| Class: 7/8 |
|
To enable students to become more informed and critical thinkers, we shall be trying a new, more methodical approach to the study of politics and world affairs. This will involve in-depth analyses of more sophisticated material.
Requirements:
1) Daily monitoring of International and National news. Students must be ready to report on and discuss events when called upon. Failure to do so will necessitate daily note taking of the news as additional homework.
2) Each Student will research and present one topic per semester. This will be followed by a class discussion that will include a question and answer session.
Suggestions for Newspapers and News Broadcasts
| Newspapers | News Broadcasts |
| New York Times | Network News at 5:30 p.m. |
| Washington Post | CNN World News at 5:00 p.m. |
| Chicago Tribune | CNN Nightly News at 9:00 p.m. |
| Wall St. Journal | CNN Headline News at every half-hour |
| Los Angeles Times | Washington Week in Review - PBS Friday 8:00 p.m. |
| Wisconsin State Journal | Newshour with Jim Lehrer - PBS nightly at 6-7 p.m. |
| - | BBC News - PBS usually Monday-Thursday at 11.00 p.m. |
Suggestions for Periodicals
Aims and Objectives - Politics
Through the study of current affairs, our aim is to develop knowledge and understanding of the contemporary world, its changing nature, its institutions and the influences acting upon them. We aim to develop the practical and intellectual skills necessary for the study and intelligent discussion of contemporary issues. We also aim to encourage the formation of considered attitudes of an intellectual, humanitarian, social and political nature, thereby contributing to the student's preparation for full and active membership of society.
The aims and objectives of this course are classified under three headings - cognitive, skills, and attitudes.
1. Cognitive
The knowledge, understanding and application of the following:
a) Social, political and economic institutions
b) Importance of historical and geographical influences on society
c) The acquisition and accurate use of specific terminology
d) Critical and objective appraisal of events, issues, ideologies, etc.
e) Decision-making processes in society
f) Variety of arguments and points of view
g) Evaluate the validity of arguments offered in debate today
2. Skills
a) Inquiry - locating and classifying information, gathering data, and interpreting evidence
b) Critical Thinking - identifying issues, formulating hypotheses and evaluating evidence
c) Sources - using authentic formal and informal sources of information, detecting bias and dis-information
d) Communication - communicating argument and conclusions orally and in writing
3. Attitudes
a) Intellectual - objectivity, open-mindedness, and healthy skepticism
b) Humanitarian - empathy and tolerance towards others
c) Social and Political - awareness of, interest in, responsibility towards, and involvement in social and political issues
d) Communication - communicating argument and conclusions orally and in writing
Format of Research Presentations
a) Topic chosen from sign-up list on the notice board. Check with me if you have another suggestion.
b) You have a week to prepare this assignment. The topic must accurately reflect its present and historical context. Visual aids would be very helpful e.g. maps, timelines, diagrams, overheads, power point, etc.
c) The class will need to take some notes during your presentation.
d) You must have sufficient depth of knowledge to run a class discussion and a question and answer session after your presentation.
e) You may use internet sources for this assignment. They must be credited. This assignment will not be given during a History Essay or Exam Prep.