Current Event #17: Protecting America Against Violence

Current Event #17: Protecting America Against Violence

Due: Friday, February 1st, 2013

In the wake of several recent school and community shootings, many local and federal governmental officials, have been working together to remedy the systematic problems looming over the lives of many. Currently, legistlatures are trying to reform the current laws and rights which accompany gun owners to keep America's citizens safe.

What You Will Do:

1. Students will read the following CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/29/us/handguns-and-federal-legislation/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

2. After reading the article you will respond to the following questions

---What is your stance on the current policy's being discussed with President Obama's plan to resolve violence surrounding gun control which include: (increasing access to mental health services, lifting restrictions on federally funded research on gun violence, extending background checks before the purchase of a gun)?

---Examine the armed weapons pie chart and read Senator Dianne Feinstein's gun proposal. Based on the information presented, explain your thoughts on how the focus has been primarily on curbing access to high-powered rifles and large-capacity magazines, and not the common handguns that account for the majority of gun deaths in America.

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

Current Event #16: Happy New Year 2013!!!

Current Event #16: Happy New Year!!!

Due: Friday, January 11th, 2013

It's 2013, a brand new year, with rapid news coverage happening worldwide. The topic for this week's current event blog assignment will be a topic of your choice. You should select a topic/story that has helped kick off the start of January 2013, that has people currently discussing its content or controversy. Be sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikipedia) in finding an article that interests you. 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!!!

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!!!

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World

Due: Friday, December 14^th, 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.***

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

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

Due: Friday, December 7^th, 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.

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.  

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.

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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!