Here's what I'd like for the extra-credit work: About a half page made up of two paragraphs that follow this format...
1. Your first paragraph should be a summary of the content in the blogpost or episode. If you listen to one of the long-form podcasts (over 20 min), you don't have to summarize the whole thing, just pick a single issue or a particular line of argument that was discussed.
In summarizing, I suggest the following format: (a) What was the main issue? (b) What were the two positions? (c) What was the main argument for and the main argument against? (d) Why does the skeptic think the opposing argument fails?
2. Second paragraph: Give me you own thoughts on what was discussed. Here you may do one or more of several things: (a) talk about how the podcast/blog employed concepts we've encountered in the class and how that impacted discussion of the issue. (b) Discuss whether you agree or disagree with one of the positions and why. (c) Discuss what additional evidence the weaker side would have to produce in order to strengthen their position and the likelihood that this evidence could be produced.
Podcasts: (on itunes)
Skeptics Guide to the Universe (general science and medicine). This is a good general podcast and is the most popular skeptical podcast. It's informative and entertaining.
Skeptics Guide to the Universe 5x5. This one is a series of 5 minute introductions to topics in modern skepticism and critical thinking.
Skeptoid. Another very popular podcast that is about applying skepticism and critical thinking to urban legends and topics in popular culture. Usually only about 10 min/episode. This is an excellent "gateway drug" for modern skepticism.
Rationally Speaking: Issues in science and popular culture.
Point of Inquiry: Interview podcast with famous scientists and philosophers talking about their recent books. Also talks about the relationship between politics and science.
Reasonable Doubts: Talks about religious claims and current events related to religion.
Quackcast: (a favorite) Winner several years running for best medical podcast. Marc Crislip is a curmudgeon who is a genius and tearing apart bad medical research and claims.
Websites/Blogs:
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/ Excellent resource for checking up wacky health claims. Vital if you do research in this area.
http://www.quackwatch.com/ Database and articles of medical scams and quackery past, present, and ongoing.
http://freethoughtblogs.com/ List of tons of skeptical blogs on a variety of topics (mostly to do with religion, but not all).
http://www.skeptic.com/ Official webpage for skeptic magazine.
http://theness.com/neurologicablog/ Very popular skeptical blog on a variety of topics.
http://www.factcheck.org/ Mostly political. Good for fact-checking (obviously).
http://www.snopes.com/ You probably know this one, but just in case. Good for checking up on internet memes.
http://www.randi.org/site/ The godfather of the modern skeptical movement: debunking pseudo-science and scam artists.
http://www.factcheck.org/ Are politicians telling the truth? (Hint: Not Often!)
http://www.skepticblog.org/ multi-author blog applying critical thinking to current events and issues.
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