5. Syria

Syria project description

Product: Anything that completes the components of the project. Think of a Google preso or site, mural.ly, Thinglink, Padlet, or some other cool way of showing what you've learned about Syria.

Do yourself a favor. Check out this notetaker now. Want to use it? Directions are on the doc. But y'all have been with me for two years - you probably know how to do it already!

Project rubric

Components of the project

Define the current situation in Syria. Include the following: (Divide and conquer this part with your group first.)

  • economic situation (think about access to food and jobs particularly).
  • level of violence across the country.
  • refugee crisis.
  • control of territory within Syria.

Groups vying for power

  • Who are they?
  • What are their goals for ruling Syria?

Foreign alliances

  • What countries are supporting the rebels? Which rebels? Why?
  • What countries are supporting the government? Why?

Final outcome in Syria. Choose one country from below.

  • France, Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, or Jordan

Most important point: Given what you have learned about this country:

  • Which side of the civil war is this country supporting?
  • What is motivating this country's actions in Syria? Why are they acting the way they are?
  • What actions has this country taken in Syria?
  • What will this country's citizens and government allow the country to do?
  • THEREFORE based on the answers to the questions above, what is the best course of action for this country to take?
    • For example, Russia can't all of a sudden stop backing the Assad government and back the rebels. That isn't going to happen. Your suggestion needs to be realistic (which is the reason I asked the 4th question).
    • Think about this in terms of doing the most good possible for the citizens of Syria.

Works cited page AND parenthetical citations for your evidence (feel free to do this on a publicly viewable Google doc).

Useful Syria resources (Find a great resource? Email it to me so I can add it to this document!)

Syria Presentations

While your Syria project must be submitted with everything completed, you will only be sharing out your research on your chosen country to the entire class. In class on Tuesday (3/25), you will share out the specific research you have done about France, Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, or Jordan.

  • Please divide this information up so everyone in your group talks.
  • Make sure one of your group members is available to answer questions after your presentation as well.