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?

Mali

The UN has given Mali 45 days to come to a security solution.

What is the root of the problem in that West African country?  In what ways is that issue connected to other global issues?
How is related to France?
Who are the "rebels" in this case?



http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Security+Council+vote+backing+international+force+help+oust+rebels/7381100/story.html

A new apple for Canada

So Canada will a "new" apple on the market (Not of the iPad variety) .
How does selective breeding differ from genetic engineering?  Are the motives the same behind each process?  Do the ethics differ behind each process?



http://www.vancouversun.com/news/national/apple+government/7382472/story.html

Drone sent to Israel

Although this even happened while we were devouring turkey dinners, it has major ramifications.
Tell me about the drone shot down in Israel.   The conversation at my family dinner - since two relatives just returned from Lebanon - brought up this event and some agreed that this could be the final event to send the Middle East into full meltdown.
While this event is enough to warrant a month of discussion, some ideas to get your keyboards moving:

- What specifically took place?  What is a drone?  Who should be held responsible?  Who is responsible for the monitoring of drones and where? Should drones be legal? How have drones been used in the U.S. / Canada?  Should they be allowed in Can/U.S.? Be specific.

Details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/08/us-iran-israel-idUSBRE8970IT20121008

The great debate

Last week the presidential debate took place, which even included a mention of Big Bird - parodied on SNL this past weekend.  Romney's attack against the bird has even been used as part of Obama's campaign - research and tell me if this is an effective tactic.
The debate and subsequent election is an ongoing story that will deepen as we approach U.S. election time.

What are the topics that are being mentioned?  How do the policies differ?

What are the backgrounds of these people running for office? 

Another idea:

How does coverage of this election vary in different countries? (i.e. compare two or three different media outlets in different world regions reporting on the same event on the same day)

Week 5

This is your open discussion thread for news this week (Oct. 8th to 14th - inclusive).
What's making the headlines in different regions around the world?