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.

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:

Read the CNN article http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/29/world/asia/pakistan-floods/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

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

http://cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/09/14/walsh-pakistan-flood-villages.cnn

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?

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

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

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. 
   http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/22/opinion/afghanistan-buddha-site-mine/index.html?hpt=wo_mid

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

Current Event# 2: Freedom of Speech

Current Event#2: Freedom of Speech 

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:

1) Read the CNN article posted at the following web link: http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/14/why-free-speech-is-baffling-to-many/?hpt=wo_r1

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.?

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? 

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.

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.

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