1.  A convocation is the formal opening of the academic year and an event specifically designed to welcome incoming freshmen.  It includes a welcome from the university president and current students.

Define the following words as they are used in the article:
- exposition, para. 1
- meticulously, 1
- detractor, 2
- redemption, 4
- infidel, 5
- political correctness, 6
- propriety, 7
- generate, 7
- disparagement, 9

2.  Who is Noah Riner?  What was Noah's responsibility at this year's convocation?  Did he fulfill his responsibility?  For what reason are many students at Dartmouth angry with Noah?

3.  What reaction did Noah expect from students?   What reaction surprised and disappointed him?

4.  What reaction do you think the editorial cartoonist from the Dartmouth college newspaper received for his cartoon ridiculing Noah's beliefs as well as mocking Jesus?  Explain your answer.

5.  One student who supported Noah suggested that "had Riner instead espoused the virtues of Muhammad, Buddha, or any other religious figure, he would be applauded."  Explain why this is true.

6.  Read Noah's speech here.
--What was the message of his speech?
--A student who was "apalled" by the speech said that "Jesus would not have wanted to make new students feel unwelcome."  Re-read the section of the speech that mentions Jesus.  What is the point Noah makes about Jesus?

7.  Was Noah's speech appropriate?  Explain your answer.
For various perspectives on Noah's speech click here and scroll down to the comments section.