Monday, December 17, 2012

Current Event #15: 2012 Year End Wrap-Up


2012 Year Ending Current Event # 15



Due: Friday, December 21, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment will be one of reflection. You should select a topic that will pertain to a thought provoking event/issue that will surely be written and recorded in the history books for 2012. We've experienced and witnessed a lot of historical events that helped shape 2012. What world event will you choose to end the year on a historical note? Be sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Be sure to research to find information regarding varies topics and issues that left a mark or impression during 2012, which will be discussed for years to come. Your post should adhere to the following format:

What You Will Do:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant)

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

** *Be sure to write specific, detailed, complete paragraph sentences, when writing your current event.***

HAPPY NEAR YEAR!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World


Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World
Douglas Rushkoff says computer class must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.
Due: Friday, December 14th, 2012

This week is Computer Science Education Week, which is being observed around the United States with events aimed at highlighting the promise of digital education. Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist, author, and digital media advocate, says we live in a digital age but computer science is not a priority in schools; which causes the United States to lag further behind other countries in this field. Rushkoff also states that digital literacy helps us see that kids are not Facebook's customers, but the product. His argument on Capitol Hill this week will focus on the need for individuals to think critically about promoting digital media environments, as a liberal art to teach students about the world.

What You Will Do

1.      Read the CNN article found at the following link address: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/opinion/rushkoff-code-writing/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7 , in order to address the accompanying tasks.

2.      Select 3 of the author’s 10 talking points to discuss in detail, your view of support to help the author's argument, for further advancement regarding the need of digital education in today’s society.

3.      In what capacity do you envision our school/district accomplishing the desire to make our students competitive in the digital education race? How can our school/district improve in order to meet the specific needs mention by Douglas Rushkoff?


***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***




Monday, December 3, 2012

Current Event #13: Saving Afghan Women before U.S. Exit


Current Event #13: Saving Afghan Women before U.S. Exit
Afghan schoolgirls study in an open air school in Jalalabad. Violence against women is a major problem in Afghanistan.
Due: Friday, December 7th, 2012

Violence against women is a major problem in Afghanistan. A recent incident happened last week, where a 14-year-old Afghan girl was beheaded and killed in an attack by two men, one of whom apparently asked her to marry him. The attack happened last Tuesday, a day before new legislation was introduced in Congress calling on the U.S. government to take steps to help protect Afghan women and girls as the U.S. military prepares to exit Afghanistan.
The girl was fetching water when she was accosted, according to reports. The men, who have not been identified, were arrested by police. The girl and her parents had refused a marriage proposal by one of the men, according to the Amnesty International report. This was the 15th deadly attack on a female victim in Kunduz in 2012, the human rights organization said.
Daisy Khan, a women’s rights advocate, suggests that a key measure of U.S. success in Afghanistan will be the extent of women’s rights. She states that, “If girls can’t go to school, women can’t reach goals, which means nothing will have changed”. Women must be in talks to fight forcefully for rights, they must vote, go to school and all parties must promote women’s rights.

What You Will Do:

Students will read the CNN article found at the following link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/03/opinion/khan-afghan-women/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7 . After reading the article, you will need to answer the following questions in complete, detailed paragraphs to convey your thoughts and opinions about the issue being discussed. Be sure to cite examples given in the article to support your opinions in addition to any other resources you might utilize.

1.      In your opinion, explain in full detail whether or not you think that the United States military has a moral duty and responsibility to protect Afghan women against the injustices which are presently happening to them?
  

2.      As mentioned in the article, these offenses toward Afghan women will escalate further once American troops exit. Express your opinion regarding the (4) major goals which must be accomplished before the United States loses its bargaining position in Afghanistan after our troops withdraw. List each goal and provide your analysis for each as you explain your position.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Current Event #12: Individual Topic of Your Choice

 
 
Current Event #12
 
 
 
 
Due: Friday, November 30, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is one of your choice. Please refrain from using any sports or entertainment articles for your current event. Be sure to use a current and reputable information source to find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

What You Will Do:

1) Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

2) Paragraph #1:
-Your summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide details about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant to the study of World History) 

3) Paragraph #2:
-Your reflection/opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-Pose questions/concerns about the event of your choice for others to consider


4) Lastly, select one other current event from another student, to read and provide appropriate feedback by replying to their post. This will begin an interactive component to our on-line blog for future assignments.  

Monday, November 19, 2012

Current Event #11:The Pros and Cons of Thanksgiving



This 18th century illustration of the first Thanksgiving didn't depict reality, many Native Americans say.

.
Current Event #11: The Pros and Cons of Thanksgiving
Due: Friday, November 23rd, 2012
  
Thanksgiving: A time of reflecting on all of the events and times one has encountered during the course of the year(s). It is a time when most of the world finds the time to gather with their loved ones and enjoy the company of one another. Thanksgiving day marks a period where the traditional holiday meal consists of a full course meal, including a carved turkey, a host of baked sweets, etc. We often find other activities coinciding as a result of this holiday, such as the BLACK FRIDAY (Day after Thanksgiving) retail sales and putting up Christmas decorations, to name a few. However, what does this day mean for some who don't quite have this same perspective, namely Native Americans. From a historical point of you, let's take a look back in hindsight, to read and define the origin of this revered national holiday.

What you will do:

You will visit the following link: http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/24/thanksgiving-is-some-native-americans-day-of-mourning/?hpt=us_bn1 , this will take you to the CNN article entitled: Thanksgiving is some Native Americans' "Day of Mourning". You are assigned to read this article to gather varying opinions surrounding the celebration of Thanksgiving. Upon reading the selection, I want you to begin formulating your own personal pros and cons about this celebrated day and discuss each in specific detail as you write your first paragraph(s). Provide examples of how you and your family celebrated Thanksgiving, and also a few family traditions performed.

Within the next 2-3 paragraphs, discuss how this article may or may not have changed the way you look at the way we celebrate this holiday. Express your thoughts/opinions based on the individuals mentioned in the article as to whether you feel Native Americans were wronged. Also provide a position in regards to the European settlers exploring new lands in America to create colonies. Let's examine the origin of the day set aside to give thanks to the yearly harvests of our hard labor!


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Current Event #10:Opinion/Every day should be Veterans Day?

Current Event #10: Opinion: Every day should be Veterans Day
Due: Friday, November 16th, 2012

Veterans Day was celebrated on Sunday, November 11th this year, with America recognizing it as a major federal holiday Monday. We salute the men and women who willingly sacrifice their lives on behalf of all fellow Americans worldwide. As you will find most veterans don't always ask for help because of them having a lot of pride. However, we still have to find ways of showing our appreciation to the many lives that have supported our military efforts and defended our country’s safety.

What You Will Do:

1) Students will read the CNN article discussing the importance of Veteran’s Day and how one can help a respected war veteran. http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/us/iyw-veterans-day/index.html?iref=allsearch

2) Do you know someone who is currently serving in the military or who has actively served our country in the armed forces? If so, be sure to give supporting facts and include any personal experiences by identifying the soldier, your relation or connection to the soldier, any war stories shared, the name of war the soldier fought in, etc., so we can properly acknowledge the heroism of the soldier during this time of celebrations and memorials.

3) List and explain a variety of  ways that you/we can honor our war veterans every day of the year.  If you or someone you know are supporting or have supported a soldier in the past, explain in detail how you or someone you know has helped in supporting military soldiers over throughout the past or within the present years.

WE SALUTE ALL OF OUR MILITARY SOLDIERS WORLDWIDE!!!

***Remember to answer all of your questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Current Event #9: Legal Age To Vote


Current Event #9: Legal Age To Vote

Due: Friday, November 9th, 2012

The right to vote is one of the most important liberties that can be accorded to the individual in a democratic country. In the history of the world there have been many stories about the sacrifices made by our ancestors in order for them to give us the liberty of speaking our minds through a vote.

After many years of struggle voting has become a right that can be exerted by every man and woman that has reached the right age. There is such a thing as a right age for voting because it must be done by an individual that holds the intellectual capability of understanding the consequences of the vote he or she casts. An individual must be able to make a decision that is right on which the future of a country could depend on.

The legal age for voting differs in some countries, but the majority agrees with young men and women who reach the age of 18 to be allowed to vote. In the past the right to vote was granted at the age of 21 but the limit was lowered to 18 and some countries are even debating lowering it even more.

In the United States of America the legal age is 18. But there is an exception to this rule that allows persons who have 17 years old to vote if they are to turn 18 on or before the general election day. This however is only applicable in some states.

Most countries around the world maintain the 18 year old rule. Cuba, Brazil, Nicaragua and Austria allow voting at 16. In the Seychelles and Sudan 17 is the legal age. South Korea has a legal voting age of 19 and Japan of 20. Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Dominica, Djibouti, Fiji, Kuwait and Lebanon allow their citizen to vote at the age of 21.


Source:www.righttovote.org


What You Will Do:

1) Read the CNN article entitled Argentina drops its voter age to 16 found at the following link: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/31/world/americas/argentina-youth-vote/index.html?hpt=ila_c2 .


2) Based on your reading of the information regarding the official voting ages around the world and the content found in the CNN article, you will formulate your thoughts and opinions on the age parameters set for voting in the United States.

3) Do you agree or disagree with the current voting age set for citizens in the United States? Should the age criteria remain the same or should they change based upon the intellectual attributes that you and your peer group could bring to the table? Explain in detail.

4) The Argentina voting article made mention of the fact that, "the worst social problem in Argentina is the youth. Education is worse. The consumption of drugs is worse. Employment is worse. Things like teen pregnancy, they are much worse than they were at the beginning of this government, and now the government has discovered them and they say, we are going to vote". If you were granted the opportunity today to vote based on political campaign debate speeches and other media driven plows to capture voter's action at the ballots, would you vote to solve issues such as the ones listed in this quote? Why or why not?

***Remember to answer all of your questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Current Event #8: Government Invades 
American Citizens Right to Privacy

Due: Friday, November 2nd, 2012

A recent issue surrounding the rights of American citizens privacy has come into play at the federal government level as it concerns to wiretapping. Known as the FISA Amendments Act, the arguing plaintiffs state that this particular act allows the government to target people without any suspicion of wrongdoing. This in turn, brings up the question of whether or not an invasive program as such will be subject to any meaningful judicial review. This makes many fearful that if no regulations or checks and balances are placed on government officials, from monitoring phone/email records, the privacy of many non-threatening citizens will be violated and subjected. 

What You Will Do:

Read the CNN article found at the following address link to respond to the following questions: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/29/opinion/jaffer-abdo-wiretapping/index.html?hpt=op_t1.

1) How do you feel about the government having the ability to access the phone and email records of citizens found guilty of wrongdoing as well as non-threatening individuals in attempts to obtaining personal information? 

2) Should there be judicial review conducted on government officials to protect the privacy of American citizens from being taken advantage of? If so why, and to what degree do you suggest conducting an audit and who should be apart of this judicial review committee?

3) Do you foresee a major shift or change in the way people will utilize their communication devices, if the government wins this case, which will truly end the privacy of all citizens' phone/email records from being wiretapped? By chance, does this debate issue cause you to rethink your communication correspondences with the individuals you call, text, or send emails to?

***Remember to answer all of your questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Monday, October 22, 2012

Current Event #7: Individual Topic of Your Choice

Current Event #7: 


Due: Friday, October 26, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is one of your choice. Please refrain from using any sports or entertainment articles for your current event. Be sure to use a current and reputable information source to find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

What You Will Do:

1) Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

2) Paragraph #1:
-Your summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide details about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant to the study of World History) 

3) Paragraph #2:
-Your reflection/opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-Pose questions/concerns about the event of your choice for others to consider


4) Lastly, select one other current event from another student, to read and provide appropriate feedback by replying to their post. This will begin an interactive component to our on-line blog for future assignments.     

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Current Event #6: Pakistan's Malala: Global symbol, but still just a kid


Current Event #6: Pakistan's Malala: Global symbol, but still just a kid


Due: Friday, October 19th, 2012


Fourteen year-old, Malala Yousufzai has been highlighted in the news across the world recently because of a recent outbreak of violence against her by a member of the Taliban. Malala's father, an educator, taught her to stand up for her rights. In 2009, the Taliban issued an edict that all girls in her region be banned from schools. Malala spoke out, blogged and appeared in a documentary, refusing to follow their orders, which resulted in her recent tragedy.

On Tuesday, October 9, while coming home from school in a van with other schoolchildren, Taliban assassins stopped the vehicle, climbed aboard and demanded that the children identify Malala. Terrified, the children identified her and the men fired, shooting Malala in the head and neck and also wounding two other girls. As of Monday night, she was in Great Britain receiving top medical care from an international team of doctors.

Unfortunately, spokespersons have stated that the Taliban would come for her again if she manages to survive. 


What You Will Do

1) Students should read the article posted by, Ashley Fantz, at the CNN's website and view any of their videos in order to respond appropriately to the following questions in complete, detailed sentences in paragraph form.

2) Share your personal thoughts regarding this unfortunate situation involving a student within your peer/age group that has succumbed to such a violent tragedy?

3) Reflect on your personal stance of standing up for what you believe in. Does this story change the way you now or will take a stand as a leader on certain topics/issues in society or within your local community?

4) If you could write a short personal note to Malala, what message of hope and/or encouragement would you give during this time in her life? 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Current Event #5: A New School of Thought in China


Current Event #5: A New School of Thought in China
Due: Friday, October 12th 

This week we are taking a look at the current state of schools and learning in China. Education is constantly changing as we speak to benefit students of today toward being productive 21st Century citizens. The United States continues to raise its concerns to better prepare our students to achieve academic success in order to compete globally with other countries around the world. As you read the Time Magazine article by Austin Ramzy, be sure to make any comparisons or differences between yourself as a current American student to the Chinese students mentioned.   

What You Will Do:
Read the Time Magazine article discussing the first class of students at Xing Wei, a liberal-arts college in Shanghai, China. http://www.xingwei.edu.cn/En/SubNews/6a200559db8b7bdd.shtml

Answer the following questions in complete details to express your opinions based on the information presented in the article.

1.  Students in China have to undergo the gaokao, which is an all-important multi-day examination that determines where all Chinese students go to college and even what subjects they can study. Should there be such an enormous emphasis placed on students to pass high stakes tests in order to decide their future learning and training?

      2.  How does the educational system in China differ from education reform in the United States? (Ex.: PSAT/SAT/ACT testing, new common core standards, teaching critical thinking skills, etc.)
   
L    3.  Lu Fang, Vice President of Fudan University in Shanghai stated that, "Highly specialized education often ignores ethical, cultural and moral values.....Along with a lack of humanity, some students are missing a sense of social responsibility."  Explain how each of these components (ethical, cultural, and moral values) have been or are evident in your current/past school curriculum to ensure that you will have a sense of social responsibility.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Current Event #4: Indus Valley/Deja Vu?



Current Event #4: Indus Valley
Deja Vu?
People flee flooded areas in Shahdadkot, Sindh province, Pakistan, on September 28.
People flee flooded areas in Shahdadkot, Sindh province, Pakistan, on September 28.

Due: Friday, October 5th 

In class, we have learned about the ancient Indus Valley civilizations and how archaeologists speculate that the disappearance of the Harappan twin capitals may have been the result of natural disasters such as flooding or a shifting of the plate tectonics  Thousands of years later, recent reports show how the country's notable monsoons have tragically threatened the lives and land of its people. This week our current event centers around the devastation which the wet monsoons in Pakistan has caused.

What you will do:

and watch the following video to see a first hand account of the tragedy to begin forming your thoughts. 

Secondly, respond to the questions below in complete, detailed sentence, paragraphs to express your thoughts and opinions.

1. In comparison to the notable hurricanes of New Orleans, what similarities (i.e. displacement of villagers, structural damages, loss of life/crops/resources, injuries, etc.) can be drawn to compare with the recent monsoons which have occurred in Pakistan?

2. Geographically speaking, what might be possible measures or solutions the residents of Pakistan can take to perhaps secure a better structurally sound defense against the continuum of yearly floods? Provide examples of methods used by other places past and present.

3.The video features footage of the catastrophic disaster and reports that the residents have not received any aid/help or the solicitation from any government officials. How would you respond to such a calamity if you were placed in a leadership role at this time?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Current Event# 3: Future Progress: Should we Save or Destroy Ancient Site?

Current Event #3: Future Progress: Should we Save or Destroy Ancient Site?
A Buddhist statue overlooks a Chinese government-owned mining compound in Logar province, Afghanistan. Mes Aynak, a 2,600-year-old Buddhist site, could be destroyed in December to create a massive copper mine.
Due: Friday, September 28th, 2012


                                 Mining operation threatens Buddhist icons

Recently, our class has been covering the histories of ancient river valley civilizations of the past. We’ve studied how each civilization must exhibit certain criteria or key features in order to be considered one of importance. As you reflect on these lessons, imagine the world today minus the great pyramids of Egypt along with a host of other monuments and natural wonders of the present world. This week, our current event focuses on the topic of saving an ancient site from being destroyed by economical progression. As you read the article, learn of how a Buddhist statue overlooks a Chinese government-owned mining compound in Logar province, Afghanistan. Mes Aynak, a 2,600-year-old Buddhist site, could be destroyed in December to create a massive copper mine.

Brent Huffman, a documentary filmmaker and assistant professor at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, documents that the ancient site will be destroyed by plans to mine the area. A Chinese company has granted permission to create a massive open-pit style copper mine, whereas Huffman states that Mes Aynak is a missing link showing Afghanistan's historic role in Asia. He further states that destroying Mes Aynak is equivalent to wiping Machu Picchu off the map. How do you feel about destroying historical landmarks/sites in the wake of promoting future progression?

What You Will Do?
  1. First, read the article outlining the case surrounding a historical landmark in Afghanistan. After reading the article begin thinking about one historic landmark/monument that exist in the world today in order to answer the questions below. 
  1. State by name the historical landmark/monument that comes to your mind and explain its significance to the world and/or group of people in which it represents.
  1. Analyze why you might or might not be in favor of moving forward with future progress that would lead to the destruction of structures holding significant histories tied to a land/people.
  1. Evaluate the impact of losing your historical landmark/monument of choice would have on our society?
***Note: Be sure to write complete, detailed sentences in paragraph form, when you share your responses to the blog. 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Current Event# 2: Freedom of Speech

Current Event#2: Freedom of Speech 
Why free speech is baffling to many
Palestinian men in Gaza City burn the U.S. flag Wednesday to protest an anti-Islam video.

Due: Friday, September, 21st

CNN Special Contributing Author, Zeynep Tufekci, is assistant professor at the School of Information at the University of North Carolina.


The recent murder of U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and members of his staff in Benghazi are the direct actions over a crude and offensive anti-Islam video appearing on YouTube. Zeynep Tufekci states, The recent protests serve as a lesson about cultural clash in the Internet era — not necessarily between extremists on both sides, but rather between cultural understandings of free speech and the public sphere”.
Long gone are the days when a person needed to travel someplace new to experience a culture clash. In today’s time, one can create an immediate connection between people by way of the Internet, which can evoke a massive clash of culture. As the reporter states, America’s free-speech culture and its legal framework are unique in the world and baffling to many outside of its borders. In order to move forward, we must understand the differences between peoples and not assume that everyone else lives in the same cultural, legal and political framework.

What You Will Do:


2) You may refer to other articles or video pertaining to the recent American attacks to further your understanding.

3) Answer the following questions in well-organized paragraph form using complete sentences:
1) When should freedom of speech be limited when another culture/religion is at the center of discussion?
2) Should we enforce stricter regulations when it comes to posting video footage of controversial subjects on media sites such as YouTube, etc.? If so, explain the specific criteria one must follow for uploads.
3) How does this recent activity change the way we view our country’s stance on freedom of speech and how will this event shape other countries perception of the U.S.?




Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Current Event# 1: Remembering 9/11


Current Event# 1: Remembering 9/11

***Directions: When posting to this blog, please be sure to include your first and last name and theclass period that you are in for your entry. If you do not provide this information, Mr. Waters will not be able to credit you with a grade for any work submitted. 

Hint:
 I strongly encourage you to type your responses into a google or word document first. You can then copy and paste your assignment into blogger. This will enable you to check your spelling/grammar and also prevent you from losing your work in the event of a computer error. Blogger is NOT perfect and has been known to crash in mid sentence. Remember that you can always email me your assignment if you are having trouble with blogger.

Please feel free to read and comment on other student posts in an appropriate manner to provide an open forum of discussion. 


**Deadline/Blog Response By: Friday, September 14, 2012**

Current Event #1: As the world remembers the historic events of September 11, 2001, reflect and analyze how this changed America. This day marked a time which brought Americans together as one. This week, you should read an article about something relating to 9/11. Remember to include the link to the article you read, provide the topic of your article, and write at least 5-6 sentences discussing your opinion of the article. You may also use video clips or podcasts for your current event. In addition to your article, include the answers to the following questions in your blog response. What changes have occurred to serve as preventive safety measures. How has these changes personally affected you from a social standpoint? Do you feel that America's unity and attitude toward terrorism and foreign relations have strengthened or weakened 10 years later? Explain why or why not? 



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Current Event #27: Switching Identity/Past or Present

Current Event #27: Switching Identity/Past or Present
Due: Friday, June 1st, 2012

Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama, was asked by reporters if she could be anybody in the world past or present, who would she choose and why. She responded by selecting R&B/Pop Sensation Beyonce Knowles-Carter. She stated that she loves her dance routines and would have to learn how to sing in order to come close to the music icon. This indeed is a great compliment and honor for Beyonce, considering that the U.S. President's wife idolizes such a cultural musical giant.Michelle Obama's article can be found at the following Huffington Post link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/michelle-obama-wants-to-t_n_1543567.html


What You Will Do:

1. Select one individual past or present that you admire and would consider switching identity with. Be sure to discuss who the person is and what contributions or actions/influence he or she has had on society.

2. Explain why you chose the individual and what experiences would come from walking in that person's shoes for any amount of time.

3. Discuss at least one thing that makes you similar to the person you chose and one thing that you would have to change/do in order to come close to the talent of your person of choice.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Current Event #26: The Separation of Church and State in Schools

Current Event #26: The Separation of Church and State in Schools

 
Due: Friday, May 25th, 2012

Recently, the Taliban demanded the closure of some schools due to the implementation of new religious studies being pushed into student's curriculum. With the past war actions and the more recent ending near, several government entities have forced some schools to change the way in which students learn and perserve their future country. These actions are a pure reflection of how the government is in the position of regulating both affairs of the state as well as religion within the school environment. As the United States led military effort winds down in Afghanistan will the Taliban tighten its grip on daily life in the country?


What You Will Do:

 After reading the following CNN article and viewing the video link, http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-schools/index.html?hpt=wo_c1Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.  
you should then answer the questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding the closure and takeover of some schools in Afghanistan by the Taliban. 

1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?

2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?

3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or perserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Current Event #25: Interest of Your Choice

Current Event # 25: Interest of Your
 
Choice


Due: Friday, May 11, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event