Each module is focused on a theme, a broad set of ideas to help define our readings, our discussions, and your writings.

Module 1 Theme: Ethics

Some questions to think about during this module: 

• What principles should guide us in deciding how to treat others and ourselves?

• Is everything that is legal also ethical?

• Are “moral” and “ethical” the same thing?

Module  Reading:

• “DNT TXT N DRV” by Oprah Winfrey

DNTTXT N DRV, by Oprah Winfrey

WHEN I started out as a TV reporter in Nashville in 1973, a death from
drunken driving was big news. One person killed by a drunken driver
would lead our local broadcast. Then, as the number of drunken
driving deaths across the country continued to rise, the stakes for
coverage got even higher. One death wasn’t good enough anymore.
Two deaths — that would warrant a report. Then a whole family had to
die before the news would merit mention at the top of the broadcast.
The country, all of us, had gotten used to the idea of drunken driving. I
just kept thinking: How many people have to die before we “get it”?

Fortunately, we did get it, and since 1980, the number of annual traffic
fatalities due to drunken driving has decreased to under 15,500 from
more than 30,000. But in recent years, another kind of tragic story has
begun to emerge with ever greater frequency. This time, we are
mourning the deaths of those killed by people talking or sending text
messages on their cellphones while they drive.

Earlier this month, I visited Shelley and Daren Forney, a couple in Fort
Collins, Colo., whose 9-year-old daughter, Erica, was on her bicycle,
just 15 pedals from her front door, when she was struck and killed by a
driver who was distracted by a cellphone. I think about Erica’s death
and how senseless and stupid it was — caused by a driver distracted by
a phone call that just couldn’t wait.

Sadly, there are far too many stories like hers. At least 6,000 people
were killed by distracted drivers in 2008, according to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the number is rising. A lot
of good work already is happening to try to change this. President
Obama signed an executive order banning texting while driving on
federal business. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is pushing for
tougher laws and more enforcement. States are passing laws, too. Local
groups are gaining strength, spurred by too many deaths close to home.

But we are hesitant to change. I saw this firsthand when I instituted a
policy at my company that forbids employees from using their phones
for company business while driving. I heard countless stories about
how hard it was for people to stop talking and texting while driving.
Everyone is busy. Everyone feels she needs to use time in the car to get
things done. But what happened to just driving?

It was difficult for my employees to adjust, but they have. Life is more
precious than taking a call or answering an e-mail message. Because
even though we think we can handle using our cellphone in the car, the
loss of thousands of lives has shown we can’t.

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot15509.htm

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot15509.htm

So many issues that we have to deal with seem beyond our control:
natural disasters, child predators, traffic jams. Over the years, I’ve done
shows on just about all of them. But this is a real problem we can do
something about and get immediate results. All we have to do is hang
up or switch off. It really is that simple. Once we do that, not another
son or daughter will have to die because someone was on the phone
and behind the wheel — and just not paying attention.

So starting from the moment you finish this article, and in the days,
weeks and years that follow, give it up. Please. And to those who feel
like this is asking too much, think about your own child just 15 pedals
from your front door. Struck down.

Discussionof Readings Rubric

This is a qualitative evaluation of the discussion forum. Students will be expected to complete an original post and
two responses. If a student has only one post, the maximum score for this assignment will be 15 points. If a
student has only two posts, then the maximum score will be 30 points.

Excellent (45) Good (40) Needs Improvement (20) Does Not

Participate (0)

Original Post Demonstrates a
strong
engagement
with the issues
of the text by
referencing
specific aspects
of the original
and/or outside
sources.

Demonstrates an
understanding of the text
and clearly explains
points.

Answers questions with
something generic or
basic, and doesn’t
demonstrate
understanding of issues.

Does not
participate in
forum.

Peer Reviews Postings are
original and
relevant.
Comments and
questions offer
critical analysis
supported by
clear references
to the original
post and/or
other resources
and sparks
engaging
discussion.

Agrees or disagrees with
existing discussion and
provides critical analysis
and/or
justification/explanation
(e.g., text readings,
resources) but does not
foster discussion.

Agrees or disagrees with
existing discussion but
provides little critical
analysis and/or limited
justification/explanation
(e.g., text readings,
resources). Such postings
usually consist largely of
personal opinions or
experiences that might
not add new information.

Does not add to
the discussion.

Grammar
and Style

Highly skilled
presentation of
ideas that
engages reading.
Perhaps one or
two minor
spelling,
grammar, or
punctuation
errors, if any.

Explicitly presents ideas.
Work appropriate for this
level of student. A few
minor spelling, grammar,
and/or punctuation errors.

Explicitly presents ideas.
Work appropriate for this
level of student. A few
minor spelling, grammar,
and/or punctuation errors.

Does not write
posts.