From now to the end

We discussed all remaining assignments today. They are as follows:
1.) An I.S.U. Reflection paper - details will be forthcoming. They are now out there in the post above this one.  Worth 5-10% final mark. Let's talk.
2.) Your Final Exam - worth 25% final mark.
 3.) International Alliances - from last week - presentation in front of class. 6 - 10 slides. Covering: Map of member countries, Mandate/Purpose of this alliance, achievements (+ve), conflicts (-ve), conflicts of interest it poses. Likely the 2nd week of January.
4.) Israel and Palestine paper. 5 paragraphs (hamburger format). Suggested 2-3 pages. Topics: Source of the problem or fault of the conflict. Alternate topic: propose a solution to resolve the conflict. Include external source. You are able to reference the TED talks we watched or the article we read in class.  I will graciously allow this to be handed in the 2nd Monday back in January.
5.) 2 more blog posts in January
6.) Enemy of the State reflection questions (as they pertain to media, surveillance and the Patriot Act). I would like this handed in during the first week of January.  It wasn't anything major.
 7.) A brief quiz on the first Friday back in January on our Media and Information unit.

Week 14 - The Environment

The environment isn't an issue that takes place on a weekly basis - unless it is a natural disaster like last week's typhoon. This week I would like you to post on an environmental issue that is a global. Please try to vary it up; I don't want to see 17 or even 5 posts on climate change. Claim your topic by posting the title first. Then come back to that same post and choose edit comment to input the content of your post. From species extinction to household cleaning products, these are all things that have a profound and cumulative impact on our lives. Go out there, find an environmental issue that strikes a chord with you and post on it here in this thread. Remember your two external references and remember to comment on a classmate's post. There are only two posts remaining, so bring your A-game, por favor.

Patriot Act

We talked about it in class - you were asked to remember 3 key components of it and how they may affect your own personal life today. (Remember privacy laws become international as soon as you access sites such as yahoo, google, facebook, etc.) since they are based in the U.S. Remember to use 2 external references for top marks. Comment on this article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/10/29/surprise-controversial-patriot-act-power-now-overwhelmingly-used-in-drug-investigations/

Philippines

The Philippines is bracing for a natural disaster?

Whose responsibility should it be to deal with the aftermath? Remember to use a minimum of 2 external references for top marks. http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2014/12/05/typhoon-hagupit-philippines-forecasts/19937489/

Here we go again?

Phoenix Arizona I don't even want anyone posting on this, I just want you to read it and make an opinion on it. Once again - I don't want another post on this topic - we've had more than enough. I do want to make sure that you are aware of this event. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/rumain-brisbon-unarmed-black-man-killed-by-phoenix-police-officer-1.2861493

nepal

Hindu worshippers conduct world's largest animal sacrifice. Remember

2 external references (minimum) for top marks. http://www.businessinsider.com/stunning-photos-of-the-worlds-largest-animal-sacrifice-2014-12

Week 13

This week we discussed geopolitics, sovereignty, nationalism with a peek at both Israel/Palestine and Iraq. TED talks link: http://www.ted.com/talks/oren_yakobovich_hidden_cameras_that_film_injustice_in_the_world_s_most_dangerous_places#t-851808 ***the video has explicit content so skim through the Israel segment if you are not comfortable seeing real world violence. The video made some great links to topics we have discussed - media, censorship, media in developing economies (manufacturing consent) and our geopolitics unit. Remember you have a test this week.

Week 12

Due this Friday: Assault on Reason. Make sure you read this week: Two articles on Sudan. I will make this week a NO BLOG week. I am feeling sympathetic towards Jones. Word! (I don't mean that the Microsoft way, but the way rappers use it...which I feel has more meaning). Coming soon: A summative evaluation on our Media and geopolitics unit. Also coming soon: a quiz on our food unit. Check that 10 page package and review notes on the presentations.

Ferguson decision

...taking place tonight. I'm watching this. Guilty or innocent? Will this city burn either way? Look at past example of Rodney King for insight into the potential. - also, side note: Who decides to release these decisions at NIGHT? They could be released at 9 A.M., at 4 a.m. when everyone has visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads - or even at 6:30 AM - does it matter either way? But 9 p.m.? If the decision isn't favourable...you could have an ISSUE on your hand.

Ferguson

The town of Ferguson is awaiting a grand jury decision regarding the innocence/guilt of officer Darren Wilson. This article on a new era of policing is worthy of commentary. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/new-era-of-policing-will-the-benefits-of-body-worn-cameras-outweigh-the-privacy-issues/article21698547/

Kenya bus attack

What was the motivation behind these shootings? Kenya is a popular tourist destination (safaris, Kilimanjaro, etc.). How does this have broader implications for the economy and society of this nation? What does the government do about such a scenario?

Mexico Shootings

Discuss some of the broader implications of this weeks' protests over 43 missing students in Mexico. In Canada our right to protest is the freedom of assembly. What actions are the protesters taking? What have they achieved? What more are they trying to achieve? What challenges do the police fact in these scenarios? Are police merely trying to do their job? Or are they somehow a symbol of what protesters are rallying against? How has the freedom of assembly taking a twist in the modern era with protesters organizing themselves with bandanas, tear gas, etc.

Week 11

I'll start with the open thread here and add a few more in the next day. Use this thread to report on global news events taking place this week. You may use a global media or geopolitical theme if you wish (based on what we are discussing in class at the moment), or any other you feel relevant.

Week 10 - Social Media

This week's topic will be digital technology and social media. Feel free to go off on your theories here - these questions are just to get the ball rolling in case you have writer's block. What are the issues here? What solutions does it give us; what problems does it bring us? What landmark events (if any) has it given us? Has it led to greater What illnesses/tragedies has it brought us? Should technology come with rules? or should society navigate blindly through it and learn from mistakes? Do you feel that social media is beneficial or detrimental for society as whole? Do you feel limitations should be set on what is acceptable? (i.e. content or age limits). If so, what type of implications are there in terms of who is in charge of these rules?

25 years Falling of the Berlin Wall

What does this symbolize? What has transpired since this event? Have situations legitimately improved in Germany since the event? (vs. other countries in the region). Is democracy the best political system for all nations?

Open Thread

Pick a top news story from this week and post the details / implications here.

Invasive Species Act

Ontario passes Invasive Species Act - link below. How are invasive species a world issue? Provide some examples. In some cases can they be a good thing? How do island nations deal with these situations ? (i.e. Australia, Madagascar, Hawaii, New Zealand, Galapagos, etc.) How does this relate / connect to biodiversity issues at large? http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2311068

Syria

Mortar shells 13 children. How did it come to this? What leads to these sorts of situations that we never deal with as Canadians? Has Syria always known violence or was it once peaceful? http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mortar-fire-syria-school-kills-13-children-26704083

Burkina Faso

Situation going on in this West African nation. Comment on the issues at stake - feel free to draw your own conclusions, but be sure you research the word 'sovereignty'before thinking about this issue

. How does this apply in this situation? What are some of the democratic issues. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29910029

Week 9

Post on one of the threads that deal with top news stories this week. Due by this Sunday. If you have remaining time, ensure coffee+bananas is complete, then finish up Beslan school re-opens article.

Destined for Destination Dubai

Here's the post for this week - communicate with Destiny to find a bit more about Dubai and the Middle East (Dubayy as it is listed on the map). She will be checking in periodically - or at least once this week I'm hoping - to answer some of our questions we may have. I won't evaluate this thread (i.e. close it) until thursday Nov. 7th. This is probably the easiest thread you will have. btw, zing for me on the thread title. If you are later than this Thursday then your blog post will be to report on the U.A.E., Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and the oil states of the Middle East - possible topics: what are they? How did they come to be? What was the Arab Spring? But remember that next week you will have another blog topic which I will open on Monday. So it may be best to stay on top of things.

Week 7 - International Radio

This is the place for you to post your review of your 2 week listening experience to a radio station from a different country. As mentioned a fortnight ago: What am I looking for? What are the immediate differences you notice between this station and the one you listen to most regularly at home? What are the types of news pieces making headlines? What is the focus of these pieces? Is it to be on the alert / be on guard / is there an imminent threat, a pending strike or action, or are they more soft news pieces (i.e. cat fashion / water skiing squirrels)? In what order does the severity of the news piece get presented? Where is the focus? What countries / continents seem to be the focus? (i.e. England, France, China, U.S.A.?) Another interesting aspect will be to listen to how the terrorist acts in Ottawa are presented - or perhaps they aren't mentioned.

Week 6-Doc week

As discussed in class, you will have an extension to continue listening to your global news radio station. This week we will try a different format. You will select a documentary from the link below and watch it on your own time. Then you will prepare a movie review for the class to read. Don't just summarize the movie itself, but present the issue to the class. How did it make you feel? Do we all need to act on this information immediately? OR is this more of an eye opener that changes the way you think about things. (I never knew that before, I'll never look at it the same way again.) How does this impact different people from different parts of the world. You will need to include a reference - this week one only - from a source that supports what the documentary is trying to expose. Have fun! http://www.filmsforaction.org/walloffilms/

Food and Agriculture-communication assignment.

This is where you will lay claim (no lunar landing) to a particular topic on food and agriculture. My lectures thus far have skimmed the surface on a variety of topics. You need to pick a side on a topic and find evidence in support of it. Then go out and do it. Along with your presentation to the class you will also present some of the changes and challenges you underwent during the process. I will give you a bulk of next week to conduct research. You will work with a partner or on your own. No groups of 3 please. This will generate a portion of your communication mark - you want to ensure that you do extremely well in this in order to make up for any shortcomings you may have in other areas of your mark. **Remember to keep listening to your foreign radio station at the same time! That's why I'm making next week's blog post lighter in content. Topics could include: 100 mile diet (eating locally) Paleo diet GMOs and GE foods (pro or con) Obesity and other weight disorders Fish farms (aquaculture) Wild foods vs. domesticated foods. Vegetarianism vs. meat what should we eat? Veganism Medicinal plants and "super"foods Impacts of agriculture on water supply Urban sprawl and agriculture -Other - pls. clear with me in advance.

Week 5

As mentioned in class, there will be no posts this week in honour of The Turkey Gods. Enjoy the time with your family. Instead we will be listening to an English radio station from another part of the world and reporting on it in next week's blog thread (Week 6). Claim ownership (no colonialism) of your destination in the comments section below. First come, first served basis. What am I looking for? What are the immediate differences you notice between this station and the one you listen to most regularly at home? What are the types of news pieces making headlines? What is the focus of these pieces? Is it to be on the alert / be on guard / is there an imminent threat, a pending strike or action, or are they more soft news pieces (i.e. cat fashion / water skiing squirrels)? In what order does the severity of the news piece get presented? Where is the focus? What countries / continents seem to be the focus? (i.e. England, France, China, U.S.A.?) Ciao

Open thread - current events

Use this thread to bring up any event that happened this week that you feel is significant. Don't simply rehash the who, what, why, where and how of the event; but rather detail it first and then take a stance on it, or at least offer a potential solution to the issue. Don't forget to use credible sources as links and/or to back up your opinion.

Syria

The situation in Syria is trending #2 (after #1 Ebola) this week. Use this thread to inform us of the situation there. Try to formulate your opinion on this issue. Don't be afraid to take a stance, or offer possible solutions - just remember to use credible sources to back up what you are saying. Note: I'm having trouble uploading photos from my location this weekend, so check out some images to get a visual on what it looks like from a civilian viewpoint.

Week 4 religious conflicts

From today's class discussion : Is religion a solution to or the cause of global conflict? (Let's discuss religion and politics - Yes, I just went there). Don't make this personal, keep objective by including credible sources to support your stance.

Your Unit Test

takes place this Friday 1.) youtube clips : Overpopulation vs. myth (pop 101) 2.) Oh Deer – resources vs. population 3.) Growth curves – Thomas Malthus (his theory, why wrong) 4.) China - One Child – ethics of the issue, +ves and –ves of implementing it 5.) Genetics – cells of immortality article 6.) Settlements – reasons people settle 7.) Settle – worksheet, 4 case studies 8.) Urbanization – issues (case: China) 9.) Migration – patterns (refugees) 10.) Article – Megacities 11.) Population pyramids (worksh + video) – DEMOGRP TRANSITION MODEL 12.) Review all ppt notes – check all worksheets, read over all articles, review youtube clips. Nova documentary - population paradox

Week 4 - Hong Kong

There is some serious protesting going on right now in my ol' neighbourhood. I know people involved in this. Watch the youtube clip as well. Comment on this event. First to post owns the who, what, when, where, how, why explanation. Next posters have a more difficult task of getting into the geopolitics and end up focussing on the how and why - which is always where issues develop. Remember to link to sources ALWAYS. youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDJ4ALqLBN4

Photo: Time Mag https://time.com/3444164/hong-kongs-protesters-are-fighting-for-their-economic-future/

Prostituion and the sex trade.

Use this thread to discuss issues with prositution and/or the sex trade. Some possible thoughts: Is prostituion a woman's choice, or something they are forced into? Should it be legalized? You can look at global case scenarios (i.e. Amsterdam vs. Bangkok), or discuss events closer to home.

Terrorism - ISIS

Use this thread to discuss recent events concerning ISIS there is more than enough material on them. If not you can delve further back into the past: Ireland, Quebec and the FLQ and deal with the broader issues of terrorism, but remember it needs to be an issue and you need to take a firm stand backed with credible sources.

GLBTQ

Use this sexual orientation thread to discuss any issues as they pertain to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. Please stay focussed on the issue and large and stray away from announcing any personal issues you may have encountered due to your own orientation - that can be discussed in class if you wish

.

Russian fighter jets enter Canadian airspace.

Comment on the following news article if you wish - you may tie this into the greater issue of sovereignty. i.e. who owns what land, air, ocean. What threats are posed by this? Is it intentional?

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/09/19/norad-jets-intercept-a-total-of-eight-russian-military-planes-that-neared-restricted-space/

Gender Equality / Gender Discrimination

Use this thread to discuss issues of gender discrimination. Limit it to male / female issues only for now. You could look at the issues in India or the Middle East, there is lots of material out there. Education, Employment, Freedom of Mobility, arranged marriages, etc. Next week I'll put in a thread for GLBTQ so don't discuss any of those issues for now.

Sovereignty - Scotland

We must discuss the vote for Scotland's independence. Voting is taking place RIGHT NOW.

This has broader implications globally and nationally for us (think: Quebec, First Nations). Does this set any precedents that other countries may follow? If so, how so? Are there any other examples in recent times of nations seeking sovereignty? Is there such a thing as a "new" country or do all countries simply stem from their ancestral roots? What are the Scottish looking for? ....after all, they are the same race, so they must speak the same language, dress the same, eat the same foods, sing the same songs and all that jazz eh? Discuss. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/09/18/scotland-independence-voting/15814921/

Ebola

Discuss here the issues with the recent outbreak of Ebola in Africa. I'll start you off with a "What is Ebola virus?" link (same source as image used). http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-ebola-virus-25071 There's so much to discuss here as it pertains to the global picture.

Education

Per class discussion this is thread where you may post anything on issues related to education. Topic Ideas / Suggestions: -Rising costs of tuition -Education and professional standards (i.e. Should a doctor trained in India be allowed to practice in Canada?) -Teen suicide in Asia (due to education stress) -Different education models in the world (i.e. Sweden, etc.) -Any other Canadian or global issues that you feel should be addressed.

Photo source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265068/China-The-worlds-new-superpower-beginning-century-supremacy-alarming-surplus-males.html

Week 2 - Thread #1 Population

In this thread you can discuss issues pertaining to population that we are covering this week: Migration, Settlement Patterns, Urbanization, Refugees. As a starting point, what patterns are emerging here in North America? How do they pose issues on either the local or global level? What sort of issues does urbanization pose in the developed and the developing world? What issues do we see here locally, provincially, nationwide?

Week 2

Week 2 topics begin today. Keep your eyes on the news. Don't publish your post from this week until you see your feedback from me. Worksheets to date: 1.) Geography of Poverty and Wealth - Short (5Q) Quiz this week (Thursday Sept.18th) 2.) Oh Deer – Graph and questions - Get them in 3.) China One Child Policy – Questions (Due Wed. 17th) 4.) Population Pyramid - Canada (Friday Sept. 19th 5.) Nova – Documentary (population paradox ) Q sheet 6.) Population Dice rolling Reflection Questions - Due Sept. 15th

Population Game - Reflection Questions

Answer these in your notebook - or here in the blog comments section. List the names of the member in your group and specify whether you are referring to your fixed population or floating rate population. 1.) At what round did your population terminate? Why? What would you do differently to ensure it’s survival if you could change that round? 2.) Did you notice any “interesting” patterns that emerged in either of your populations? What were they? 3.) How is the rolling of dice for mortality rates similar to real world conditions? 4.) As a policy maker, do you think it would be easier to control your population’s birth rate or death rate ? Why? 5.) Think about the example you could alter: You were deliberately manipulating your population’s birth rate – Why? Subconsciously, you were aiming for a “perfect” or “ideal” number in your head. Why did that even happen to you? What was that number? What made you choose it?

9/11

Well, here is the last thread for the week. On the anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks feel free to discuss the implications here. You don't need to re-hash the events, I/we have watched them and I/we all remember them vividly. I don't want to discuss "conspiracy" theories here. I want to hear factual evidence with supporting references and connect the idea that this was a GLOBAL event with significant impacts for future generations. You can take one aspect and do it in detail (i.e. airport security and what this means to you, etc.), or touch on several aspects (politics, military, alliances, NATO) in brief.

Russia / Ukraine

This is certainly a major world event which has led to sanctions by the U.S. and involvement by NATO. Who is NATO? Why would they get involved? What prompted Russia to invade the Ukraine (shortly after the olympics)? What are their motives? Are they justified in your opinion Is it any other nation's business to get involved, or are those matters which only involve Russia and the Ukr

aine only? Photo: http://www.businessinsider.com/map-russian-invasion-ukraine-2014-4

Week 1 - Ferguson, MO unrest

Tell me what happened in Missouri. Was it warranted? Did this stem from deeper roots? Do you notice anything about how the U.S. media reports on it vs. Canadian media? If you like, you can tie this into larger racial issues that exist in the U.S. In your opinion,how are they different/similar to Canada ?

Week 1 - Palestine and Israel

A very complex issue. What is happening? How did it start? Which groups started this? Who should intervene? How can this be solved? Will there ever be peace in this region of the world?

Photo source: http://www.uccpalestineisraelnetwork.org/

Week 1 Theme Post - Population&Demographics

Population - find issues related to it and comment on them in a post here. Examples: Immigration, Emmigration (i.e. you could look at war refugees in Iraq). Aging populations, fertility issues (i.e. one child policy)

Your marking scheme

I will start with the following marking scheme, which is based on the University of Western's Faculty of Ed. with some personal tweaking.  If you feel that certain elements are needed or not needed, then this weekend is your chance to voice your opinions in the comments section below my post here.  Although I mentioned I would only mark one of your posts, and it will remain that way, it is also a requirement that you respond to others in order to achieve level 4.  Think of it as a part of your post.  If you've done all that work to make your post great, then wouldn't you like to hear some feedback from other students? Bien sur.

General Suggestions:
-Participate actively.  To get the most, it is important for you to actively participate in discussions throughout the course

-Post on a regular basis - a minimum of every three days.  That means twice a week, but don't heap them up on the same day.  Basically, if you follow the above suggestion it means you make one post to be evaluated and a second post which is a discussion with one of your classmates.

-Make substantive postings. Please avoid making postings that simply agree or disagree or repeat ideas already posted.  Rather, add substantively to the discussion by extending the ideas of others, relating personal or other experiences that illustrate ideas being discussed, proposing alternate ideas, raising new questions for discussion and asking for clarification.
-Express ideas concisely. Please avoid lengthy postings. One way to do this is by keeping each posting focused on a single idea or theme. Make separate postings for different ideas and themes.
-Make a variety of postings.  Keep in mind the various regions of the world and also the various themes of study (i.e. Population, Environment, Economy, Sustainability, Geopolitics).
-Spell check work before posting. There's no excuse in 2012 when you are using a computer.


Level 4 - (80-100%)
1. Contributes to discussions with high degree of regularity
2. Responses indicate a high degree of knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with a high degree of effectiveness
4. Demonstrates a high degree of self-motivation
5. Accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with a high degree of effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with a high degree of effectiveness
8. Includes references to two external sources to support posting.

Level 3 - (70-79%)
1. Contributes to discussions with considerable  regularity
2. Responses indicate a considerable knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with considerable effectiveness
4. Demonstrates considerable self-motivation
5. Usually accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with considerable effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with considerable effectiveness
8. Includes references to one external sources to support posting.

Level 2 - (60 - 69%)
1. Contributes to discussions with some  regularity
2. Responses indicate a some knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with some effectiveness
4. Demonstrates some self-motivation
5. Sometimes accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with some effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with some effectiveness
8. Does not reference to external sources to support posting.

Level 1 - (50 - 59%)
1. Contributes to discussions with limited regularity
2. Includes a response to another classmate, but lacks a formal post
3. Responses indicate limited knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
4. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with limited effectiveness
5. Demonstrates limite self-motivation
6. Does not  accept criticism postively
7. Expresses ideas with limited effectiveness
8. No references to external sources to support posting.

<50%
1. Does not include a post

Mr. Forsyth please add

Post a comment here for a suggested thread and I will make it a topic for that week.

Blog overview

This is an overview.
 In general you can post to the news events of the day by selecting from the tabs on the right of the screen.  They are organized by the week.
You will be responsible for posting one news events from a world region per week.
You can post as many as you like.  One, Twenty, but I will only select one for evaluation.
That post should contain a MINIMUM of two sources (not including your newslink itself), and one of those two sources should be from a reliable (i.e. academic/government) source. Please try to abstain from using wikipedia, random websites, etc.

You will begin that post with the statement "This is my weekly post ..." or "Mark this one"
Please change it up on a weekly basis so that you have covered each region by the end of the course. I won't be a stickler here, so you can overlap a tad, but if I notice that you are constantly posting on the same issue on the same part of the world then I will make you aware of the need to vary your posts.

Try to comment on another student's post so that it feels like a conversation/debate/or learning table.  You may even include a response as one of your selected posts to be evaluated.  In fact, I encourage it.

As the course develops and we begin to understand the major global issues, you may wish to explore a particular topic more in-depth.  A particular issue may strike a chord with you.  You may also take part in a long-term ongoing conversation on that topic that lasts the duration of the school semester.  

There are roughly 17 weeks to the course and there are 17.5% marks allocated to the area of Thinking/Inquiry.  Convenient. This means you will receive approximately 1% of that mark component based on your weekly participation.  You will be expected to tie in course material that we cover on methods of critical thinking and analyzing World Issues.

This blog is live - this means it is a work in progress and can be modified to suit the needs of your learning.  Feel free to post comments/suggestions under the tab titled "Forsyth please add"
Let's get this started then shall we?  I've created a tab titled Week 1-News where you can feel free to add comments on this week's top current events.

Enjoy!

Hola!

Welcome everyone to World Issues. Your assignment this week will be to create a google account. You can do this using any email account you have. Then you will post a test message to ensure you can use this platform.