We have included the questions that appear below the artworks that open each chapter, the journal prompts from the text's color insert, the “In Your Own Words,” and the “Art of Writing” exercises so that you can submit your answers to your instructor via e-mail, should he or she direct you to do so.

From the textbook: Responding to Art, View and Reflect, In Your Own Words, The Art of Writing

Responding to Art (page 336)

The Uprising (1848), by Honoré Daumier depicts a scene from a revolution. According to Duncan Phillips who purchased the painting in 1931, Uprising stands as a "symbol for all pent-up human indignation."

1			What emotion is the man with the raised fist expressing? What is the significance of his casual dress?
2			Is the crowd standing still or advancing? How can you tell?
3			Is there anything in this painting that could relate to the war for American independence?

View and Reflect (color insert page 11)

"One should never put on one's best trousers to go to battle for freedom and truth." —Henrik Ibsen

4			In your journal, consider whether Honoré Daumier, the creator of the painting The Uprising (1848) was a supporter of the status quo or the revolution.

In Your Own Words (page 349)

5			Compare and contrast the viewpoints on censorship as expressed by Myra and David Sadker and Diane Ravitch. The Sadkers provide a justification or rationale for the bias and sensitivity committees. What justifications do they provide? Are you in agreement with their views? Ravitch appears to want to wrest control of the decision-making process about appropriate materials in textbooks away from publishers and bias and sensitivity committees. She wants to entrust teachers at the local level with this power. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

The Art of Writing (page 349)

In a brief essay, respond to the items below:

6			When do you think it is appropriate to censor textbooks for material that could possibly be objectionable to some group? Is it important for children to read textbooks that contain controversial or objectionable thoughts or expressions? When children are exposed to so much objectionable and offensive material by the mass media, does it make sense to censor textbooks?

In Your Own Words (page 354)

7			Should traditional heroes, sometimes called "DWM" (dead white males)—such as Washington, Jefferson, and other revered Americans—be the focus of the curriculum, or should the experiences and contributions of other groups, women, and people of color be included?
8			Should history continue to emphasize European roots, or should Afrocentric issues be included? What about the views of other groups? For instance, should a penetrating view of European settlement of the Americas as seen through the eyes of Native Americans and Mexican Americans be taught to school children?
9			Should U.S. history tell only a story of victors and triumphs, or should it also relate varied views of social, cultural, and economic issues? (Sadker, p. 243)

In Your Own Words (page 356)

10			What bias does Patrick J. Buchanan, author of the selection "The New History" (pages 355-356 in the text) express about changes in the way history is taught?
11			Describe the tone of "The New History."
12			Indicate a place in "The New History" where Buchanan expresses sarcasm.
13			Name some authorities cited by Buchanan to bolster his opinions.
14			Study the cartoon on page 356 of the text. What is the cartoon's main idea? What main ideas from the previous selections does the cartoon highlight?

The Art of Writing (page 359)

In a brief essay, respond to the item below:

15			According to the biology department of Utah State University, medical and dental schools (such as the University of Buffalo Dental School) are increasingly taking into account an applicant's cultural literacy when assessing candidates. Do you think that medical and dental schools should consider an applicant's cultural literacy as part of the admissions process? If so, how should an admissions committee characterize cultural literacy? How should the committee test an applicant's cultural literacy?

OLC Extra! Reflections on Reading and Study Skills

These Reflections on Reading and Study Skills exercises provide an opportunity for you to think about the skills you learned in the textbook. To complete these exercises and e-mail them to your instructor, type your response in the blank provided here or type your response in a word-processing program and copy and paste it here. Next, edit and proofread your answer carefully. Then insert your instructor's e-mail address in the "to" line and hit "send."

16			A bias is very similar to a prejudice. Good critical readers must be aware of their own biases and the biases of others. Sometimes writers simply state their biases; however, most biases are implied by the writer. How can you use this knowledge to improve your critical thinking skills? How can you use this awareness to improve your own writing and communication skills?
17			How can awareness about denotative and connotative language improve your vocabulary?
18			Make a list of common euphemisms that you have heard or used lately. What types of people (teachers, parents, politicians, salespeople, etc.) are most likely to use euphemisms?
19			Identify some common propaganda devices that are in use currently in advertisement. How effective are these devices in promoting the products or services in question?