TOPIC: Click on the links below to read the articles on the latest legislation in Texas surrounding same sex marriage. As your textbook indicates, same sex marriage is a topic that brings states and the federal government into direct conflict. Same-sex marriage is defined as a union between two people who are of the same gender or biological sex. Since 2001, ten nations and other jurisdictions have made this type of union legal. Whether or not to recognize such marriages remains a source of debate as far as civil rights, political and social issues go.

Discuss and/or debate same sex marriage in Texas in terms of civil rights, political culture and social issues.

http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/anti-gay-marriage-bill-gets-another-try-senate/

http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/21/house-passes-bill-assuring-pastors-right-refuse-co/

http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/15/gay-marriage-fight-rep-bell-makes-proactive-strike/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/16/supreme-court-gay-marriage/21867355/

Focused on topic

You have a particular slant on the topic and developed it. You stay on topic

Organization of thoughts and ideas

Your ideas are related, they make a logical and progressive argument. Your ideas make important connections.

Critical thinking

You do not just summarize readings or current events. You apply, synthesize, analyze and/or evaluate the information.

Relate textbook to your comments((textbook download link: https://utexas.box.com/shared/static/bxvx63qqu73d3kfl6e6rhzgwnhtkdbuz.pdf)

You refer to the textbook in a way that makes sense or helps your discussion/comments

Use of other resources

You use information from other sources, such as newspapers, websites, magazines, etc..

Thoughtfulness in interactions

Evidence of college level thinking to present your ideas.

Listening to others

You are paying attention to classmates and what they say, especially interesting or provocative comments

Grammar/mechanics

Few grammar, spelling or sentence errors

Met basic criteria for number of posts

One initial post and two posts responding to your classmates

Contribution to class

Aware of needs of the class, motivates group discussion, presents creative ideas, involved with the class