Friday, May 18, 2012

Q4 Exam Review Topics



Test format:
  • 120 points
  • 2 sections
  • Writing (DBQ) - 90 points (30 points questions + 10 points outline + 50 points essay)
  • Multiple choice - 30 points (SE Asia political map, document based multiple choice, course content)
Through the exam, you will need to:
  • Be able to analyze primary source documents, extract information, and include it in a structured response (Document Based Questions)
  • Be able to apply APPARTS outline format (Document Based Questions)
  • Be able to demonstrate mastery of 5 paragraph essay format (DBQ Essay)
  • Be able to correctly write and format a thesis statement (including a blueprint for your essay)
  • Demonstrate mastery of concepts related to urbanization and industrialization (DBQ essay)
  • Include information from documents and class in your DBQ essay
  • Demonstrate mastery of SE Asia political map
  • Demonstrate mastery of East Asian human geography (China)
  • Demonstrate mastery of SE Asian human geography
  • Be able to identify and differentiate the UN, NATO, and ASEAN
  • Demonstrate mastery of belief systems (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam)
Extra Credit:
  • Read about the events surrounding this weekend's NATO summit in Chicago.
  • Print out an article and bring it with you to class.
  • Write a paragraph summary (minimum 5 sentences), including at least 3 specific facts referencing your article.
  • 5 points extra credit!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

UN & the Syrian Economy


Congratulations!  You have successfully facilitated a resolution of the conflict in Syria.  But, the UN’s job is far from over.  As you may remember, from yesterday, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees of the conflict.  These people are without homes, and over a million do not have enough food.  Much of the ability of Syria to produce agriculture and industrial goods was also destroyed by the fighting.  Because you did such a great job as a member of the Security Council, the Secretary General would like your country to serve on the UN Economic and Social Council

PART 1: Background on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).  (2 points each, 6 total).
You will now be working as a member of ECOSOC to recommend how the UN can best help the people of Syria affected by the violence.  You will work with your partner to research the purpose and function of ECOSOC.  You must list 3 functions that ECOSOC serves in helping the people of the world.  You will use the following link to complete this on your loose leaf paper.


PART 2: Your Organization within the UN Eonomic and Social Council. (2 points each, 8 total).
There are many organizations that work within ECOSOC to help the people of the world.  You and your partner will be working as a member of one of these organizations.
1.    Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2.    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
3.    United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR)

Go to the link for your organization.  On your loose leaf paper-
·         What is the mission of your organization?
·         List 3 functions or purposes of your organization.



PART 3: How can your organization help the people of Syria?  (2 points each, 6 total)
Now that you know the function of your organization you must evaluate how it can help the people of Syria.  Working with your partner, think of ways in which your organization could help the people of Syria.  Think back to the evidence, and how the fighting affected their lives and their country as a whole.

On loose leaf-
·         Identify 3 ways that your organization can be used to help Syria.  Be specific!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

the UN, Urbanization, and yoUr Country

Today, we'll focus on 3 U's: the UN, Urbanization, and yoUr Country. Use the sites from yesterday, as well as the ones listed below, to respond to the questions that follow.

Sources:

Problems:
  1. What is your country's largest city? Record demographic details (population, etc.).
  2. What challenges do people living in urban areas in your country face?
  3. How could you apply Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes' theory to your city? Give specific details from the video and your sources.
  4. Has your city already started to deal with any of the challenges brought on by urbanization? Does it appear to follow parts of Paes' model? Does it leave any parts out? Explain.
  5. Now, think about the UN. Which UN organization handles issues such as those created by rapid urbanization/industrialization? How might this organization help your city/country? Give specific information from the sources to support your response.

The UN Security Council

Part 1: Basic Facts and Past Actions
Work with your partner to complete the following:

  1. What is the UN Security Council? What are its goals?
  2. How does it accomplish these goals?
  3. Who are the permanent members?
  4. Who are the current rotating members?
  5. What are its current missions? What is it doing to accomplish these missions?
  6. What is it currently debating?
  7. What are some of the most important actions the Security Council has taken in the past?
Use the following sources:

Part 2: What to do about Syria?

Monday, May 14, 2012

Urbanization Across the World

Each of the following questions is worth 5 points, for a total of 20. You must include evidence in order to get any credit.
  1. Is your country a developing nation, a nation in transition, or a developed nation? Explain your response. Include at least 3 specific statistics to support your answer.
  2. Is your country primarily urban or rural in makeup? What can that tell you about your country?
  3. Describe a typical family in your country, following the model in the chart on pp. 94-95.
  4. What problems might your country faced based on the information above? Explain your response, giving at least 3 specific statistics as support.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Reforming the UN


A meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

PART 2: PREPARING TO PRESENT (5 Points)
·         With your partner, identify the most important information related to your topic. Highlight or underline important names, dates, organizations, etc. You will present this information to two other groups.
·         Then, look at the questions under the topic headings you were not assigned. Be prepared to ask questions about these during your roundtable discussion.
PART #3: ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS (10 points notes, 10 points presentation)
You will meet with two other countries to discuss your topics. For the two topics you were not assigned, listen to the other groups talk. Complete the following on your loose leaf paper under the "Part 3" heading for each of the groups you listen to.
1.    Record the name of the country presenting.
2.    Take notes on the information they present. If they say it, you should write it down.
3.    If the other groups do not present information for each of the questions they were required to research, ask questions. Record any additional information you learn in this way.
Presentation components:
·         Speak clearly
·         Make eye contact with the other members of your roundtable
·         Stay on task
·         Fully summarize the information you located.
Now that you are an expert on the history, purpose, and mission of the U.N. You must begin to get involved.  The U.N. Is going to hold meetings to analyze if it needs to change with the changing world. The expertise of new ambassadors (you!) is desired to help the U.N. decide what to do.
PART 4: “A CALL FOR REFORM” ARTICLE ANALYSIS ( 2 pts each, 10 points total  )
You will work with your partner to analyze the article “A Call for Reform”. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon wants to know what you think about the push for reform.

You and your partner will read and evaluate the information in the article as new U.N. Ambassadors for your respective countries. Respond to the following questions on your loose leaf paper. Label this section "Part 4".
  1. Should the U.N.’s power be increased to have enforcement authority over any nation, or should it be decreased to only provide humanitarian aid when asked?
  2. "The end of the Cold War changed the purpose of the U.N.’s original mission to prevent another world war." Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Explain your response, giving evidence from the documents we've examined as a class.
  3. Can the U.N., in its current configuration, be effective in preventing global terrorism? Explain your answer, using evidence from your documents.
  4. Examine the end of the article. Are the right issues being addressed by the U.N. in its potential reform process? Is there anything else it should consider to make sure that it is serving the needs of the international community? Explain you response.
  5. Overall, do you feel the U.N. is a successful organization? Explain your response. Cite examples to support your view.

PART 5:  Your Country and the UN (10 points each, 20 points total).
It is time to learn a little more about the country you are representing. 

Find your country on the CIA World Factbook website. Use the information you discover to respond to the following questions. Each response must include specific data to support your answer. Your responses are graded based on this rubric.
  1. How could the United Nations help your country? Refer to one of the official UN bodies in your response, then give statistical evidence from the CIA World Factbook to back up your argument.
  2. How could your country provide assistance to UN programs? Refer to one of the official UN bodies in your response, then give statistical evidence from the CIA World Factbook to back up your argument.                       

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The United Nations: An Introduction

This is the United Nations flag. Adopted in 1947, 
it features a map of the world centered on the North Pole. 
The olive branches surrounding the globe symbolize peace.
You've done it! Your work as a trade representative has impressed enough people that you've been named as an ambassador to the United Nations.


Over the next seven days, you will work with a partner to learn about the organization you will be working with, as well as a specific country you will represent.


You and your partner will work together to find out specific information about the UN. You will:

  1. Locate and record information related to one of the topics below.
  2. Present your information to other country ambassadors in a roundtable discussion.

PART 1: BACKGROUND (30 points)
Your Sources:
Complete the questions for your assigned topic on loose leaf paper.


Topic 1: Basic Facts and the Creation of the U.N. (30 points)

  1. What is the mission of the U.N.?
  2. To accomplish its mission, what do member countries agree to do?
  3. What was one of the earlier attempts to create an institution to promote international cooperation?
  4. Describe the two flaws this institution suffered from and explain how these ultimately led to its failure.
  5. Discuss some of the main events of World War II. How did these experiences rekindle the idea of establishing a world organization dedicated to world peace and international cooperation?
  6. How did the founders of the United Nations try to avoid the failures of the League of Nations? Explain how these actions would avoid the problems encountered by the League.
Topic 2: The Structure and Operation of the U.N. (30 points)
  1. Identify and briefly describe the function of the six bodies of the United Nations.
  2. Identify the legislative, executive, and judicial operations contained in these bodies.
  3. Explain the different ways the United Nations operates on democratic principles such as rule of law, due process, separation of powers, and majority rule.
  4. Why can it be said that the Security Council does not operate as a democracy?
  5. What kind of occupational skills would someone need to be a staff member or a diplomat at the U.N.?
  6. Explain how each of the six bodies helps the U.N. achieve its mission.
Topic 3: Accomplishments of the U.N. (30 points)
  1. List the four areas of accomplishment described in the reading on the U.N.
  2. Describe the different types of military action the U.N. has taken in its history.
  3. Explain how this use of military action is in keeping with the U.N.’s mission and goals?
  4. What efforts has the U.N. made in protecting human rights? In what ways has the U.N. extended these efforts in the other areas of accomplishment described in the reading?
  5. Describe the areas where the U.N. has made improvements in the health of people in the world. Why has the end of the Cold War made it easier for this to happen?
  6. Describe how the U.N.’s Development Program has provided both economic/agricultural assistance and promoted workers’ rights in countries it has worked in. Why has this agency been successful in gaining the trust of developing countries?

Monday, April 30, 2012

Should we trade?


US Trade Representative Ron Kirk meets with an
ambassador from India.
Part 1: A Meeting
Review your research with your partners.

  • Create a T-chart in your notebook. Label the left side reasons for. Label the right side reasons against.
  • Take turns sharing your research with your partners. Every time one of your partners says something that  falls on either side of your chart, add it on.
  • When all information has been shared, write 2-3 questions that still need to be answered in order for your group to make its decision.

Part 2: Statement of Opinion (A Thesis! Hooray!) (32 points)
Now that you've completed your initial research, you will create the first firm statement of your opinion. This is still not yet written in stone -- it could change based on what your partners say. Ultimately, your group will share one thesis.

Essentially, you are completing this sentence:
"The United States should/should not open trade negotiations with ____________________ because _________________, _____________________ and ____________________."
You may change the wording/format of this statement as long as it includes the basic information given.

We'll use this rubric to grade your theses.

Part 3: Working on the Final Product
You must persuade the government to agree with your argument. In order to do so, you will create a position paper which adheres to the following criteria:

  • Save your work to the Y:\Ramin World Geography folder in the correct location for your class
  • Name the file "Your Country - Trade Recommendation"
  • Include the each group member's name, as well as the complete PSM heading, at the start of your document
  • Title your paper
  • At least 5 paragraphs in length (Intro, 3 Body, Conclusion)
  • Includes a thesis statement modeled after the one above
  • Persuasively argues your position
  • Includes a 5-source Work Cited page (graded based on this rubric), following MLA format (you should have most of your citations already!)
Your rough draft is due e-mailed to me at the end of tomorrow's class period (5/1/12). It is a project grade, and will be based on this rubric (the same one that will be used for your final product -- Due Friday, 5/4/12).

Each person will also receive an individual project grade for his/her specific body paragraph based on this rubric.

Who does what?
  • Each person should research and write one body paragraph
  • The group should work together to draft the introduction paragraph today and the conclusion paragraph tomorrow
  • The group should work together to compile the Works Cited page
Tomorrow's Expectations:
  • Finalize rough draft, including conclusion paragraph
  • Analyze presentation requirements for Friday's class

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Trade Representative to East Asia

Part 1: Re-Introduction

Today you will start working as a U.S. Trade Representative to one specific country. Here are the documents we've looked at already:
Part 2: Problem Statement
We worked together as a class to create a problem statement for this project. Here is the combined problem statement for periods 1, 3 and 6:
"How can we, as new U.S. trade representatives, decide if our country should trade with specific areas of Southeast Asia and make a recommendation so that we can start our careers off well and help our country build meaningful trade relations?"
Part 3: A Return to the Knowledge Inventory
Open your notes to the knowledge inventory you did for Dr. Ness's letter.

You've been assigned a specific country to focus on. Add at least 3 points to each side of your Know/Needs chart based on this specific country.

Part 4: Initial Country Research
Find your country's profile on the CIA World Factbook. Read through the file's introductory page.

Add at least 3 points to each side of your Know/Needs chart.

Part 5: Trade Recommendation Log #1: Initial Reaction (20 points, due at the end of the period)
On a sheet of loose leaf paper, answer the following question. This should be approximately a paragraph in length (5 sentences = 1 intro, 3 supporting details, 1 conclusion) and is worth 20 points (as shown in this rubric). You are working on this part ALONE.
"As a U.S. Trade Representative to _________________, what is your initial reaction? Should the U.S. enter into a trade agreement with your assigned country? What additional information must you find out in order to make your final recommendation?"
Part 6: Trade Group Discussion (8 points, due at the end of the period)
Share your TR Log #1 with your group members. Draw a line below TR Log #1, then use the space to answer the questions below (2 points each, 8 points total):
  1. What additional information did my team members discover?
  2. What additional information do we need to make an informed decision?
  3. What is my team's initial recommendation to the Executive Office of the President?
  4. What 3-4 specific topics must we research in order to make an effective recommendation?
Part 7: Large Group Discussion
We will decide as a class what topics we should research. Think -- what would you want to know if you were going to trade lunches with a friend?

Part 8: In-Depth Research (20 points, due Monday, 4/30/12)
Now that your group has an idea of what it should be doing, you must become more informed about your destination.

Assign a research topic to each person in your group. Use the following sources to do the following:
  • Effectively cite your source using MLA format
  • Produce a minimum of 1 page (typed or handwritten) of notes on your assigned research topic
Your research is worth 20 points, and will be graded based on this rubric.

The following are all sources you may use to complete this portion of the assignment:
Part 9: Statement of Opinion (A Thesis! Hooray!) (32 points)
Now that you've completed your initial research, you will create the first firm statement of your opinion. This is still not yet written in stone -- it could change based on what your partners say. Ultimately, your group will share one thesis.

Essentially, you are completing this sentence:
"The United States should/should not open trade negotiations with ____________________ because _________________, _____________________ and ____________________."
You may change the wording/format of this statement as long as it includes the basic information given.

We'll use this rubric to grade your theses.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Angkor What? Angkor Wat!

Angkor Wat, just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia...
and steps from the Jay Pritzker Academy.
Today,we will analyze images of the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. By analyzing these images, you will be able to better understand the ancient Khmer Kingdom and modern Cambodian culture. This activity will also help you to understand the things you would need to analyze as a US Trade Representative to SE Asia.

This is a 30 point homework assignment.

Part 1: Images of Angkor Wat (2 points each, 10 points total)
First, take a look at a website containing images of Angkor Wat.

Once you have opened this link, browse through the topics on the left hand side of the page and choose one of the topics listed. You will be able to see several images, and many of the links also have a brief description of the specific temple you are viewing.

Think about Cambodian culture as you look through the images of Khmer sculpture and architecture. Think about what you have learned throughout this course about culture as well as what you have learned about Southeast Asia. Answer the following questions on loose leaf paper.

  1. What does this image tell you about the Khmer?
  2. Why do you think they made this sculpture/structure?
  3. What is the significance of Angkor Wat?
  4. What does the size and complexity of the complex say about the Khmer Empire?
  5. Is Angkor Wat used in the same way today as it was when it was first built? What can this response tell us about Cambodia's history?

Part 2: Trade Representative Connection (20 points)
Put yourself back into the mindset of a US trade ambassador to Southeast Asia. How would you use what you learned today to benefit US trade and/or yourself as a trade ambassador in Cambodia? Answer this in a complete paragraph on your loose leaf. Include at least 5 sentences (Intro, 3 support, Conclusion).

This portion of the assignment is worth 20 points, and is scored based on this rubric.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

You're new Trade Agents. Do some Research!

President Barack Obama meets with US Trade
Representative Ron Kirk, the head of our office.

Tonight, use one of the databases available to our office to research the following topics:
  • the Office of the United States Trade Representative
  • its goals in East Asia
  • the kinds of tasks the office is called on to accomplish
Your databases:
This is your first major assignment related to your trade proposal. You must:
  • Effectively cite your source (MLA format)
  • Prepare ~ 1 page of research on the topic above

Holistic Rubric:

  • 20: Demonstrates mastery of topic
  • 15: Demonstrates adequate understanding of topic
  • 10 and below: Inadequate understanding of topic

Monday, March 26, 2012

China's Culture, Today and Yesterday

Keep your homework out on your desk.


Today we will take a look at modern and ancient influences on Chinese culture. You will:

  • Practice using selected web sources to find information about an assigned topic
  • Practice citing sources using MLA format
  • Synthesize your research into a finished product
  • Define relevant search terms
Open an MS Word document. You will use this document to complete today's assignment. It is due at the beginning of tomorrow's class period (stapled, if necessary). It is worth 70 points.

First, here's some terms you'll need to know for today's activities:
  • meme
  • westernized
  • netizens
Part 1: An Introduction (30 points)
Watch the introduction video titled "Why China's Youth Find Western Culture Attractive" on the PBS NewsHour website. Use it to answer the questions below. You have 12 minutes to complete this section of the assignment.



Cite the video using MLA format.

1.   What are some aspects of Western culture that influence Chinese citizens? (2 points)
2.   When did Western culture start to become more influential in China? (2 points)
3.   How is the government "pushing back"? Why is it doing this? (2 points)
4.   How do Western companies adapt to China's market? Give examples. (2 points)
5.   How have internet users been affected by government policy? How have "netizens" been able to affect government policy? (2 points)

Part 1: Synthesis: Follow this rubric to answer the following question:
Do you agree that Western culture has too large of an influence over young people in China? Explain your response. (20 points)


You will need at minimum a topic sentence, 3 body sentences, and a conclusion (5 sentences minimum).

Part 2: Religion and Belief (40 points)
Throughout Chinese history, three major belief systems have held more influence than any others:
  • Buddhism
  • Taoism
  • Confucianism.
Even though other cultures are beginning to influence Chinese citizens (as you saw in the introductory video), these older customs still maintain their importance.


You will be assigned one of these belief systems. Access the Gale Student Resources in Context database through the PSM LRC page (password: psmlrc). Use the information you find in the database to answer the following:

Cite the source you use for your answers using MLA format.
  1. What are the basic principles of your assigned belief system? (2 points)
  2. Who is the founder/primary figure in your belief system? (2 points)
  3. What is the major written work of your belief system? (2 points)
  4. Approximately when did your belief system begin? (2 points)
  5. Is your belief system also a religion? Explain. (2 points) 
  6. Describe any symbols associated with your belief system. (2 points)  
  7. What do people who follow your belief system believe? Include specifics. (4 points)
  8. Describe any major rituals/practices of people who adhere to your belief system. (4 points)
Part 2: Synthesis (20 points): Follow this rubric to answer the following question:
Describe how your life would change if you followed your assigned belief system. Use specific information from your research in your response.

You will need at minimum a topic sentence, 3 body sentences, and a conclusion (5 sentences minimum). NOTE: If you need more than one paragraph to fulfill the rubric's requirements, write more than one paragraph!

****

Part 3: Pair and Share (10 points per column, 20 points total)
Create a 2-column chart in your Word document. Label the top of each column with the name of the two belief systems you did not research.

Work with your two neighbors (one for each of the belief systems you did not research) to fill out the table including a summary of their responses to the questions in Part 2.

    Wednesday, March 21, 2012

    World Geography Homework

    For homework tonight, Read Ch. 27.2. Answer the following questions on loose leaf paper (2 points each, 8 points total):
    1. What is a typhoon? What does the name mean?
    2. Describe the potential effects of a typhoon.
    3. Based on the information in the text, draw a typhoon.
    4. How might people in areas affected by typhoons prepare themselves?

    Monday, March 12, 2012

    Quarter 3 Exam Review Questions

    1. What is the longest river in Latin America? What countries does it go through?
    2. What is the largest mountain chain in Latin America? Describe its relative location.
    3. Define "urbanization." Then, describe its causes and effects in Latin America.
    4. Define "push" and "pull" factors. Give examples for each taken from the unit on Latin America.
    5. What was the cause of the Haitian Revolution? What were its effects?
    6. Who was Toussaint Louverture?
    7. Who is Bashar al-Assad? Why has he been in the news recently?
    8. What is happening in the city of Homs?
    9. Name and describe each of the 5 Pillars of Islam.
    10. Name the holy book, main religious figure, and place of worship for Christianity and Islam.
    11. Describe at least 2 major trade routes in and around SW Asia. Then, explain how a country could disrupt world trade using one of these routes.
    12. How did Israel become a country?
    13. What religion is practiced by the Palestinian people? By the Israeli people?
    14. Agree or disagree with the following statement: The United Nations caused the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Support your response with at least three pieces of evidence from class.
    15. Argue for or against the following statement: The United States should offer military support to the Syrian rebels. Support your response with at least two pieces of evidence from class and the video.
    16. What is the "caste system"? How might it impact Indian society?
    17. What is an "archipelago"?
    18. Why is India's population expansion a "mixed blessing"?
    19. Why is South Asia typically seen as an impoverished region? What signs of hope for the region's future can we see?
    20. Use the information from your text, notes and our work on last week's DBQ to create a 3-part thesis statement.

    Thursday, March 8, 2012

    Quarter 3 Exam Review Topics

    Mohandas Gandhi, leader of the nonviolent
    revolution that allowed India to gain its
    independence from the British Raj. You can
    find a brief biography from the
    New York Times here.
    Your review sheet for your Quarter 3 exam is below. You can find an easily printed version at this link.

    In addition, the sample Document Based Question (DBQ) we looked at in class today can be found here.

    Homework for Periods 1 and 3 (30 points):
    Read through the review sheet. Use it to complete the following.
    • Identify the 5 topics you need to study the most
    • On a sheet of loose leaf paper, write down those topics, then write down the page numbers for each. In addition, find the topics in your notes.
    • For each of your chosen topics, record three pieces of information you believe will be important for your test.

    Homework for Period 6 (30 points):
    The PowerPoint presentation from today's class can be found at this link.

    Create a rough draft (in outline form) for the practice DBQ question (see link above) using this format:
    • Write out your introductory paragraph.
    • Create a loose outline of your “meat” s in this manner:
    • Skip a line from your intro.
    • Identify the “theme”/thesis of this first “meat” [underline or highlight it]
    • Indent bullets listing all facts/doc. info. and other o.i.”s that you will need in that
    • When done with that , skip a line and do the same for the other “meat” ¶s
    • Skip a line after your last “meat” and write you concluding out in full.
    • Bring your outline into class tomorrow and I will divide the class up into small “peer review” groups.
    • You will then read over the outlines of the other group members and make suggestions/corrections IN A CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER.

    QUARTER 3 WORLD GEOGRAPHY REVIEW SHEET
    Your exam will include information from the following chapters:
    • Ch. 9-11: Latin America
    • Ch. 21-23: Southwest Asia/The Middle East
    • Ch. 24-26: South Asia (India)
    You must:
    1. Be able to read a selection of text and answer any related questions.
    2. Be able to analyze a map and use it to respond to questions.
    3. Be able to analyze graphs/charts and use them to respond to questions.
    4. Demonstrate ability to write a three-part thesis statement, support that statement with primary source documents (Document Based Question Essay)
    5. Know all section vocabulary, especially the words discussed in class
    6. Know the political map of SW Asia. Be able to analyze political maps for Latin America and South Asia.
    7. Know the names and locations of Latin America’s important landforms (The Andes Mountains, the Sierra Madres, the Caribbean archipelago).
    8. Know the names and locations of SW Asia’s important waterways (Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Tigris & Euphrates).
    9. Be able to describe the impact of landforms and waterways on human civilizations.
    10. Be able to describe the impact of colonialism and imperialism on different parts of the world (Haiti, SW Asia, India).
    11. Describe the difference between “push” and “pull” factors, and give examples of each.
    12. Argue persuasively about the causes and effects of the Haitian Revolution.
    13. Argue persuasively about the causes and effects of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.
    14. Analyze potential causes and effects of recent events in Syria and Iran.
    15. Analyze impact of U.S. War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.
    16. Be able to describe the major Southwest Asian trade routes.
    17. Know the 5 Pillars of Islam, as well as other relevant vocabulary (mosque, Muslim, hajj).
    18. Be able to describe the impact of Hinduism on Indian society.
    19. Be able to discuss the impact of the caste system on Indian society.
    20. Argue persuasively about the causes and effects of overpopulation in India.

    Study Tips:
    • Look through this list. Make a list of all topics you need to look over the most.
    • Look through your textbook and notes. Write down the page numbers where you can find specific information.
    • Find somewhere quiet! Review your text and notes.

    Tuesday, March 6, 2012

    The Story of India

    A statue of the god Shiva, ca. 1300 CE.
    Today, in order to further explore the impact of religion on India's culture, we will take a look at the PBS website The Story of India. The site is a wonderful resource full of photos, video and text.

    Open an MS Word document. You will use this document to complete today's assignment. It is due at the beginning of tomorrow's class period (stapled, if necessary).


    Part 1: An Introduction (10 points)
    Watch the introduction video on the website's home page. Use it to answer these questions (you'll have about 7 minutes to do this part -- we'll talk about it together):

    1. What information will this website allow you to access/discover about India? (5 points)
    2. What do you hope to learn about India through this website? (5 points)

    Part 2: Gods and Godesses (30 points)
    First of all, do Hindus believe in one god or many?

    You will be assigned two of the gods to research today. Complete this assignment in an MS Word document for each god. Type the god's name in bold font above each set of questions.
    1. Describe what the god/goddess looks like. What might this tell you about his/her worshippers' beliefs? (5 points)
    2. Summarize the god's duties. (5 points)
    3. Imagine that you were preparing for a prayer service to your assigned god. What would you do to prepare yourself? What would you be praying to this god for? (5 points)
    If you have time, examine the links for the other gods.
    1. Which god fascinates you the most? Explain.
    The list of Hindu gods is below:
    I will give you about 10 minutes to look at the various resources related to the gods. We will talk about each god as a class. As you listen to your classmates, complete the following:
    • For each god, record his/her name and one fact about him/her. 
    Part 3: Culture (30 points)
    First, you will choose 2 of the following topics. You will need to browse through the topics to make your choice. For each of the cultural topics you choose, complete the following. Type the name of your topic in bold font above each set of questions:
    1. Summarize the information you can learn about the topic from the website. (5 points)
    2. Describe the topic's influence on India's culture. (5 points)
    3. Imagine you are a visitor to India. How does this aspect of Indian culture compare to American culture? (5 points)
    Part 4: Synthesis
    Write a paragraph describing your visit to India. Use the information you researched to craft your response.

    You will need at minimum a topic sentence, 3 body sentences, and a conclusion (5 sentences minimum).

    Resources

     


    Friday, March 2, 2012

    Syria and India Current Event

    You will be assigned either INDIA or SYRIA. For your assigned country, locate a current event article. Use the article to complete the following on loose leaf paper (20 points):



    1. Cite the source, following MLA format. Follow this exact format: Author/Editor/Creator/Organization. Name of the Website. Name of Institution/Sponsor/Publisher of Website. Date Created. Type of Source (Web or Print). Date Accessed.
    2. Briefly summarize the article.
    3. Write down any words you were not able to define in the article, or define any words you had to look up.
    4. Why is the article's topic significant? Explain.
    5. What impact might the article have on people living in the United States? Explain.



    You may ONLY use Gale or The New York Times!


    20 points

    Friday, February 24, 2012

    Project Rough Draft

    You must e-mail the first 6 slides of your project to me by Monday, February 27. This is a 50 point homework grade, based on half the value of the project rubric.

    Your rough draft (all 10 slides) is due Tuesday, February 28.

    Gale login/password: psmlrc

    You can find the project rubric here.

    You can find my example presentation here.

    Thursday, February 9, 2012

    Religion in SW Asia

    An example of Islamic word and mosaic art.
    Today's Objectives
    In class, we will focus on understanding the ways in which Islam affects people and culture in the countries where it is practiced. You will:
    • Extract information from relevant websites
    • Organize the information into a final product
    • Present the result
    Respond to the following in an e-mail to me. You will need to answer the question COMPLETELY, offering specific support for your response.

    After each answer, paste the link where you found the information. You may only use approved sources for your research.


    You will have approximately 20 minutes to answer the questions. Work quickly and efficiently.
    1. What impact does Islam have on money, trade and the economy in countries that are predominantly Muslim?
    2. What are marriage customs like in predominantly Muslim countries?
    3. What impact does Islam have on laws, government and politics in predominantly Muslim countries?
    4. What impact does Islam have on culture in predominantly Muslim countries?
    5 points each question, 20 points total.

    Before you search, think about SEARCH TERMS. If you are searching for Islamic marriage rules, would you right away search for "Muslim marriage"? What happens if that doesn't work? What new search term(s) might you use? THINK SIMPLE, one- or two-word phrases.


    Approved Sources:
    Discussion Questions
    When we finish with our research, we will take time to discuss what you have learned. I will pose a series of questions and we will work to answer them as a class.


    Tonight's Homework: A Current Event
    Use the New York Times website to search for a current event article related to one of the countries below:
    • Syria
    • Iran
    • Egypt
    • Israel
    HINT: Use the search bar on the upper left hand side of the website.

    Use the article to complete the following on loose leaf paper:
    1. Cite the source, following MLA format. Follow this exact format:
      Author/Editor/Creator/Organization. Name of the Website. Name of Institution/Sponsor/Publisher of Website. Date Created. Type of Source (Web or Print). Date Accessed.
    2. Briefly summarize the article.
    3. Write down any words you were not able to define in the article, or define any words you had to look up.
    4. Why is the article's topic significant? Explain.
    5. What impact might the article have on people living in the United States? Explain.
    4 points each part, 20 points total

    Wednesday, February 8, 2012

    Two-Part Homework

    Part 1: Study the Maps!
    Tonight, play the map games below. Leave a comment on this post with the following information. This is a 10 point homework grade.
    • Your first name and last initial
    • Your score for the countries map game
    • Your score for the bodies of water map game
    • The number of times you played the game to get that score
    If you get 100% without looking at another map, you should get 100% on the map portion of your quiz tomorrow!
    You will also need to know about oil, waterways and religion for your quiz -- you'll have 2 short answer questions to complete.


    Part 2: Sign Up for PowerSchool Studio

    PowerSchool Studio: A New Learning Resource at PSM We have a new online resource we will start using for class: PowerSchool Studio. You will soon start to see material for every class on this website. Follow the steps below to sign up. This is a second 10 point homework grade.
    1. Go to the website psm.ecollege.com.
    2. Log on to the site using your PowerSchool login, the same one you use to check your grades.
    3. Look around the page until you see the box marked “My Communities.” Click the link marked “Find More Communities.”
    4. This page shows a list of all the teachers who have materials online for you to see through PowerSchool Studio. Search the list until you see “Nathan Ramin Communities.” Click the link that says “Request Membership.”
    5. The link will take you to a membership request form. Type a brief message in the box including your first and last name, then hit send.
    6. That’s it! I will approve your request, and we will be able to use the website for class.

    Friday, February 3, 2012

    Life in Your SW Asian Nation

    Imagine that you are a person living in the country you were assigned for your brochure project. Write a journal entry describing a day in your life. Include facts such as:

    • What job you might do
    • What religion you might practice
    • Whether or not you might use a car to commute
    • Whether or not you read the paper (hint: literacy rate!)
    • Anything else you can find to include!
    You must use BOTH of the following sources:
    Your journal entry should be at least two paragraphs long. Complete it on loose leaf paper.


    Due tomorrow on your desk, 20 points.

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    Brochure Project Requirements

    By popular demand, here are your brochure project requirements. Remember -- the rubric (and the map game) are in the post below this one.

    Page 1:
    o  Include full color
    o  Include flag of your country
    o  The name of your country
    o  Map of your country


    Page 2:
    o  Relative location of your country (using 3 landmarks)
    o  Country’s capital, other cities


    Page 3:
    o  Pie chart showing ethnic makeup of country in percentages
    o  Explanation of ethnic makeup


    Page 4

    •  Symbols of religions
    •  Describe religious makeup
    •  Describe health care in your country (life expectancy, infant mortality, etc.



    Page 5

    • Illustration of major resources/economic activities
    • Explanation of major resources/activities
    • Heading on the back

    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Map Game and a Rubric

    Here are a couple of items for your to take a look at.

    First, the rubric for the brochure mini-project we started in class today. It is worth a total of 40 points.

    Also, here's a map game for SW Asia.

    Play the game tonight, leave a comment on this post including your first name, last initial, and your score.


    If you complete these steps, you will earn 5 points of Extra Credit.

    Wednesday, January 25, 2012

    State of the Union Assignment

    Watch the State of the Union address -- you can find the video at the White House website (link).

    Record at least three of the president's main points. Explain why you chose these points.

    Then, evaluate his speech. Is it successful? Explain your response.

    This assignment should take a minimum of 2 paragraphs to complete. It is due tomorrow, and is worth 10 points.

    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    Test Review for Thursday

    Test Review:

    • 75 points
    • 10 countries
    • 15 multiple choice (including maps and graphs)
    • 50 points writing (short answer, reading comp., short free response essay)
    • Chapters 9.1-9.2; 10.1, 10.2, 10.4
    • Urbanization
    • Haitian Revolution
    • Haiti's economy and reasons
    • Elections/State of the Union
    • Mexico
    • Brazil
    • Influence of Europeans (Spanish, French, Portuguese) on Latin America
    • Indigenous Peoples (Taino, Aztecs)
    • Comparisons between U.S. and Latin American countries

    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    The Slave Trade and the Caribbean

    The plan for the slave ship Brookes.
    Now that you've gotten to look around the Slave Voyages database on your own, we'll complete a practice search together.

    Notice: We will use specific facts and data to form our search criteria.
    • The slave ship Brookes is one of the most famous on record.
    • The ship was designed to carry 454 humans as cargo
    • Instead, the ship carried as many as 609 people in its cargo hold at once, as the diagram shows (click for a larger image if you are interested)
    • The ship was so notorious that abolitionists used its diagram to help force the end of the slave trade
    • Thomas Molyneux owned and captained the ship
    • The ship purchased slaves on Africa's Gold Coast region
    • It landed in Jamaica
    Students at Durham University lay down in the form of the
    slave ship Brookes. Although they match the approximate
    plan of the ship, the students have far more space than
    the slaves would have.
    Find the entry for the ship on the slave trade database site.

    When you do this search on your own, you will use any of the following to find information about specific ships:
    • Ship names
    • Captain names
    • Number of slaves embarked
    • Number of slaves disembarked
    • Names of places
    Important vocabulary words:
    • Query -- search criteria
    • Vessel -- ship
    • Embark -- get onto a ship
    • Disembark -- get off of a ship
    • Tonnage -- the weight of a ship (in tons)
    • Middle Passage -- the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and the Caribbean