Students will improve their critical thinking skills in class and apply them to discussions intended to improve knowledge of current events and discussion and/or debating tactics. Post-discussion writing assignments will improve students' formal writing skills and give them the opportunity to think for themselves. Instructor will introduce each topic, discussing background information with the class. Students will then read about the topic and check their comprehension. After that, students will discuss the topic in pairs or small groups. Their opinions will be polled at the end of class and a related in-class activity will be performed. Written homework will be given to check their knowledge of and opinions on the topic as well as their writing skills.