This week's blog is the last blog and it focuses on poverty around the world. On Friday, we will begin our unit on globalization and an understanding of poverty is important to understanding globalization. So, please complete each task below and post your blog BEFORE CLASS on Friday.
Task 1: Defining poverty. Take the defining poverty quiz. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/int/ms/health/wealth/def_of_poverty/index.shtml)
Task 2: Mapping poverty. View the 3 maps below about poverty around the world. Don't forget to read the descriptions for each map.
Human Poverty from WorldMapper: http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=174
Absolute Poverty from WorldMapper: http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=180
The Wretched Dollar (up to a $1 a day): http://www.worldmapper.org/display.php?selected=179
Task 3: Read about the current food crisis.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/14/news/international/world_bank_food_prices/index.htm
Questions:
1. Define poverty
2. What is absolute poverty?
3. How is absolute poverty different from "poverty"
4. Using the maps, what parts of the world have the most poverty. Why do you think that is?
5. What is causing the current food crisis?
6. How is this crisis impacting El Salvador? Find another article that explains the impact of the food crisis on El Salvador (in English or Spanish) and use it to answer the question. Include the link from the article in your post.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Libya and the fighting in Misrata
Great blogs last week! I am sorry I am not with you to introduce this week's Current Events blog. This week's topic is the current fighting in Misrata, Libya. Remember it is due BEFORE CLASS ON FRIDAY. For the blog complete the three steps below.
Step 1: Read/View the 2 sources linked below about the current situation in Misrata, Libya.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/09/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13341143
Step 2: Write a 2-3 sentence summary, 1 thing that is surprising and a 1 sentence prediction about 1 of the two news stories. Then,
Step 3: Find a new news article about what is happening in Misrata. Post both the link and a 2-3 sentence summary of the story on the blog. Be sure to include the MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS your story informs you about.
Step 1: Read/View the 2 sources linked below about the current situation in Misrata, Libya.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/09/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T2
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13341143
Step 2: Write a 2-3 sentence summary, 1 thing that is surprising and a 1 sentence prediction about 1 of the two news stories. Then,
Step 3: Find a new news article about what is happening in Misrata. Post both the link and a 2-3 sentence summary of the story on the blog. Be sure to include the MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS your story informs you about.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Extra Credit- Nonviolence and social change
Mahatma Gandhi said in speeches and his book, The Story of My Experiments with Truth (1927) that “there are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” Gandhi’s words and nonviolent teachings continue to inspire people around the world to use nonviolent means to create change.
For the extra credit Current Events blog, you will be exploring how Gandhi’s principles of Non-violence are still being used today. To do this, use a news source (such as BBC, New York Times, CNN, Al Jazeera) or a peace-oriented organization that discusses current events and nonviolence to find information about nonviolent resistance used today to create political change.
1. What is civil disobedience (define).
2. Write a summary (2-3 sentences with the 5 Ws) of your source.
3. What change does the source want?
4. How is non-violence being used to create change?
5. Explain the evidence is present in the source to prove that nonviolence is working (or not working) to create change?
Some topic ideas include:
Use of nonviolence in the protests in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunsia.
Current nonviolence groups in India, still following the teachings of Gandhi.
Civil rights nonviolence in the United States (following the example of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
This Blog is due by Friday, May 13th at 5:00pm for up to 10 points of extra credit as part of your current events grade.
For the extra credit Current Events blog, you will be exploring how Gandhi’s principles of Non-violence are still being used today. To do this, use a news source (such as BBC, New York Times, CNN, Al Jazeera) or a peace-oriented organization that discusses current events and nonviolence to find information about nonviolent resistance used today to create political change.
1. What is civil disobedience (define).
2. Write a summary (2-3 sentences with the 5 Ws) of your source.
3. What change does the source want?
4. How is non-violence being used to create change?
5. Explain the evidence is present in the source to prove that nonviolence is working (or not working) to create change?
Some topic ideas include:
Use of nonviolence in the protests in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunsia.
Current nonviolence groups in India, still following the teachings of Gandhi.
Civil rights nonviolence in the United States (following the example of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
This Blog is due by Friday, May 13th at 5:00pm for up to 10 points of extra credit as part of your current events grade.
The killing of Bin Laden
This week’s blog looks at the death of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan over the weekend.
First, read NPR’s May 2nd, 2011 article. “New Details Emerge about the Killing of Bin Landen.” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135926537/new-details-emerge-about-killing-of-bin-laden
1. Write a 2-3 sentence summary about how Bin Laden was found and killed.
Second, read about reaction to Bin Landen’s death from leaders around the world from the 2 sources below (NPR is based in the U.S. and Al Jazeera is based in the Middle East).
BBC quotes of reactions: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13256956
NPR, “World Reaction to Osama Bin Laden death.” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135919728/world-reaction-to-osama-bin-ladens-death
Al Jazeera quotes of reactions: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/05/20115241936984209.html
2. How did U.S. President Obama respond to Bin Laden’s killing?
3. How did one leader in the Middle East respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
4. How did one leader in the Asia respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
5. How did one leader in the Europe respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
6. How did one leader in the Africa respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
Third, Read the Monday, May 2nd 2011 article from NPR “Is it wrong to celebrate Bin Laden’s death?”
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135927693/is-it-wrong-to-celebrate-bin-ladens-death
7. In your opinion, is it wrong to celebrate Bin Laden’s death? Why or why not?
8. Write 2 questions you have on this topic.
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If you are interested in more information:
NPR’s May 5th article, “Did Pakistan know where bin Laden was hiding” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135925423/did-pakistan-know-where-bin-laden-was-hiding
Obituary of Osama Bin Laden posted on Al Jazeera English.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/05/20115251555423645.html
What’s Next after bin Landen’s death
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11489337
Al Jazeera English:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2011/05/20115255840441224.html
Al Jazeera English Osama Bin Landen interactive archive about news coverage
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/interactive/2011/05/201152133130148517.html
Is this the end of Al Queda? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03terror.html?hp
Why is the U.K. and other countries on alert after Bin Landen’s death. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13257217
First, read NPR’s May 2nd, 2011 article. “New Details Emerge about the Killing of Bin Landen.” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135926537/new-details-emerge-about-killing-of-bin-laden
1. Write a 2-3 sentence summary about how Bin Laden was found and killed.
Second, read about reaction to Bin Landen’s death from leaders around the world from the 2 sources below (NPR is based in the U.S. and Al Jazeera is based in the Middle East).
BBC quotes of reactions: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13256956
NPR, “World Reaction to Osama Bin Laden death.” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135919728/world-reaction-to-osama-bin-ladens-death
Al Jazeera quotes of reactions: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/05/20115241936984209.html
2. How did U.S. President Obama respond to Bin Laden’s killing?
3. How did one leader in the Middle East respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
4. How did one leader in the Asia respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
5. How did one leader in the Europe respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
6. How did one leader in the Africa respond to Bin Landen’s killing? (1-2 sentence summary)
Third, Read the Monday, May 2nd 2011 article from NPR “Is it wrong to celebrate Bin Laden’s death?”
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135927693/is-it-wrong-to-celebrate-bin-ladens-death
7. In your opinion, is it wrong to celebrate Bin Laden’s death? Why or why not?
8. Write 2 questions you have on this topic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in more information:
NPR’s May 5th article, “Did Pakistan know where bin Laden was hiding” http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135925423/did-pakistan-know-where-bin-laden-was-hiding
Obituary of Osama Bin Laden posted on Al Jazeera English.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/05/20115251555423645.html
What’s Next after bin Landen’s death
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11489337
Al Jazeera English:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2011/05/20115255840441224.html
Al Jazeera English Osama Bin Landen interactive archive about news coverage
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/interactive/2011/05/201152133130148517.html
Is this the end of Al Queda? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03terror.html?hp
Why is the U.K. and other countries on alert after Bin Landen’s death. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13257217
Monday, April 25, 2011
What causes revolutions?
In the upcoming weeks, we will be focusing on revolutions of the 20th century.
For this week's blog post:
First,
read the BBC article below (the entire article and pictures above) comparing 6 revolutions of the late 20th century.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12431231
Second,
As you are answering the questions below, think about the Question to ponder "Why do revolutions begin?"
1. What do the revolutions have in common?
2. What is different about these 6 revolutions?
3. Write 1 question.
4. Answer a question from a classmate (this can be done after the origional post, but 4pm on Friday).
Third,
find an article about current developments in the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. How is the country doing now? Use the current event links on the right column of the blog to search for article. Then, write a 3 sentence summary about current developments in post-revolutionary Egypt. Remember to include the 5 Ws in your summary.
For this week's blog post:
First,
read the BBC article below (the entire article and pictures above) comparing 6 revolutions of the late 20th century.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12431231
Second,
As you are answering the questions below, think about the Question to ponder "Why do revolutions begin?"
1. What do the revolutions have in common?
2. What is different about these 6 revolutions?
3. Write 1 question.
4. Answer a question from a classmate (this can be done after the origional post, but 4pm on Friday).
Third,
find an article about current developments in the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. How is the country doing now? Use the current event links on the right column of the blog to search for article. Then, write a 3 sentence summary about current developments in post-revolutionary Egypt. Remember to include the 5 Ws in your summary.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The United Nations
For this week's current events blog you will be finding a recent newspaper article about the United Nations. (Recent means within the past month.)
After you find the article, do the following:
First, post the name, author, source and link to the article.
Second, answer the following questions:
1. Summarize the newspaper article. (Include the 5 Ws- who, what, where, when and why.)
2. According to this article, does the United Nations appear to possess a great deal of influence on the world stage? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences. Be specific
After you find the article, do the following:
First, post the name, author, source and link to the article.
Second, answer the following questions:
1. Summarize the newspaper article. (Include the 5 Ws- who, what, where, when and why.)
2. According to this article, does the United Nations appear to possess a great deal of influence on the world stage? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences. Be specific
Monday, April 4, 2011
Libya
From the Economist (www.economist.com) on March 24, 2011.
“France and Britain led the diplomatic push for military action against Libya. The Arab League's vote, on March 12th, to call on the United Nations to enforce a no-fly zone was crucial in securing international legitimacy. The Americans were initially hesitant but were eventually won around. So much is familiar to observers of the unfolding Libya story. But what of the other diplomatic players?”
Task 1: View the interactive map at the Economist link below.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/03/no-fly_zone_diplomacy
Task 2: Read about 2 different countries from each perspective (broadly positive, mixed and broadly negative). Write a 1-2 sentence summary of what each country thinks about the Libya intervention.
Task 3: Click on three countries from the Arab league.
Questions to answer in your blog post:
1. What do you notice about the map? What countries support and do not support the intervention in Libya? (Task 1)
2. Write six 1-2 sentence summaries from each perspective. (This is Task 2)
3. How does the Arab League’s perspective on international intervention in Libya compare to the 3 perspectives? (Task 3)
4. What role of the U.N. in the Libya intervention?
5. Do you think the U.N. and international community is helping the citizens of Libya? Why or why not? (you may use other sources to help you answer this question).
“France and Britain led the diplomatic push for military action against Libya. The Arab League's vote, on March 12th, to call on the United Nations to enforce a no-fly zone was crucial in securing international legitimacy. The Americans were initially hesitant but were eventually won around. So much is familiar to observers of the unfolding Libya story. But what of the other diplomatic players?”
Task 1: View the interactive map at the Economist link below.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/03/no-fly_zone_diplomacy
Task 2: Read about 2 different countries from each perspective (broadly positive, mixed and broadly negative). Write a 1-2 sentence summary of what each country thinks about the Libya intervention.
Task 3: Click on three countries from the Arab league.
Questions to answer in your blog post:
1. What do you notice about the map? What countries support and do not support the intervention in Libya? (Task 1)
2. Write six 1-2 sentence summaries from each perspective. (This is Task 2)
3. How does the Arab League’s perspective on international intervention in Libya compare to the 3 perspectives? (Task 3)
4. What role of the U.N. in the Libya intervention?
5. Do you think the U.N. and international community is helping the citizens of Libya? Why or why not? (you may use other sources to help you answer this question).
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sudan and Genocide
For this week’s current events blog you will exploring an exhibit about the current genocide happening in Darfur at this moment.
1. Watch the Youtube video “Sudan at a Crossroads,” created in 2010. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NziZwhbv1qE
The video was first shown on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's exterior walls for three evenings in November 2010, a short film and dozens of photographs opened a window into the lives of the people of South Sudan. The images were taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Lucian Perkins, who joined Mike Abramowitz, head of the Museum's genocide prevention program, and Andrew Natsios, former US Envoy to Sudan, on a recent Museum-sponsored bearing witness trip to assess conditions in South Sudan, as the region prepares for a referendum on its independence.
2. Read about current event links below in questions 1 and 2. Your entire post should answer the following 3 questions.
Questions:
1. Explain the current conflict in Darfur (including the March 16 update) in 3-5 sentences. Include who, what, where, when and why. Use the link below to fill in details from the video.
2. Is the violence in Darfur, Sudan genocide? Why or why not? Use the definition here to help you determine if it is and explain why. BBC Article from August 2010 on BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11108059
3. What do you think should be done about the conflict in Darfur?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Great Wall Crumbles as Tourism Soars
Many people think of tourism as a great solution to economic problems. However, tourism can have a negative side as well. Read the article about the effects of tourism on the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, answer the following questions:
Great Wall Crumbles
1. What actions are causing the Great Wall to crumble?
2. What actions have been done to save the Great Wall?
3. List a solution you think would help the Great Wall.
Great Wall Crumbles
1. What actions are causing the Great Wall to crumble?
2. What actions have been done to save the Great Wall?
3. List a solution you think would help the Great Wall.
Monday, November 15, 2010
India's caste-offs
Great blog posts last week. This week's blog is on the effects of India's caste system today. For this week's blog first, read the article on the link below. Then, write your blog post that includes a summary, reflection, questions, prediction and respond to the questions below.
BBC Article: "India's caste-offs," November 9th, 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_9160000/newsid_9166400/9166402.stm
Questions:
1. What is an untouchable in India's caste system (use your class notes and the article)?
2. What percentage of Indians live on half a U.S. dollar a day?
3. How is Marachi (the family's daughter) treated at school because she is an "untouchable?"
BBC Article: "India's caste-offs," November 9th, 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_9160000/newsid_9166400/9166402.stm
Questions:
1. What is an untouchable in India's caste system (use your class notes and the article)?
2. What percentage of Indians live on half a U.S. dollar a day?
3. How is Marachi (the family's daughter) treated at school because she is an "untouchable?"
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Islam today
This week's blog posting is about Islam, the world's second largest religion after Christianity. For this week's post, click on the link below about Muslims in Europe.
First, look at the map about Islam in Europe.
Map of Islam in Europe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4385768.stm
Second, read the summary about each European country listed under the map. Then, choose 1 country to write your blog post about. (3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 1 sentence prediction and 2 quesitons).
Finally, Answer the two questions below at the end of your blog post.
1. What parts of Europe have the highest Muslim population?
2. How did the Ottoman Empire effected the Muslim population in Europe?
For more information on Islam around the world see:
Islam Around the World Map: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/islam_around_the_world/html/
First, look at the map about Islam in Europe.
Map of Islam in Europe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4385768.stm
Second, read the summary about each European country listed under the map. Then, choose 1 country to write your blog post about. (3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 1 sentence prediction and 2 quesitons).
Finally, Answer the two questions below at the end of your blog post.
1. What parts of Europe have the highest Muslim population?
2. How did the Ottoman Empire effected the Muslim population in Europe?
For more information on Islam around the world see:
Islam Around the World Map: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/03/islam_around_the_world/html/
Monday, October 25, 2010
UN Millennium Development Goals
This past month, United Nations leaders have been looking at their progress towards reducing poverty around the world. 10 years ago leaders of the world made 8 goals to reduce poverty by 2015. Read the article including the 8 slides about progress towards each development goal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11364717
After writing your summary, reflection, questions and prediction choose one of the goals explained in the slides and answer the questions below:
1. How is the world progressing on this goal?
2. What do you think needs to be done to reach this goal?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11364717
After writing your summary, reflection, questions and prediction choose one of the goals explained in the slides and answer the questions below:
1. How is the world progressing on this goal?
2. What do you think needs to be done to reach this goal?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Discovery and Exploration
Nice posts last week. This week the article is about present day exploration. Gliese 581 is a new "Goldilocks" planet scientists discovered in late September. First, read the article at the link below. Then, answer question 1 after your 3-sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 2 questions and prediction.
Article: 'Goldilocks' Planet's Temperature Just Right for Life
1. How is space exploration similar to exploration of the "New World" in the 15th and 16th centuries?
Article: 'Goldilocks' Planet's Temperature Just Right for Life
1. How is space exploration similar to exploration of the "New World" in the 15th and 16th centuries?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Nobel Peace Prize
The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to Liu Xiaobo, a leading Chinese dissident who is serving an 11-year prison term after repeatedly calling for human rights and democratization, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced. Liu was sentenced in 2009 for inciting subversion of state power. He is the co-author of Charter 08, a call for political reform and human rights, and was an adviser to the student protesters at Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Liu Xiaboo's wife brought her husband news of the Nobel Peace Prize award over the weekend and has been detained (held) by the Chinese police in her home every since. As of Sunday afternoon, she was still detained in her home.
For this week's blog post, read the article about Liu Xiaboo's award of the peace prize.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/08/nobel.peace.prize.win/index.html
After reading the article answer the following questions about the article, write your 3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 2 questions and a prediction and answer the questions below.
1. Why does the Chinese government disagree with the decision to award Liu Xiaobo the prize?
2. Why do you think BBC and CNN news's coverage of Liu's Nobel Peace prize award was blacked out in China (you could not see it anywhere in the country)?
3. A dissident is someone who disagrees in their opinion or belief. In your opinion, is it possible to be a dissident and work for peace at the same time? Explain.
Liu Xiaboo's wife brought her husband news of the Nobel Peace Prize award over the weekend and has been detained (held) by the Chinese police in her home every since. As of Sunday afternoon, she was still detained in her home.
For this week's blog post, read the article about Liu Xiaboo's award of the peace prize.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/08/nobel.peace.prize.win/index.html
After reading the article answer the following questions about the article, write your 3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 2 questions and a prediction and answer the questions below.
1. Why does the Chinese government disagree with the decision to award Liu Xiaobo the prize?
2. Why do you think BBC and CNN news's coverage of Liu's Nobel Peace prize award was blacked out in China (you could not see it anywhere in the country)?
3. A dissident is someone who disagrees in their opinion or belief. In your opinion, is it possible to be a dissident and work for peace at the same time? Explain.
Monday, September 20, 2010
History Day- Extra credit
Fabulous blog posts last week! For the next 2 weeks we will be taking a break from the Current Events blog because you should be focuing on your History Day research.
However, if you are not happy with your current events grade you may do the following three tasks for 5 points of extra credit towards your 10% Current Events Blog grade for quarter 1:
1. Search news sources for articles about modern day slavery.
2. Post the link to the article as a comment to this blog post.
3. Write a blog response for the article you found. Remember that blog responses includes a 3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 2 questions and a prediction.
However, if you are not happy with your current events grade you may do the following three tasks for 5 points of extra credit towards your 10% Current Events Blog grade for quarter 1:
1. Search news sources for articles about modern day slavery.
2. Post the link to the article as a comment to this blog post.
3. Write a blog response for the article you found. Remember that blog responses includes a 3 sentence summary, 2-3 sentences of reflection, 2 questions and a prediction.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Modern Day slavery
Wonderful posts last week. You had great reflection and almost everyone answered the questions from the blog. As you complete this week's blog, don't forget to begin your article summary with a main idea sentence. After your summary remember to write 2-3 sentence of reflection, 2 questions and a prediction. When you write your predictions please say WHY YOU THINK YOUR PREDICTION WILL HAPPEN. I look forward to this week's blog posts! -Ms. Lalor
In 1926, the Slavery Convention defined slavery as
In 1926, the Slavery Convention defined slavery as
"...the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised…."According to the Human Rights Education Association (http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=430 ) "to be a slave is to be controlled by another person or persons so that your will does not determine your life's course, and rewards for your work and sacrifices are not yours to claim. According to Kevin Bales, one of the world's leading experts on contemporary slavery, "people are enslaved by violence and held against their wills for purposes of exploitation." While people today most likely believe that slavery is a thing of the past, the practice is still thriving wherever poverty, social conditions, and gullability can be exploited. Bale estimates that there are 27 million slaves in the world today. (Kevin Bales, Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy, University of California Press, 1999)"
For this week's blog post:
Read the CNN article about slave-like conditions on Brazilian farms. Then, in your reflection answer the questions below.
"Brazilian officials rescue workers in slave-like conditions."
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/11/brazil.slavery/index.html#fbid=itC0Z2B25gy&wom=false
Questions for Reflection:
1. Do the conditions of the farm fit the definition of slavery given by the slavery convention or Human Rights Education Association?
2. How common do you think these "slave-like" conditions on other farms in other countries?
3. What do you think is the cause of "slave-like conditions" and other forms of modern day slavery?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Middle East Peace Talks- search for an optimist
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Clinton met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Their goal was to restart discussions about peace between their countries, facilitated by the U.S.. These negotiations between Israel and Palestine were the first since talks ended 20 months ago. U.S. President Obama has told each side that their goal is a permanent settlement that ends the Israeli occupation of Palestine territory captured in 1967, and an independent, democratic Palestinian state existing peacefully next to Israel.
Many critics of these talks say that talks have happened before, with no peaceful results. At the beginning of the talks on Friday, September 3rd, Clinton acknowledged these critics' pessimism, but said that "The core issues at the center of these negotiations - territory, security, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and others - will get no easier if we wait, nor will they resolve themselves."
For this weeks blog, read the BBC article "The Search for a Middle East Optimist" by Wyre Davies. An optimist is someone who always looks for the good side of every situation.
Article: "The Search for a Middle East Optimist."
After writing your summary, reflection, questions and prediction:
1. Explain why Elie Wiesel is optimistic about the Peace Talks.
2. Do you agree with Wiesel's optimism? Why or why not?
BACKGROUND OF THE CONFLICT:
For more information on the Conflict read: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles/803257.stm
Many critics of these talks say that talks have happened before, with no peaceful results. At the beginning of the talks on Friday, September 3rd, Clinton acknowledged these critics' pessimism, but said that "The core issues at the center of these negotiations - territory, security, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and others - will get no easier if we wait, nor will they resolve themselves."
For this weeks blog, read the BBC article "The Search for a Middle East Optimist" by Wyre Davies. An optimist is someone who always looks for the good side of every situation.
Article: "The Search for a Middle East Optimist."
After writing your summary, reflection, questions and prediction:
1. Explain why Elie Wiesel is optimistic about the Peace Talks.
2. Do you agree with Wiesel's optimism? Why or why not?
BACKGROUND OF THE CONFLICT:
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The division of the former British mandate of Palestine and the creation of the state of Israel in the years after the end of World War II have been at the heart of Middle Eastern conflicts for the past half century.
The creation of Israel was the culmination of the Zionist movement, whose aim was a homeland for Jews scattered all over the world following the Diaspora. After the Nazi Holocaust, pressure grew for the international recognition of a Jewish state, and in 1948 Israel came into being.
The creation of Israel was the culmination of the Zionist movement, whose aim was a homeland for Jews scattered all over the world following the Diaspora. After the Nazi Holocaust, pressure grew for the international recognition of a Jewish state, and in 1948 Israel came into being.
For more information on the Conflict read: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles/803257.stm
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Censoring Art- During the Renaissance and today
During our unit on the Renaissance and Reformation we will be learning about how various types of art communicated ideals of Renaissance humanists. During the Renaissance, many artists feared censorship by the government and catholic church. For example, Michelangelo's fresco of the Sistine Chapel was censored when the Pope Paul III hired another artist to paint fig leaves over the parts of Michelangelo's frescos that the Vatican believed were "obscene."
For this week's blog post:
1. Read about censorship of the Sistine chapel during the Renaissance (text below)
2. Read the Time magazine article about political censorship today in Russia. Then complete your blog post.
Definition of censor from dictionary.com: "censor"
In the vault of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo created an extraordinary gallery of characters (more than 300 figures) that gives life to the whole history of humanity, from creation until the coming of Christ.
Two decades later, Michelangelo was again called to work on the Sistine Chapel on behalf of Pope Paul III. Between 1533 and 1541 he painted the Last Judgment on the wall behind the altar. It is a painting of a great expression; in the centre of the painting you can see Christ surrounded by Saints and Angels, who proclaimed the Last Judgment. Toward him rise the resurrected for eternal salvation, while the damned are falling to hell.
The Last Judgment was the issue of a tough dispute between the Cardinal Carafa and Michelangelo. The artist was accused of immorality and intolerable obscenity, because he had painted nude figures with their genitals clearly exposed, in the most important church of Christianity.
Therefore a campaign of censorship (known as the campaign of fig leaves) was organized by Cardinal Carafa and Monsignor Sernini (Ambassador of Mantova) to remove the frescoes. Giordano Vasari said that the Master of Ceremonies for the Popes, Biagio of Cesena, made a similar complaint, saying that it was more suited to a thermal bath than a chapel. Also when Michelangelo painted a self-portrait, painted on the figure of Minosse, Judge of Hell, Biagio da Cesena complained to the Pope. The Pontiff replied that its jurisdiction did not apply to hell and so the portrait remained. According to other studies, the character portrayed in the Minosse is Pierluigi Farnese, the son of Pope Paul III, well known in Rome for being violent and to have raped a young cleric causing his death.
Coinciding with the death of Michelangelo, a law was issued to cover the genitals of the painting (‘Pictura in Chapel Ap.ca coopriantur’), so Daniele of Volterra, who was Michelangelo’s apprentice, carried out the work. After, he was nicknamed ‘Braghettone’, because he covered the genitals, but left intact the rest of the painting.
When the work was restored in the 1993, restores did not uncover the figures that Daniele had painted. However a replica of the painting, without being censured, by the artist Marcello Venusti, is displayed in the Museum of Capodimonte in Naples. The Chapel was restored (from 1981 to 1994).
Read about Russia's crackdown on political art that occurred in 2009 as described by Time magazine.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905202,00.html
Answer the following questions in your reflection:
1. Why do you think art is targeted for censorship?
2. What power does art have today (as well as in the past)?
For this week's blog post:
1. Read about censorship of the Sistine chapel during the Renaissance (text below)
2. Read the Time magazine article about political censorship today in Russia. Then complete your blog post.
Definition of censor from dictionary.com: "censor"
Read below about how the Sistine Chapel was censored by Pope Paul III during the Renaissance
"Excerpt from the "Virtual Vatican Museums."
Text and Sistine chapel images: http://www.virtual-vatican-museums.com/sistine-chapel-michelangelo.phtml
In the vault of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo created an extraordinary gallery of characters (more than 300 figures) that gives life to the whole history of humanity, from creation until the coming of Christ.
Two decades later, Michelangelo was again called to work on the Sistine Chapel on behalf of Pope Paul III. Between 1533 and 1541 he painted the Last Judgment on the wall behind the altar. It is a painting of a great expression; in the centre of the painting you can see Christ surrounded by Saints and Angels, who proclaimed the Last Judgment. Toward him rise the resurrected for eternal salvation, while the damned are falling to hell.
The Last Judgment was the issue of a tough dispute between the Cardinal Carafa and Michelangelo. The artist was accused of immorality and intolerable obscenity, because he had painted nude figures with their genitals clearly exposed, in the most important church of Christianity.
Therefore a campaign of censorship (known as the campaign of fig leaves) was organized by Cardinal Carafa and Monsignor Sernini (Ambassador of Mantova) to remove the frescoes. Giordano Vasari said that the Master of Ceremonies for the Popes, Biagio of Cesena, made a similar complaint, saying that it was more suited to a thermal bath than a chapel. Also when Michelangelo painted a self-portrait, painted on the figure of Minosse, Judge of Hell, Biagio da Cesena complained to the Pope. The Pontiff replied that its jurisdiction did not apply to hell and so the portrait remained. According to other studies, the character portrayed in the Minosse is Pierluigi Farnese, the son of Pope Paul III, well known in Rome for being violent and to have raped a young cleric causing his death.
Coinciding with the death of Michelangelo, a law was issued to cover the genitals of the painting (‘Pictura in Chapel Ap.ca coopriantur’), so Daniele of Volterra, who was Michelangelo’s apprentice, carried out the work. After, he was nicknamed ‘Braghettone’, because he covered the genitals, but left intact the rest of the painting.
When the work was restored in the 1993, restores did not uncover the figures that Daniele had painted. However a replica of the painting, without being censured, by the artist Marcello Venusti, is displayed in the Museum of Capodimonte in Naples. The Chapel was restored (from 1981 to 1994).
Read about Russia's crackdown on political art that occurred in 2009 as described by Time magazine.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905202,00.html
Answer the following questions in your reflection:
1. Why do you think art is targeted for censorship?
2. What power does art have today (as well as in the past)?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Pakistani flood victims' anger at U.S.
Read the August 21st, 2010 BBC article at the link below. Then write your blog response as a comment to this post. Don't forget to include the following in your comment:
3 sentence summary of the article
2-3 sentences of reflection
2 questions
1 prediction
Pakistani flood victims' anger at U.S.
Questions for reflection:
1. How does U.S. aid to Pakistan compare to U.S. aid to Haiti earlier this year?
For more information on the impact of Pakistan's monsoon floods:
CNN Pakistan floods
More BBC Articles on Pakistan Floods
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Anti-Immigrant Tensions Rise in South Africa
Open the link below and read (or listen to) National Public Radio's August 15th, 2010 story, "Anti-Immigrant Tensions Rise Again in South Africa." After reading the article, write your blog post as a comment in response to this post.
In your post, include your answer the following question:
1. Why do you think this violence is occurring towards foreigners in South Africa?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129038858
For more information about South Africa, visit the CIA World Factbook: South Africa. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sf.html
In your post, include your answer the following question:
1. Why do you think this violence is occurring towards foreigners in South Africa?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129038858
For more information about South Africa, visit the CIA World Factbook: South Africa. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sf.html
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