| Description |
This study group will provide an opportunity to discuss current state, national, and international news. Each participant will commit to reading the front page of a major newspaper of their choice (e.g. Boston Globe, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Lowell Sun, Worcester Telegram, or on-line versions of those). Ideally, participants will read the newspaper daily. If participants want to get additional news from television or the radio, that is fine, but we will consistently use papers. We will discuss the news each week in an informal manner. The group leader will guide the discussion in a way that includes multiple points of view, but won't impose her perspective on anyone. Our goal is to treat topics like the presidential transition, major conflicts around the globe, climate change, energy costs, the economy and other subjects that arise. We will not focus on primarily sensational news stories, even if they capture the attention of the nation.
On occasions when we know a major event is to take place, participants will be asked in advance to pay attention to it. For example, I suggest that we all watch or read transcripts of Barack Obama's inaugural address before the first study group meeting, so we can discuss it knowledgeably. All participants are welcome to draw our attention to other events. |