In this homework assignment, students take as a starting point President Obama's speech at the University of Michigan about the cost of tuition and student debt and, using concepts from the readings and data online, get into depth about the nature of college tuition and student debt.

Every week before class, students are encouraged to email the instructor a question and idea related to the current topic. 

Students confidentially comment on and grade each other's papers.  This offers them a chance to think critically about what makes a good paper.  

Children were randomly selected to be encouraged to watch Sesame Street.  This interactive quiz asks: Which plot shows the randomized encouragement and which shows actual watching?  

This open-ended project sends groups of students to interview non-profit or community organizations dealing with racial, ethnic or migration issues.  Groups write final papers integrating their own and other groups' experiences, in addition to the class readings.  

In this role play, students take on the role of the major players in the drafting and ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

Students go on "speed dates" where one half of the class is in charge of theoretical articles while the other side takes on case study readings.  On their date, they check their compatibility.  

This quick writing activity helps students develop mental agility by constructing arguments quickly.  It also prepares students for questions on exams.

The Art of Film had a semester-long discussion structure that got students actively involved in shaping the direction of section.