Labor Economics

ECON 444 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS: LABOR

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OUTLINE

For every set of readings, you will be expected to complete an outline and your assigned discussion task. The instructions for the outline are provided in this document. The instructions for the discussion task are provided in a separate document. STEPS IN CREATING AN OUTLINE

1. Read the introduction and reflect. Any nonfiction article or book chapter will have an introductory section that gives an overview of the main points. Read this first, then stop, think, and soak it in. Every writer has a certain theme or point of view, and that will be introduced in your introduction. It's important to understand this theme or focus, because it will help you to recognize why certain examples or comments appear in your reading.

2. Look at the sub-headings. Most books or chapters will progress in some manner, whether they show a progression of time or an evolution of ideas. Look over the topics and try to find the pattern. The subheadings or subtitles you see in your text show you how the author started when organizing his/her thoughts. Subtitles show the overall subject broken down into smaller segments which are arranged in the most logical progression.

3. Read the conclusion and reflect. Right after you read the introduction and subheadings, flip to the back of the chapter and read the conclusion. Read this section, then stop and soak it in.

4. Read the material. Now that you've had time to understand the points the author is trying to convey, you're more apt to recognize them when they come along. When you see a major point, flag it with a sticky note.

5. Take notes. Take notes and make an outline as you read. Some people like to underline words or points in pencil.

6. Watch for lists. Always look for code words that tell you a list is coming. If you see a passage that says "There were three major effects of this event, and they all impacted the political climate," or something similar, you can be sure there is a list following. The effects will be listed, but they may be separated by many paragraphs, pages, or chapters. Always find them and make note of them.

7. Look up words you don't understand. Don't be in a rush! Stop whenever you see a word that you can't immediately define in your own words.

8. Keep on plugging through. If you're following the steps but you still don't seem to be soaking in the material, just keep reading. You'll surprise yourself.

9. Go back and hit the highlighted points. Once you get to the end of the piece, go back and review the notes you've made. Look over the important words, points, and lists.

FORMAT FOR OUTLINE (500 words)

1. Start with a short two to three line summary, in your own words, of the main idea presented in the readings. The summary should include the major question(s) the author is asking in the readings.

2. Then provide the major sub-headings and discuss, in your own words, the ideas contained in these sections and how they relate to the main idea stated above.

3. Provide the reason this question is important/relevant and the major conclusions drawn by the author.

The principal goals of this activity are to encourage students to complete reading assignments and stimulate higher order thinking of the course material. Reports should reflect your own analysis of the reading. I am looking for a thoughtful and analytical discussion of the issues. Avoid paraphrasing or using direct quotes from the reading.