I took a break from blogging but I'll jump back on it now that summer classes have started up. Students should look on blackboard for the syllabus and topic for their 1000 word essay. I'll use this feature to highlight current news items - as they relate to topical class material - and add hopefully helpful information about your proposed paper topics.
Students have multiple ways to contact me, so be sure to let me know what questions you have and I'll respond as quickly as I can. Be sure to not fall behind in your work. There's lots of it, but if you stay on top of it, it should be manageable. Plenty of students have gotten the work done, and a good handful have dome well.
Good Luck.