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.

Reading actively and critically, and consciously emulating models of good writing, can help you to improve as a writer. Scroll down to find questions that can help you to learn more about writing as you read.
 

Due Date Assignment
Jan 24 Article 1, Part 4 of the Student Code
  Some Nuclear Policy and War Terms
  A More Effective Approach to US Security
Jan 31 The Last Train From Hiroshima: Chapter 1
Feb 7 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 10 The Day After Midnight (Chapter 1)
  Environmental Consequences of Nuclear War
Feb 14 Use of Reactor-Grade and Weapons-Grade Plutonium in Nuclear Explosives
Feb 17 What Terrorists Want: Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4
Feb 21 What Terrorists Want: Chapters 5, 6, 7, & 8
  Calling It Jihad Makes It So
  War against Islam is a mistake
Feb 24 Nuclear Terrorism Fact Sheet
  Preventing Catastrophic Nuclear Terrorism 
  Securing the Bomb 2010
Feb 28 Connecting the counter-terrorism dots is hard
  Perfect protection against terrorism is impossible
  Don't panic. Fear is al-Qaeda's real goal
Mar 3 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 7 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 21 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 28 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 4 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 11 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 18 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 21 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 25 Toward True Security (UCS)
  2010 Nuclear Posture Review Executive Summary
  What We Spend on Nuclear Weapons
May 2 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

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.