Voices for Tolerance

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Japan

This week while we were discussing the importance of culture and the role religion plays in conflict, President Obama was speaking at the United Nations supporting freedom of speech and peaceful demonstrations. President Morsi of Egypt and other leaders of Muslim nations called for an end to “Islamaphobia” and urged countries to limit speech when it is directed at defaming religions.

CWI

This week we finished our study of world religions by completing our cultural worksheet, graphic organizer and map. Many of you earned high grades on your quiz.  If you need to revise, make sure to make all the corrections and return for extra points.

Some had difficulty completing the map as you do not have a text that you can take home.  Think of this as a problem solving situation: stay after school to complete the assignment, come during advisory, look up a map on line, or make sure to use your class time wisely.  With large classes it is tempting to chat with your neighbor but that is not the best use of your time.

As part of our study of culture, we read an article from Newsweek magazine, “Not Lovin’ It,” that identified some of the reasons why US companies need to be aware of religious and cultural differences when they try to expand.  With a bit of creative thinking we came up with a list of things companies would have to consider when establishing a presence overseas: dietary restrictions; appropriateness of uniforms; respect for holidays; and eating habits.

We then went on to read about the population growth in the world, which has now reached 7 billion. In our text, we read about population density, the clustering of people along shorelines, and the growth of megacities.  We also did another brainstorming activity where we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of a country with large and small populations as well as a country with a young or old population. And we concluded our study of population by viewing the TED video by Hans Rosling that stressed the need for the developed countries of the world to help the poor countries improve their child survival rates so they too can become prosperous countries.

We concluded our week with a current event linked to religion.  We heard about the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic world, visiting Lebanon and urging the young to take on a greater role in advocating tolerance.  We heard about several Muslim countries that continue to react harshly towards the US because of the video that insulted Mohammad and we heard about Coptic Christians who are being forced out of Egypt.

This weekend you have no official homework but I urge you to be mindful of the news and especially the presidential race.  Next week you are going to look at the two candidates’ foreign policy positions and decide which one you would support.  You will be writing or taping a 30 second radio spot that could be used to advocate for your candidate.

Emails

On Monday I will be collecting your MHS email accounts.  Please be ready.

World History

Just as we were speaking of religion in CWI, we were looking at the Protestant Reformation movement and how it spread to England. You completed your graphic organizer comparing the Catholic Church, the Lutherans and the Calvinists.  Once we completed the organizer you were ready for your quiz.  Most of you did a great job.  If you have to revise make the corrections and return to me the next class so you can earn more points.

You also had the opportunity to practice your note taking skills as you viewed the power point on the Reformation in England.  We learned about Henry VIII, his many wives, and the turbulence England experienced as it moved from being a Catholic nation to a Protestant nation.  We met many interesting people during this time period, and you now have the chance to spend time with the character of your choosing as you prepare for your interview.  You have a rubric and working with a partner allows you to test your ideas and thoughts with a peer.  You will have some time on Monday to make finishing touches and then it is show time.

We also did current events this week and they were focused on the presidential race.  We looked at the different candidates and then did a comparison of what it means to be a Democrat or a Republican.

Extra Credit Question:

Define “swing state” and name two examples.  Be the first in your class to email me using your MHS account and earn extra credit.