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Lesson 1 (from Introduction)

Objective

In the introduction to FREAKONOMCS, Levitt and Dubner explain that the frame of the book is different form most nonfiction works. Instead of a single subject, the book has several connected only by the thinking that goes into analyzing them.

The objective of this lesson is to examine the unifying theme of the book.

Lesson

1. Divide the class into several groups and have them read several excerpts from several prominent modern nonfiction books: THE NINE, BLOWBACK, THE SHOCK DOCTRINE, THE LOOMING TOWER. Each group should determine one subject that unifies the book. Is it a person, institution, movement? How is it different from the unifying element of FREAKONOMICS?

2. For class discussion: As a class, review the five precepts noted in the introduction. Do these amount to a worldview? Despite what the authors say, are we, in fact, presented with a central subject early on: a skeptical...

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