Canadian Aboriginals Speak out in Iran

Canadian Aboriginal chiefs were in Iran this week to explain to the Iranian government that Canada has the worst human rights abuses on record.

You need to see this video:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2012/10/20121015-132723.html

Then hear the other side:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/Lakritz+Jaunt+Iran+does+First+Nations+favours/7399705/story.html

The Gap - continuing the colonization of our Aboriginals

Well this is the new logo on a GAP shirt.
You probably aren't aware of the historical connotations it suggests.  Read the link below and feel free to comment.
What are your thoughts on the tweet he pulled from Twitter?

http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/gap-manifest-destiny-t-shirt-offends-customers-190532143.html

Cuba ends exit permits

Cubans will no longer need to apply for an exit permit if they wish to leave their country.  Imagine needing to apply for permission to leave a country - contradicting the universal right to enter and leave any country, according to the U.S.

Since the death of Castro, Cuba has made moves away from its old approach and towards a more free market economy.  What will the new Cuba look like? What are the dangers in managing a transition to a "new" Cuba?
Why has the U.S. had so much historic controversy with Cuba while Canada has maintained an open relationship with Cuba?  How have these two countries different approaches with Cuba affected the lives of Cubans?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19972026

Bullying

On request:
The Amanda Todd story has drawn a significant amount of attention to bullying.  Definitely a global issue since we learn these behaviours while growing up that carry into our adulthood.  It also brings up a newer issue - the permanence of all things online.  This is the first generation to grow up in the digital age; where nothing is ever deleted and everything is stored literally forever.  The individuals and organizations which keep and store our information, that data, will be the future powers in control of our planet.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/12/amanda-todd-suicide-2012/

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Bullying+Canada+breaking+point+says/7392590/story.html

Polar Bear Extinction

According to this article the polar bear will be an extinct species in the wild within the next 25 years.

Do you agree with this "yahoo" news claim? What are the causes of this extinction?  Can they be reversed? How? or why not?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/expert-melting-arctic-sea-ice-poaching-drive-polar-201843501.html

Scottish Independence

Scotland will be holding a referendum in 2014 to determine whether they will seek independence from England.  This is very historically significant ending an approximate 1,000 year English rule - moreso it sets a precedent that could be followed in other regions of the world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-19948990

Week 6

Here is this week's open discussion forum for news events in Week 6.

Action Research Project Marking Scheme

I want all of you to genuinely make an attempt to change something.  Don't overthink this into a project that is bigger than it really is.  It's essentially a mere two page lab report containing some of the following info:
Rationale: Why you did this?  Include two references to support your claim.
Method: How did you achieve a change?  What steps did you take?
Results: What results did you achieve (if any)?
Reflections: What things would you do different / could you improve on. What were some of the obstacles you experienced along the way (human, political, systemic, etc.)?

I want you to enjoy this experience.
I do not want you to feel stressed about the scope of your project - big or small, the importance is in the attempt.  It is only two pages and will be blended with a number of your class "completion" assignments to make up your application component of your grade.
 
Reserve your stress for the seminar; it will compose a significant portion of your Communication mark - see rubric in next discussion thread.

Seminar Rubric

Here you are:
As always, I welcome your comments/feedback in developing this.
I suggest that you focus your energies primarily on this seminar.

Level 4
-Information presented is informative, organized and is clearly a global issue
-Seminar is clearly focused, and offers new/deeper insight into the topic
-Range of evidence from primary and secondary sources is utilized in a highly effective and original manner
-Discussion questions are sophisticated and an integral part of the presentation
-All ideas are clear and developed in a sophisticated way and articulately presented
-Student is animated, audible, eloquent and shows a high level of enthusiasm for the subject
-There is impressive eye contact
-The presentation is organized to involved the class in a significant way in terms of participation and/or discussion
-The use of language and vocabulary is outstanding
-Variety of visually appealing and engaging support is used to great effect
-Flawless overheads, slides, charts, or posters
-Information on all overheads, posters, timelines, etc. is expertly and attractively organized to illustrate the argument in a logical, easy to follow manner

Level 3
-Information presented is informative, mostly organized and and is an issue that affects some
-Seminar is clearly focused, and on topic throughout
-Argument and analysis are developed with appropriate use of evidence
-Discussion questions are complex and the discussion itself is directed by the speaker
-Ideas are relevant and clearly presented
-Student is audible, enthusiastic, and clear
-There is some eye contact
-The presentation is presented in a manner that encourages class discussion and/or participation
-The use of vocabulary is good
- Variety of visual support is effective
-Overheads, slides, charts, or posters are mostly free from errors
-Information on all overheads, posters, timelines, etc. is clearly organized to illustrate the argument in a logical, easy to follow manner.

Level 2
-Information presented supports the argument
-focus of the seminar is evident and easy to follow
-a variety of evidence is used to illustrate the main idea
-discussion questions are thoughtful and add to the presentation
-ideas are clear
-student is audible and attempts to speak clearly

Canadians support the oil sands

A survey released this week states that most Canadians support oil sands developments if the environmental impact is limited.

Survey here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/majority-back-oil-sands-development-if-environmental-impact-limited-poll/article4603926/

The oil sands are such a big topic that they could make up an entire course.
What are oil sands? Why are the oil sands so controversial?  What are the environmental impacts of extracting oil sands?  Who bears the brunt of the environmental impacts?