complete the analysis on their own sheet of paper, allowing for class time to complete this task.
Plan to accommodate students who have not yet completed their quizzes, allowing for an integrated classroom experience while circling back to broader chapter themes.