Syncretism and Social Conversion:

Does the idea of syncretism water down the tenets of universal relgions, or does it strengthen the religions by bringing in other cultures' views and incorporate them into these religions? Do most people convert to religions through social conversion? Is there anything wrong with that? Is social conversion a product of parenting? Could it be from geography? What are the strengths and weaknesses of social conversion?

Gender Distinctions: Hunter-Gatherers vs. Agrarian Societies

Were women better off in the paleolithic and neolithic periods before the agricultural revolution? How did thier lives change as societies became centralized and sedentary? Give an example of a region or country that is exemplary in establishing strong rights for women. Is there a region or country in the world today that treats women as property?

In your view, have women become equal to men in politics, economics, justice, culture, and religion in the United States of America? In supporting your answer, what types of obstacles have women overcome or need to overcome to acheive equality?

Why is trade with China good for America?

While studying Classical China it is clear to most students that China has engaged in trade from the time of the Zhou Dynasty. Using the Silk Road to access China, Chinese goods became the dominant commodity for millinia. As China emerges from the effects of imperialism and communism it is reasserting itself as a trade giant again. People like Thomas Friedman believes that our trade with China has made goods cheaper in the US and linked us to China as a partner and not an adversary. Others are concerned with China's funding trillions of dollars of American debt, by making loans to the US government in the form of Treasury Bonds. Is trade with China good for American? Explain.

Why is health care so controversial?

You've probably seen the pundits on t.v. talking about health care. You've probably heard government officials, your parents, maybe even your friends talk about this issue. So what is the controversy? Is good health care affordable today? Is affordable health care good? Should the government get in the business of running health care? If health care is broken how can the government say, "you can keep the plan you have"? From your perspective is there a solution for this? What can we do? What should we do?

Economic Stimulus For America

Since the Economic downturn officially began with the crash surrounding Bear Stearns on Sept. 15, 2008 our economy has moved into a recession and now is relatively stagnant. Some economists point to are saying that we should bottom out around 10.7% unemployment before we see a turn around in late 2010. Other economist say that we are in a jobless recovery right now, and that the stimulus packages started by the Bush administration and continued in the Obama administration have and are working. They point out that most of the stimulus will hit the economy this fiscal year and we should see a recovery by the end of 2010. How has the economy effected you? What have you learned about the economy that you wouldn't have known before this recession?