Discussion

 

Class Lessons Page

On-Line Orientation
 
Syllabus

Angel Courseware System

E-mail Instructor

E-mail Distance Learning Office

Tenth Week
Discussion #10
Points: 10 (answers worth 6 points, responses 4)

In 1999, the PBS program "Frontline" detailed a story of a syphilis outbreak in suburban Atlanta, Georgia three years earlier. The documentary won a Peabody award, recognizing achievement in radio and television. The program described teen participation in group sex, illegal drug consumption and other activities. For this discussion, you will be reading content from the "Frontline" program, "The Lost Children of Rockdale County," and then answering questions associated with this content. Ten years later, the story is still relevant because syphilis remains uncommon among teenagers, especially those who live in suburban areas.

Visit these links, in order:

bullet"The Lost Children of Rockdale County," a synopsis
bulletFurther details on the 1996 syphilis outbreak (Rothenberg et. al.)
bulletIf possible, view the 5-minute excerpt from the program (you will need Real Player G2, linkable from the website)
bulletAn interview with Claire Sterk, Professor at Emory University
bulletAn interview with some teens, titled "Separate Lives." If possible, view the media clip (you will need Real Player G2, linkable from the website), but you can also read the transcript
bulletAn interview with "Catherine and Steve," parents of one of the teens
bulletDeborah L. Tolman addresses some contributing factors related to the events in Rockdale County

After reading the articles, post answers to the following discussion questions using the Angel courseware system (after logging in, click on the class link, then the Discussions tab, and look for Discussion #10) by the end of Friday, June 11:

  1. Which part or parts of the Rockdale story surprised, shocked, or intrigued you the most? Explain.
  2. In your opinion, how much responsibility for the syphilis outbreak should rest on the parents? The school? The community? The kids?
  3. Can adolescent behavior like that exhibited in Rockdale County be averted? If so, how?

After posting your answers, post at least four (4) responses or questions to other students concerning their answers. These responses and/or questions must be posted by Monday, June 14. Responses and questions should, of course, be posed with a respectable tone. Students are expected to answer all questions posed to them. Responses posed to other students are worth four points total, provided they are posted by the due date.

horizontal rule

Educational Enrichment

Shortly after the production crew left Conyers, GA (the featured town in Rockdale), there was a shooting at local Heritage High School. Two of "Frontline's" producers provide their commentary on the Heritage High School shooting. You will need Real Player to view the media presentation

Demographics of Rockdale County (population error in 1997; actual number closer to 65-70,000)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has information on the 28 U.S. counties responsible for the 50% rise in new syphilis cases in 1998; view a slide on the prevalence of primary and secondary stage syphilis within the U.S. in 1998

horizontal rule

Last Revised: 3-31-10