This week we focused on the elements of culture and how understanding the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of other countries will aid us in understanding their point of view or perspective on world issues. All countries do not believe the same things and as our value assignment illustrated, even within a country different people espouse different values.
One of the major components of culture is religion. You had a graphic organizer that helped you select key information from our text. Our class discussion gave you the opportunity to think about three major religions of the world, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and you quickly saw the overlapping nature of these religions, which all started in South West Asia. By understanding the histories of these religions, you will better understand the conflicts that arise today, both between these religions and within each of them. In addition to the graphic organizer you also did a world religion map. Seeing how different religions are distributed across the continents gives us additional information on how religion contributes to culture and enables us to better understand the world. We also answered the questions posed by the UpFront IQ Test that was based on the Pew Research survey done in the US last year. The survey found that most Americans don’t have basic information about the major religions of the world. When people are ignorant of one another’s beliefs, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise more quickly. Finally, you had your announced quiz on religion. Many of you earned high marks but some struggled and now have the option to revise. If you are given the option to revise, make all the corrections and return your revised quiz for additional credit. If you decide not to revise, please write on the paper that you will not be revising and return it to me so I can give you some credit.
Political and Economic Geography
You have two worksheets to help you learn the material in your text on political and economic geography. Our section on political geography focuses on the different types of government throughout the world and how the size and shape of a country can affect its role in world affairs. We had a discussion of how the size and shape of a country can influence its history. A good example is the US as we have only two neighboring countries, a vast amount of land with many natural resources, and access to large rivers and two oceans, promoting trade and transportation. Countries that have threatening neighbors to defend against, or who are landlocked or have limited natural resources, will have different challenges. Next week we will look at different types of economies, the role of infrastructure in promoting a healthy economy, and different methods of measuring wealth within a country. Keep in mind we will be having a quiz on these two sections.
Current Events
Your current event, due Monday or Tuesday (depending on your class period) must have a connection to religion OR the economy. Keep in mind that this must be an international issue. Your rubric clearly lists all that you must do to meet standard. This will be your third graded current event so you should be earning high marks. Please take the time to read my comments on your assignment so you can improve.
Coming Attractions
We are finishing up our first unit and will start our study of Africa by focusing on the challenges, opportunities and successes of this diverse continent. You will be doing a power point project with a group on an assigned country that will give you the chance to direct your learning, practice working in a group, and gain experience in making a presentation. This is an especially good assignment for those who have not yet completed their Capstone. Much of what you will be doing for the Africa project will align with your Capstone project.
Our schedules will also be affected by NECAP testing, which starts October 5.
October 1 Email
We have talked in class about the need for a school email, and as part of your room management plan you must have a Middletown school email account by October 1. We will be using these accounts when we do group projects and our first group project is fast approaching. If you need the permission forms, you may see Mrs. Gill, Mr. Fontaine or ask in the Main Office.
Staying Organized
This week we updated our class folders. You have a status of assignment sheet and a list of all the assignments to date. All of your graded work must be in the folder. You are responsible for keeping track of your work. Your folder is checked from time to time. All folders must be up to date by inter-term week in order to meet standard.
Makeup work or extra help
Please keep in mind that I am available before school from 6:45 to 7:15 and again after school (except Wednesday) for makeup work or extra help. If you are absent excused, you have 5 days to make up the assignment. Don’t delay…make up missed work as soon as possible.
Cash Prizes
Now that I have your attention…would you like to earn a cash prize by writing an essay on what it means to be an American? The Bill of Rights Institute is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. I have given you the link for further details. If you are interested in participating, let me know and I will be happy to help out.
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