8th Grade Regional Studies: November 2006 Archives

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November 30, 2006

Thursday, November 30th: Solutions to the AIDS Crisis

Proposal Development

We will be working to develop solutions to the AIDS crisis. See yesterday's blog for a list of the questions that need to be answered. Your solutions need to be completed and emailed to me by the end of the hour.

Homework

You need to post a comment to the “Solutions Entry” on this blog (It will be posted sometime tomorrow). Your comment should be at least five sentences long. Your comment should answer one or more of the following questions:

-Which of the solutions will be most effective and why?
-Are there factors that contribute to the AIDS crisis (poverty, misconceptions, etc.) that groups are failing to address in their solutions?
-What is most difficult about developing a solution to the AIDS crisis?
-Which of the solutions is most realistic?
-Which of the solutions would get the most support from the American people? Why is this important?

Your comment must be made by the start of class on Monday.

Finally, you should continue to prepare for Tuesday’s exam. Don’t forget to look at both of the essay questions.

Posted by kmurr at 9:43 AM | Comments (0)

November 29, 2006

Wednesday, November 29th: Age of AIDS Continued

Age of Aids

We will finish watching sections from this video. Remember, you will be using the information from this video and the accompanying website to develop a solution to the AIDS crisis. Don’t forget to complete your chart while you are watching the video.

Solutions Session

You will get into a group of three to four in order to develop your solution. Once you get into your group, start developing your proposal. You will need to write your proposal in paragraph form. You need to make sure that you answer the following questions in your proposal:

-What are the goals of the program? Are you attempting to prevent the spread of AIDS, treat AIDS patients or both? Be sure to justify your choice.
-Which countries will be targeted? Poor countries? Countries with the highest rate of infection? Countries with the greatest potential of success?
-Who will implement your proposal? Africans? Americans? Another group?
-What will be the timeframe for your proposal? What do you want to accomplish and by when?
-How will you fund your proposal?

Be sure to use specific examples to support your conclusions.

Your proposal should be a minimum of 400 words and it will need to be complete by the end of class tomorrow. You will have some time to work during class tomorrow, but not the entire hour.

Homework

Work on your part of the solution proposal. Brainstorming ideas and making sure you have done all of the readings would be a helpful way to prepare for tomorrow's class. Doing this will allow you to use all of your work time to write your proposal. It is due at the end of class tomorrow.

This article about living with AIDS was in the Star Tribune today. I thought you might be interested.

Lastly, I moved your exam to next Tuesday. This should give us plenty of time to prepare.

Posted by kmurr at 9:26 AM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2006

Tuesday, November 28th: Age of AIDS

Homework

You need to prepare for tomorrow’s class by looking at two different parts of the Age of Aids website. First, spend 30 minutes looking at the maps at this link. Spend the majority of your time at the HIV/AIDS in the World map. Click on the countries in Africa and read about how the AIDS epidemic has evolved in those countries. Be sure to look at Botswana, Uganda and South Africa.

Second, read about the different sources of funding described at this part of the site. This reading is complicated, but do your best to understand how the Global Fund, PEPFAR, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation operate.

Your second unit test is next Monday. Your test will have two parts. The first part of the test will be a twenty question multiple-choice test. The second part of the test will be an essay. This test will cover EVERYTHING that we have done since the last unit test. This includes decolonization, AIDS, Somalia and Rwanda.

You cannot use notes on the multiple-choice portion of the exam. You will be able to use a LIMITED number of notes for the essay exam. Please see the essay sheet for more information about the questions and for more information about what you can use on the exam.

Posted by kmurr at 9:51 AM | Comments (0)

November 27, 2006

Monday, November 27th: The United States on Trial

The United States on Trial

Both sides will get a little time to prepare and then the trial will begin.

Homework

You need to read the article from the Economist that I handed to you in class. Once you have read the article, try to put at least three ideas in each column of the chart I handed to you in class. In the “Proof that the AIDS Epidemic is a Major Crisis” column, put examples, facts, stories, etc. that provide evidence of the problems caused by the AIDS epidemic. In the “Causes of the AIDS Epidemic” column, list factors that have made the epidemic worse. For example, the article discusses how poverty makes it difficult for people to access the drugs that they need to treat AIDS. In the “Solutions to the AIDS Epidemic” column, write potential solutions to the AIDS crisis. These can be ideas in the article or your own ideas.

Posted by kmurr at 9:00 AM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2006

Tuesday, November 21st: Rwanda Continued

Anatomy of a Genocide

We will finish taking notes on the Rwandan genocide. These notes should help both sides to prepare for the debate tomorrow.

Homework

Now that you have the facts about what took place in Rwanda, you need to consider the U.S. reaction and whether it was negligent in its dealings with Rwanda. In order to do this, you will be taking on the role of a prosecuting attorney or a defense attorney. As an attorney your job will be to review this information and to build a case against the U.S. if you are a prosecutor or to defend the U.S. against a negligence charge if you are a defense attorney.

You need to prepare your case for Monday’s class. At the end of class today, you received your assignment for the debate. The half sheet of paper that you received says that you are either a prosecuting attorney (You will argue that the U.S. was negligent in its dealings with Rwanda.) or a defense attorney (You will argue that the U.S. was NOT negligent in its dealings with Rwanda.). You also received a document that could act as a piece of evidence in your case. You need to read this document and figure out how it could support your side of the debate or what it tells you about the other side’s arguments. Everyone has a different document, so don't worry if you have a document that is different from your neighbor's document.

Once you have read your document, think about the questions on the half sheet of paper. Then, brainstorm ideas that you can use to support your case. I expect a half sheet of notes by Monday from each of you. These should be your OWN ideas about what your side can do to win the debate.

This is a challenging assignment, but don't be afraid to get into it. Be creative in developing your ideas and think about all of the things that we have studied over the past few days when building your cases.

Posted by kmurr at 9:41 AM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2006

Monday, November 20th: Anatomy of a Genocide

Presidential Decision Directive 25

Let's discuss your homework from last night. Be ready to comment on whether or not you agree with PDD 25.

Genocide in Rwanda

Right now, I am going to give you some information about what happened in Rwanda in 1994. What we will discuss is horrifying, but we need to confront this history so that we can think about how the world responded to this situation and about how to prevent future "Rwandas" from taking place.

Use this note guide to help you follow the discussion.

Homework

You need to read the genocide fax and try to determine the significance of the document. The fax is a photocopy of a real document. This means that it is a little tough to read, but with a little effort, you can do it. Be ready to discuss this document tomorrow in class.

Posted by kmurr at 9:10 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2006

Friday, November 17th: Beyond Blackhawk Down

Ambush in Mogadishu

We will finish the movie that we started yesterday. Be ready to share answers and opinions as we discuss the questions associated with the movie.

Homework

In 1994, the Clinton administration released a major policy statement. This policy statement is titled Presidential Decision Directive 25. A summary of PDD 25 is linked here. Read the summary and then answer the questions that are typed below the summary. You should answer in complete sentences. Take no more and no less than 35 minutes to complete this assignment.

Here is the website associated with the movie "Ambush in Mogadishu." You used to be able to watch the movie online, but Frontline seems to have removed the movie from its site. The website, however, is very good.

Posted by kmurr at 9:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2006

Thursday, November 16th: Beyond Blackhawk Down

Independence Movements in Africa

We will finish our discussion about the potential for justifiable violence. Be ready to discuss the notes that you read for homework and the readings that we did yesterday in class.

Introduction to Somalia

In December of 1992, George Bush (the outgoing president of the United States) sent a peacekeeping force of U.S. soldiers into Somalia. In October of 1993 these peacekeeping soldiers (by then under the control of President Bill Clinton) were involved in a fierce battle in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu. This battle, which was depicted in the popular movie Blackhawk Down, had a profound effect on the U.S. view of the world.

In order to more fully understand this story, you need some background information on Somalia. In order to obtain this information, we will watch parts of the Frontline production "Ambush in Mogadishu." Download these questions and answer them as we watch the movie. We will stop and discuss the movie at a number of different points.

Homework

No homework!!

Posted by kmurr at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2006

Wednesday, November 15th: Is Violence the Answer?

Kenneth Kaunda and Frantz Fanon

Now that we have learned about the impacts of colonization, we need to talk about the end of colonization. During the 1950s and 1960s, a large number of African colonies achieved their independence. Many of these colonies obtained their independence through the use of violence. This use of violence flies in the face of what many of you may have learned about how to meet goals and deal with the problems facing you. Let's explore the assumption that violence is never the answer by discussing the writings (I will hand these out in class.) of two different individuals who wanted independence for African countries. We will have some quiet reading time in class and then you will get into groups of two to three to answer the following questions:

Kenneth Kaunda:

1. Would Kaunda discriminate against whites?

2. According to Kaunda, why have whites done what they have done? Are, according to Kaunda, whites evil?

3. What does Kaunda say the West could learn from Africa?

Frantz Fanon

1. Why do you think Fanon thinks decolonization must always be violent?

2. What does “the last shall be first and the first last” mean?

3. Should Africa just catch up to Europe?

Is Violence Ever the Answer?

Now that we have a basic understanding of these two authors’ ideas, let’s have a more general discussion about the role of violence in our lives. We will use some of the following questions to get started.

Do the ends justify the means?

Why do so many people in this country seem to prefer the use of non-violence?

Can non-violence work in a country that isn't a democracy?

Should those who use violence to achieve "worthy" goals be condemned?

Are there negative impacts to using violence in order to achieve "worthy" goals?

Should we always respond to violence with violence?

Homework

Read through these notes on the independence movements of Ghana, Algeria and the Belgian Congo. Try to compare and contrast these three independence movements as you read the information. Be prepared to answer questions about these notes tomorrow in class.

Posted by kmurr at 9:46 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2006

Friday, November 10th: Colonization in MPA

Let’s Practice Colonization

Today we will be conquering the seventh graders . . . well, we will be planning our colonization of the seventh graders. We have two major options when it comes to how to rule these students and we need to discuss these options. One option is called direct rule, while the other option in called indirect rule. I will explain the basics of these two options and then we will discuss the following questions:

-Which method gives the most power to the seventh graders? Could this be a problem?
-Which method gives us the most power? Why is this?
-Which method is the most cost effective for us?
-Which method will create the most support amongst the seventh graders? How could we take advantage of this?
-Which method is best for the seventh graders? Should we consider this?
-Which form of rule would be most approved of by the other grades? Why should we consider this issue?

Direct versus Indirect Control

We will review the characteristics of direct and indirect control. You will be working in pairs for part of this activity.

Writing Essays in Regional Studies

Your first essay exam is on Tuesday. You will have to write an in-class essay on one of three questions. I want to talk as a class about how to write an essay, so that you understand my expectations. If you haven’t already looked at it, make sure that you download and read the “How to Write” guide.

Homework

We will start this discussion on Monday. You are going to need to do a little bit of thinking about how European colonization could have had positive and negative impacts on Africa. You need to brainstorm about the political, economic and social impacts of colonization on Africa. You will need to be a little creative as you think about these impacts because we haven’t actually studied these impacts yet or read about them. Use the following questions to help your brainstorming.

Political
-Was there more or less conflict as a result of colonization?
-How could African governments have benefited from colonization?
-Were Africans able to control their own governments during colonization? How would this impact Africa?
-What impact did colonization have on equality?

Economic
-What did Europeans build in Africa that could have benefited African economies?
-What part of the African economies grew during colonization?
-Did trade with Europe increase or decrease as a result of colonization?
-Under the colonial system, who produced finished goods? How would this impact African economies?

Social
-Would colonization expose Africans to new ideas? Is this a positive or negative thing?
-What were the impacts of colonization on medicine and education for Africans?
-What were the psychological impacts of colonization? How would colonization make Africans feel?

Try to get at least two quality ideas in each box for Monday.

Aside from this assignment, study for the test. It is on Tuesday. Remember to make your note sheet for the multiple-choice test and to prepare for the essay test. Email me with any of your questions.

Posted by kmurr at 9:23 AM | Comments (0)

November 9, 2006

Thursday, November 9th: Imperialism in Africa

Notes on Imperialism

We will use the conclusions that you drew during the cartoon activity to add to a few notes on imperialism. Use this note guide to help organize your ideas.

Let’s Practice Colonization

Homework

Continue working on your exam preparation. You can now think about answering the first two essay questions.

Posted by kmurr at 9:54 AM | Comments (0)

November 8, 2006

Wednesday, November 8th: A Search for Facts in the Funnies

The Search for Facts in the Funnies

You will complete a fact-finding mission in a small group today. You will use a series of cartoons to determine as many facts as you can about European imperialism in Africa. All of the cartoons were drawn in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and all of them deal with imperialism. You will also look at an excerpt from a poem and at an advertisement for soap. As you look at all of these different primary sources in search of your facts, think about the following questions:

What were the motivations for European imperialism? In other words, why did Europe want to take over African territory?

-What were the economic motivations?
-What were the political motivations?
-What were the moral motivations?

What countries were involved with imperialism and to what extent were they involved?

How were Africans involved with imperialism?

How did imperialism take place?

What were the impacts of imperialism on Africa?

Links to the Cartoons

He Came to Bless and Remained to Prey

The Congo Rubber Fetish

The White Man’s Burden

The White (?) Man’s Burden

Lightening the White Man’s Burden

Notes on Imperialism

We will use the conclusions that you drew during the cartoon activity to add to a few notes on imperialism. Use this note guide to help organize your ideas.

Homework

Study for you physical geography quiz. It is tomorrow.

Start thinking about the essay test for next week. You can already answer the first essay question.

Posted by kmurr at 9:31 AM | Comments (0)

November 7, 2006

Tuesday, November 7th: Reparations Debate and Cartoons

Political Geography Quiz

The quiz will begin right away. Good luck!

Reparations Debate

Now that you have a more complete understanding of the European slave trade in Africa, let’s discuss one of the current debates associated with slavery. Specifically, I want to discuss the proposal to give the descendents of slaves money as compensation for the suffering of their ancestors. This financial compensation is called reparations. We will debate whether or not reparations should be given to the descendents of slaves. Think about the follow questions as we debate.

Does slavery continue to impact our society today? If so, how?

Should current generations be held responsible for past generations’ mistakes?

How much money should people receive? Can a value be placed on someone’s suffering?

Can the United States afford to pay reparations? Should this even be a consideration?

If the United States pays reparations to the descendents of slaves, will it have to pay reparations to other groups?

The Search for Facts in the Funnies

What were the motivations for European imperialism? In other words, why did Europe want to take over African territory?

-What were the economic motivations?
-What were the political motivations?
-What were the moral motivations?

What countries were involved with imperialism and to what extent were they involved?

How were Africans involved with imperialism?

How did imperialism take place?

What were the impacts of imperialism on Africa?

Links to the Cartoons

He Came to Bless and Remained to Prey

The Congo Rubber Fetish

The White Man’s Burden

The White (?) Man’s Burden

Lightening the White Man’s Burden

First Unit Test

Next Tuesday you will have your first unit test. It will cover everything that we have studied since the beginning of the quarter. For part of the test, you will need to write an essay in class. For this first test I am going to give you the essay questions ahead of time. You pick the question you like the most and prepare for writing the essay as much as you would like. Don't worry! We will talk about this later in the week, but I did want to give you the questions today so you could start thinking about them.

There will also be a 20 point multiple-choice section on the test. You will be allowed to use one page of notes, front and back, on this part of the test. These notes can be typed, but they should use 12 point font or larger and the margins should be one inch on the top and bottom and on the left and right. You cannot copy a classmate's note sheet.

**If your sheet violates any of these rules, I reserve the right to take it away from you, to take points off of your test or to cut your sheet down to make it conform with the rules.

You will be able to use whatever you would like on the essay portion of the exam, as long as it is printed out. You will be typing your essays.

Homework

Don't forget to study for your physical geography quiz. It is on Thursday.

Read over the description of next week's test (see above). YOU DO NOT NEED TO WRITE AN ESSAY FOR TOMORROW'S CLASS. JUST READ OVER THE QUESTIONS. We will talk more tomorrow.

Posted by kmurr at 9:29 AM | Comments (0)

November 6, 2006

Monday, November 6th: Reparations Debate

Current Events

We will talk for a moment about tomorrow's elections. Feel free to share your opinions about the candidates, issues, etc.

Atlantic Slave Trade Notes

We will finish the notes that we started on Friday. Don't forget to use your note guide.

Reparations Debate

Does slavery continue to impact our society today? If so, how?

Should current generations be held responsible for past generations’ mistakes?

How much money should people receive? Can a value be placed on someone’s suffering?

Can the United States afford to pay reparations? Should this even be a consideration?

If the United States pays reparations to the descendents of slaves, will it have to pay reparations to other groups?

Homework

1. Study for your political geography quiz. It is tomorrow. It will cover the underlined cities and countries on the map assignment.

Posted by kmurr at 9:25 AM | Comments (0)

November 3, 2006

Friday, November 3rd: Civilization and the Slave Trade

African Civilizations

We will go over the civilizations assignment that you had to complete for homework. Remember that the purpose of this assignment is to think about Africa prior to the European slave trade and colonization.

Slavery in Africa

We will start talking about the European slave trade today. We will begin by analyzing a series of images associated with the slave trade. I will put you in groups of 2 -3 and have you answer four questions using the images. You will turn in your answers, so be sure to do your best work.

Notes on the Slave Trade

We will build on the images activity to create a more in-depth picture of the African slave trade. Download this note guide to help you take notes.

Homework

1. Your first geography quiz will be on Tuesday. It will cover the underlined cities and countries. DON'T FORGET TO STUDY.

2. Complete the two readings that I handed to you at the end of class. One of the readings provides you with some background information about the slave trade. The other discusses reparations for the descendents of slaves. Make sure that you determine whether or not you support reparations. We will debate about this policy on Monday.

Posted by kmurr at 9:20 AM | Comments (0)

November 2, 2006

Thursday, November 2nd: Civilizations in Africa

Yes or No?

Which of the following are civilizations? Can civilizations exist within civilizations? Can uncivilized things exist within a civilization? Can something be civilized but not be a civilization? These are all questions that we can consider as we look at the following examples.

1. An Ant Colony: Ants can construct massive structures for storing food, protecting their young and for providing shelter. These structures are sometimes called colonies.

2. A Hunter-Gatherer Tribe: This nomadic group of people hunts for wild animals and gathers wild plants in order to survive. The tribe does not have any permanent structures.

3. The Ninth Grade

4. Survivor: Cook Islands

5. A Maximum Security Prison

6. Present-Day Baghdad

Concluding Conversation

Lastly, let's think about why the word civilization is so important. Use the following questions to guide your comments.

-Why is the word civilization an important word in our world?

-What is a person if they are not civilized?

-Is it important to be considered civilized? What happens to groups of people if they are not considered to be civilized?

-Is it important to be civilized?

Ancient Civilizations in Africa

Investigate the BBC information on Ghana, Mali and Songhay. (The links for Ghana, Mali and Songhay are on the right side of this page.) Decide whether or not you think each of these three places was a civilization. Write 3 paragraphs (A paragraph has a minimum of 4 sentences.) that explain your position on each of the three potential civilizations. Be sure to use at least two specific examples in each of your 3 paragraphs (6 examples total).

Homework

1. Don’t forget that your first geography quiz on the cities and countries is next Tuesday.

2. Complete the civilizations analysis assignment for tomorrow. Don’t forget that you need to write a paragraph for each of the three potential civilizations and that you need to use specific examples to support your answers.

Here is the article that interested second block!

Posted by kmurr at 9:09 AM | Comments (0)

November 1, 2006

Wednesday, November 1st: Civilization Through Art

Syllabus Questions

Do you have any questions about the syllabus? If you do, I will answer them right now!

Complete Our Discussion of Africa Statistics

For homework last night you were asked to finish guessing what each column represented. We will look over these last few columns right now.

Africa's Future

Using the conclusions you drew using the above data, begin to think about the future of Africa. Can many of the countries on the continent develop to the level of "first world countries?" Does this continent need substantial outside help? Should it receive this help?

Civilization Through “Art”

Draw a picture of the word civilization. In other words, draw what image or images come to mind when you hear the word civilization. On the back of your drawing, write a definition of the word civilization. We will use these pictures and definitions as the basis for our discussion.

Homework

Continue working on your practice map for Africa. It is due on Thursday.

Posted by kmurr at 9:09 AM | Comments (0)