Western Studies
Ms. Portman
1. This is a list of some major challenges facing the world today. We will be spending time in class briefly going over all of these topics, so that you will have a context for making your choice for research.
Human Rights Violations
The Gap Between Developed and Developing Countries
Globalization
World Health
The Crisis of the Environment
Religious and/or Ethnic Conflicts
Biological/Chemical Warfare
Terrorism
2. You will choose from the list a challenge facing the world today. You may also come up with your own topic, but it must be approved. The first step will be for you to find a specific example of this unresolved problem occurring anywhere in the world today (your example must be outside of the United States). We will spend several days in the library where you will have the opportunity to research your topic. Besides gathering traditional data, you will need to contact a specialist in this field. You will find out more details about this later.
3. After gathering information about your specific challenge,
you must come up with a thoughtful and realistic solution to this
problem. Your solution may involve addressing the United Nations,
private organizations, politicians, etc. First figure out
who your target audience is-this will affect how you present your
information. In your proposal, you must give your target
audience:
An explanation of the larger challenge
An explanation of your particular situation
How you propose the problem should be solved.
Because these are real issues facing our world today, there will
be no easy answers, but don't let that prevent you from being
creative and optimistic in your response.
4. As far as presentation, you have a variety of options. You may write a letter, speech, petition, create a website or video promoting publicity and awareness. You have some creative leeway, so just let me know what you would like to do. You may also work with a partner or group of your choice. No more than three people in a group and you all receive the same grade.
5. Your text should to be 3-5 pages long and include parenthetical citations and a works cited page. You should use at least four different sources, including information you gathered from your specialist.
6. Students who create a website or video will be required
to present to the class, and other volunteers will also present
their information to the class.
Grade Breakdown- 100 Points Total
Homework Check 10 Points
How You Use Your Class time 10 Points
The Text (explanation of problem and proposed solution)
80 Points
APRIL 29-MAY 3
Class 2
Class: Human Rights and Poverty
Homework: World Health reading and find an example
of any of these 3 challenges
Class 3
Class: Share examples and intro to Israeli/ Palestinian Conflict
(Ethnic/Rel Conflict)
Homework: Readings the conflict
Class 4
Class: Promises A Documentary about Israeli and Palestinian
Kids
Homework: Reading about the Environment
MAY 6-10
Class 1
Class: People Bomb, Biological/Chemical Warfare
and Terrorism
Homework: choose top three choices and partners
Class 2
Class: Confirm choices, discussion about specialist, work on
audience and format
Homework: Begin Research
Class 3
Class: Meet in library, work on research, including contacting
your specialist
Homework: Organize notes, figure out how your are going to present
your information
Class 4
Class: Meet in the library, work on research, including contacting
your specialist
Homework: If you are submitting a standard written text, it is
due Class 2 of the following
week. If you are making a website or video, it is due Class
3
MAY 13-MAY 17
Class 1
Class: Meet in classroom, last day to ask me questions and finalize
presentation
Homework: Final Draft due next class
Class 2
Class: Begin Presentations
Homework: Finish website or video
Class 3
Class: Presentations
Homework: None
Class 4
Class: Presentations
Homework: Begin Exam Review