21st Century World Problems Information
August 31, 2011
21st Century World Problems
Mr. Schlieman
Room 402
schliemanb@roschools.com
Course Description and Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of current events, world issues, and global problems that are happening around them every day.
Objectives
1. Students will gain an understanding of current events; both in the U.S. and the world as a whole.
2. Students will understand global issues and problems and analyze how their lives are affected by them.
3. Students will read and sue newspapers everyday to gain an understanding of events affecting the world.
4. Students will read an analyze opinion pieces such as editorials, cartoons, and letters to the editor and evaluate the positions and arguments made in each.
5. Students will study and understand different methods of media and how they impact how the news is given, received, and understood.
6. Students will complete various research projects exploring the various issues and problems discussed in class.
7. Students will be able to display various communication skills, such as reading, writing, presenting, and working in cooperative groups.
Course Materials
Folder
Notebook
Pen/Pencil
Classroom Expectations
• RESPECT!!! Respect yourself, your peers, your teacher, and your classroom.
• Be prepared for class. Bring all required course materials every day.
• Be in your seat when the bell rings. You are tardy if you are not.
• Remain seated at the end of class until the bell rings.
• Be alive, involved, and ready to learn. I will not tolerate not paying attention, heads down on the desk, or sleeping during class. This class will not be very interesting if it’s me talking the whole time. Come prepared with opinions, and be ready to discuss them.
• Be respectful with your opinions. This class is not an open forum for you to spout off any opinion or belief you have. I will not tell you how you should think about an issue or problem, but I will not accept intolerant comments or behavior in my classroom. If you think that way, I don’t want to hear it, keep it to yourself.
Assignments
Every class period 2 news articles will be due. This will constitute the majority of your grade. For each article you must have a 1 paragraph summary and a 1 paragraph reaction. The articles may come from newspapers, Internet, or magazines, but they must be news worthy. No sports recaps or movie reviews. For each article give me the source, title, and author. In the right hand corner of each page you turn in, please put the date the assignment was due. That will make it easier for me to grade. Each day, class will begin with a group discussion of the articles found. Each article will be worth 20 points. During class we will have articles, videos and editorials that you will answer questions on for points. We will also have several projects throughout the semester.
Late Work
All late work is a 0
Keys to Success in World Problems
• Be here!!!
• Pay attention in class and ask questions if you need help
• Complete all assigned work
• Be involved. That’s the best way to get something out of the class.
