PHYS 280 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Reading Assignments

Reading assignments are to be completed by the dates listed in the table below. They may be the subject of in-class questions for credit and questions on the Midterm and Final Examinations. Note: We will use TopHat for clicker questions (as well as lecture slides).

Reading assignments are divided between those that cover basic course content and those that discuss current events. These different types of reading assignments are posted separately in the table, but both are required. Please be sure to check here regularly for new additions.

Scroll down to find strategies that can help you to read more efficiently and to find questions that will help you learn more about writing as you read.
 

Due Date Assignment
Jan 23 Article 1, Part 4 of the Student Code
  Some Nuclear Policy and War Terms
  A More Effective Approach to US Security
Jan 30 The Last Train From Hiroshima: Chapter 1
Feb 6 The Physics and Technology of Nuclear-Explosive Materials
  Use of Reactor-Grade and Weapons-Grade Plutonium in Nuclear Explosives
  The Future of U.S. Nuclear Weapons
  Two Minutes to Midnight (2019 Doomsday Clock Statement)
Feb 9 The Day After Midnight (Chapter 1)
  Environmental Consequences of Nuclear War
Feb 13 Use of Reactor-Grade and Weapons-Grade Plutonium in Nuclear Explosives
Feb 16 What Terrorists Want: Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4
Feb 20 What Terrorists Want: Chapters 5, 6, 7, & 8
  Calling It Jihad Makes It So
  War against Islam is a mistake
Feb 23 Nuclear Terrorism Fact Sheet
  Preventing Catastrophic Nuclear Terrorism 
  Securing the Bomb 2010
Feb 27 Connecting the counter-terrorism dots is hard
  Perfect protection against terrorism is impossible
  Don't panic. Fear is al-Qaeda's real goal
Mar 2 Global Fissile Material Stocks (2010 report by the Institute for Science and International Security)
  Hidden Travels of the Atomic Bomb
  Worldwide Nuclear Weapon Inventories (2018 report by the Arms Control Association)
Mar 6 Worldwide Ballistic Missile Inventories (2017 report by the Arms Control Association)
  Ballistic Missile Threat to the United States Through 2015 (December 2001 U.S. National Intelligence Estimate)
  The Ballistic Missile Threat (June 2001 report by Joseph Cirincione)
  Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat (June 2009 NASIC Report)
Mar 20 History of Iran's nuclear energy program
  2007 National Intelligence Estimate of Iran's Nuclear Program
  2010 Unclassified Report on Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs
  Iran's Outstanding Nuclear Issues at a Glance
  Evaluating Iran's missile threat
  Does Iran now have enough nuclear explosive material to make a bomb?
Mar 27 Chronology of U.S.-North Korean Nuclear and Missile Diplomacy
  North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program
  Sig Hecker - What I found in Yongbyon and Why It Matters
  North Korean Missile Threat
Apr 3 U.S. Missile Defense Programs at a Glance
  The European Phased Adaptive Approach at a Glance
  Frequently asked questions about the DPRK space launch attempt
Apr 10 A Technical Evaluation of the Operational-Effectiveness of the Planned US National Missile Defense
  The Delusion of Missile Defense
  FAS Fact Sheet on US Missile Defense Program in Europe
Apr 17 The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) at a Glance
  The Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime
  U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control Agreements at a Glance
  New START at a Glance
  Verification of New START
  Lugar - Romney misinformed on New START Treaty
  Latest US-Russian Arsenals under New START
  How to Build on the New START Treaty
Apr 20 The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) at a Glance
  The US National Academy of Sciences 2012 Report on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
  Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) at a Glance
April 24 Toward True Security (UCS)
  2010 Nuclear Posture Review Executive Summary
  What We Spend on Nuclear Weapons
May 1 President Obama's Prague speech on nuclear arms
  Kissinger, Shultz back Obama push to eliminate nuclear arms
  Deterrence in the Age of Nuclear Proliferation
  Nuclear Deterrence in a Changed World
  Fewer nukes, more security

 

Efficient Reading Strategies

Step 1: Perform Task Analysis

Why am I reading this? Use your identified reading purpose to choose an efficient reading strategy, from less to more detailed and in one, two, or three separate passes. You should read actively and critically no matter which reading strategy you choose.

Step 2: Depending on Your Purpose for Reading, Choose a Reading Strategy

  1. Develop High-Level View of Research Field, Identify Useful Approach(es), & Choose Sources from Identified Approach(es)

Skimming: reading for content (to gain an overview, identify main idea)

read abstract, intro, conclusion

  1. Develop Your Perspective and Build Your Argument

Scanning: reading for structure (to gain specific information)

after skimming, read headings, charts and tables, and words and phrases related to your topic

  1. Identify Reasoning & Evidence

Close Reading: reading for language, calculations, etc.; (to gain understanding of specific positions and evidence)

after skimming and scanning, read results, discussion, and then middle sections for details

Learning From Good Writing

One way to improve your writing is to study examples of good writing by others and to read actively and critically as a general habit. Here are some questions to ask yourself while you are reading and after, to reflect on what you have read. These questions will help you to think about the choices writers make and call to your attention writing techniques that you can use in your own work.

  1. How did the author grab your attention and make you want to read on?
    The first thing you saw was the title. Did it catch your eye? If so, why?
    Did the first sentence interest you further? If so, how?
    Did the first paragraph make you want to read onward? If so, why?

  2. How did the author structure the article or essay?
    Was there an introductory paragraph or paragraphs?
    Were there a series of main points? If so, how were they identified?
    How did the author end the article or essay?

  3. How did the author communicate the main points of the article or essay?
    Did the author ask and then answer a question or a series of questions?
    Illustrate one or more points with a story or anecdote?
    List the main points and then elaborate?
    Or...?

  4. How did the ending serve the purpose of the article or essay?
    Was there a summary of the main points made?
    An appeal for the reader to act?
    A dramatic claim?
    Or...?

  5. Maintaining a critical attitude reading any essay, article, or opinion piece, it is important to maintain a critical attitude and be alert to accidental or deliberate misuse of language. Language is a tool for thinking clearly as well as a vital mode of communication. If language becomes corrupted, communication becomes difficult and clarity of thought suffers. Particularly insidious is deliberate corruption of language to deceive or mislead the reader.