Thursday, April 3, 2008

Socratic Seminar Make-Up

If you did not attend the Socratic Seminar, or did not participate by adding to the conversation; this is your chance to earn your score. You must answer the following questions in great detail to receive your points for this assignment. Convince me that you know what you're talking about. Try to persuade me to your way of thinking.

1. Talk about the main characters in the movie (Anna, Martin, Ines, Katrin) Which were from the East and which were from the West? How did their lives collide and what were their preconceived ideas about each other. In other words-what did they think of each other?

2. Identify the main differences between Capitalism and Communism. You may refer to your notes to help you out. Think about the various discussion we have had in class. Remember the song "Die Konkurrenz" we listened to in class. Also, the following are some quotes to spark some ideas:

"From each according to his own; to each according to his need" -Karl Marx

"Communism is like prohibition; it's a good idea but it won't work" -Will Rogers

"Under Capitalism man exploits man. Under Communism, it's just the opposite"

"Capitalism and Communism stand at opposite poles. Their essential difference is this: The communist, seeing the rich man and his fine home say, 'No man should have so much'. The capitalist, seeing the same thing says, 'All men should have as much' " -Phelps Adams

"Communism doesn't work because people like to own stuff" -Frank Zappa

"The true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality" "There is no other definition of Communism valid for us than that of the abolition of exploitation of man by man" -Che Guevarra


3. From Question #1
Talk about the labels they had about each other (Wessi, Ossi) and the stereotypes that went with those labels.

Is it alright to label people? Why or why not?
Have you ever been given a label? What was it? How did it make you feel?
Have you ever labled someone else, or a group of people?

4. This is a very hypothetical question that you must now answer: There are two societies left on earth and you will be born into a poor family. You are given a choice: You may live in the purely Capitalist country or the pure Communist country. Explain your decision in great detail and why you would choose what you do.

Viel Glück und Spaß dabei!

Herr Dean

Converting from metric to standard

Convert the following from metric to the standard system. In German speaking countries, the Quadratmeter (square meter) is used to measure homes, rather than square feet. In fact, most of the world measures in square meters. The purpose of this assignment is for you to get a good idea of just how big the average German home is. You can get a good idea of the typical German dwelling, by looking at page 78. To convert from square meters to square feet-you divide by .0929. To convert in reverse, you multiply by .0929. Verstehst du? Gut. Das ist wunderbar. Jetzt an die Arbeit!


Convert to the opposite system
1. 66 Quadratmeter
2. 78 Quadratmeter
3. 3,200 square feet
4. 2,100 square feet
5. 1,300 square feet
6. 118 Quadratmeter
7. 90 Quadratmeter
8. 4,400 square feet
9. 85 Quadratmeter.