Unit I-Introduction

Class Introduction and Overview-

In the introductory unit of the class we will examine a number of issues and focus on some of the long term assignments and projects that will be a significant portion of class credit. For example, many times during the semester you will be asked to submit a response to blog prompt. These will be important ways to demonstrate your completion of assigned readings and viewing assignments.

Another semester long culminating project and assessment for this class will be a student maintained website. The main sections will reflect the same main sections of the class and will include images, links, and student written connections. This will provide an electronic record of your research, insight, and interests and provide you with an opportunity to share your work with the rest of the class. Lastly, you will be responsible for becoming an expert in a particular topic or area of interest to you and approved by me. For example, if you are concerned about women's rights or government waste you may choose to focus on that particular topic. You will write a summary document with citations, deliver a presentation , and lead a discussion of your peers. This will be a critical part of the course and will require citations and a bibliography. This will be a challenging and interesting course. You will need to do a large amount of reading, writing, and developing presentation and discussion skills.Let's get started. Follow this link to "wander" around the world and assess the current state of affairs.

First Reading:

Thomas Friedman- It's a Flat World, After All

Introductory reading

Forty Maps that Explain the World- This site has 40 excellent maps that reflect some important historical and current information about a wide variety of issues.