IN-CLASS EXAM last week

Thursday - finish Patterns of Consumption
Friday - Aquaculture - Paige

Monday - IN CLASS EXAM.
You are allowed to bring any supporting materials - printed documents only - as your sources, evidence to reference in your opinion essay.
Marking scheme:

Provide an opinion on one of the following issues in the space provided  (10 marks)

Include in your comment – Why this issue should concern people(1),  two points with external proof that support your opinion (not your own opinion - may be from class discussions, articles, lectures or presentations) (4), a concession or popular counter argument - then make sure you disprove it (2), proper grammar and spelling (1), a clear introduction (1), a clear conclusion (1)    

Importance of Biodiversity,  Organic Agriculture, Aquaculture, Ways that media compromises our understanding of World Issues, Overpopulation a threat or not a threat, Sweatshops and human abuse/gender inequality, Climate Change, Northern Gateway Pipeline, Patriot Act (privacy), Decriminalization of Marijuana good or bad.

TUESDAY - Anyone wishing to Present their year end reflection in front of the class should do so on this day.

WEDNESDAY - last day - study session, final Q&A before your final exam. (25 marks)

The Bakken

I had a look at the Bakken, North Dakota tonight as mentioned in class- fascinating. It rivals the size of the city of Chicago, yet no one lives there.

An interesting article on energy here:
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/dirty-snow-may-be-altering-our-climate-say-001859316.html

Do you remember our talk on "albedo"?

Snow Day

Well, isn't that a pickle....... of happiness.

While you are at home with visions of sugar plums please be aware that Monday will be your Media and Information unit quiz - I put a handful of M/Choice questions on it, but it's mostly written answer questions,     PLUS hand in your Israel and Palestine article   PLUS hand in your Enemy of the State questions.

PLUS I would like you to be aware of the situation in France that has been happening that past few days Charlie Hebdo - we will discuss freedom of the press in-class.

Year End Reflection

This is to be a personal reflection on items you have learned in this course. This is a draft marking scheme. As always, your input is welcome until it is finalized.
Value: 5%
Format: I am flexible with the format on this one: - Video
 - Computer animation
 - Written journal entry
 - Powerpoint summary
 - Semi-formal (no jeans) essay
 - Art piece

- check with me if you aren't sure
 Marking Scheme: I will use a checklist for this one as a score card.
 Length: - Written Format: I will be looking at approx. 5 pgs. typed -
 Alternative Format: Presentation approx. 5 mins.
Mechanics: - Proper grammar and punctuation is necessary in all formats.
Content: - Refers to a personal experience in the course - Makes reference to specific events/materials in the course - Describes honest strengths/weaknesses of - Connects personal experiences in course/class to "outside" world experiences.
-Displays evidence of the importance of global issues and being informed on global issues.

Level 4 makes connections between physical geography, human systems and the environment with a high degree of effectiveness expresses and organizes ideas and information with a high degree of effectiveness
 Level 3 makes connections between physical geography, human systems and the environment with considerable effectiveness expresses and organizes ideas and information with considerable effectiveness
 Level 2 makes connections between physical geography, human systems and the environment with some effectiveness expresses and organizes ideas and information with some effectiveness *if you are having trouble meeting the 5-page requirement then you can break it down into unit by unit and highlight the ones which impacted you the most and draw comparisons from those units to the above systems (in the level 4 category i.e. human systems such as political, social, technology, environment, life support systems, ecosystems, wildlife, etc.)
Level 1 makes limited connections between the systems highlighted and is unclear as to the focus
R - Why are you reading this? Don't bother trying for R.

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.