YR 9 GLOBAL ISSUES SEMESTER 1 TOPIC: PEACE & CONFLICT.

YR 9 GLOBAL ISSUES

SEMESTER 1 TOPIC:PEACE & CONFLICT

What is Global Issues?

Global Issues is a comprehensive Social Studies course which incorporates the subjects of History, Geography, Economics, Civics and Communication Skills.

There is also a very strong emphasis on currents events. Students will be encouraged to keep up to date with news and current affairs.

(1) HISTORY Understanding Goals

Students will understand patterns of change & continuity; relationships between people and events through time; and various interpretations of these relationships.

(2) GEOGRAPHY: Understanding Goals

Students will understand the interactions and relationships between human societies (cultures) and their physical environment.

(3) ECONOMICS: Understanding Goals

Students will understand fundamental economic principles and concepts.

(4) CIVICS: Understanding Goals

Students will understand why societies create and adopt systems of governance and how these systems address human needs, rights and citizen responsibilities

(5) COMMUNICATION: Understanding Goals

Students will demonstrate appropriate application of information technology, communication and research skills.

OVERVIEW OF SEMESTER 1:UNIT: PEACE & CONFLICT

In this semester unit titled Peace & Conflict, you will study wars, conflicts, civil unrest and acts of terrorism from both ancient and modern times. You will examine the reasons these conflicts occurred and how they can be prevented in the future.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1.Why is conflict so prevalent through history?

2.What are the main / causes / impacts of war?

3.How has humanity attempted to resolve conflict?

Topics For Study: August 2012WARS IN ANCIENT GREECE

• Trojan Wars

Video Case StudyTROYAssessment ItemMovie Review: Fact ORFiction: What was the RealTroy like?Date Due Friday 31st August (4pm)

Topics for Study: September 1 to September 15

DRUG WARS IN LATIN AMERICA• Colombia in the 1980s & 1990s• Mexico TodayAssessment Item• Argumentative Essay:Arguments for & Against Decriminalizing Drugs.Date Due: Friday 14th September 4pm

Topics for Study:September 15 to September 30th

TERRORISM: SEPTEMBER 11TH CASE STUDY • Origins of the Conflict: Al Queda• September 11th 2001: What happened on that day• Why the US failed to prevent the 9/11 terrorist

attacks.• The Legacy & Long Term Impacts of September 11th

(eg: US involvement in Afghanistan & global changes to security at airports)

End of Quarter 1 ExamMonday 1st OR Tuesday 2nd October

Structure• 1 hour exam• Cloze Exercises (fill in the blanks)• Multiple Choice Question• Short Answer / Definitions Questions• Paragraph Questions• Weight: 10

October 2012 (After October break)15 to 20th October

POST VENEZUELA ELECTION REVIEW• What were the results of the election?• What are the long term impacts for

Venezuela?• Has there been any evidence of conflict post-

elections? • How can this conflict be resolved?

Topics for StudyOctober-November 2012

THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION • Understanding the US Voting System • What are the beliefs and ideologies of the major

political parties?• Conflict in Policy Making: Republicans vs Democrats.• Obama vs Romney.• US Presidential Election: November 6th 2012. • Full coverage and discussion of events before and

after the election.

Topics for StudyOctober-November 2012

Assessment Item: US Presidential Campaign• You will have the opportunity to run for President of the United States.• You will need to outline your policy platform in a number of key areas

including education, health care, and defense. • Significant research will be required – you cannot make up your own

data and statistics. • You will need to present a 8 to 10 minute speech which is supported

by a range of visual aids (eg: graphs)• You must also be prepared for unrehearsed and challenging questions

from your opponents at the end of the presentation. Your opponents will be other presidential candidates.

• Due (Presentations Begin): Week Beginning: Monday 19th November 2012 • Weight: 10

Topics for StudyNovember 2012

The United Nations: Peace & Conflict Resolution• History & Purpose of the • United Nations• Organizational Structures• Funding Issues• The effectiveness of the UN in conflict

resolution.• Current Topics for Debate the UN.

SAMUN(South America Model United Nations)

• SAMUN (South America Model United Nations) is held every year in Caracas.

• The dates for 2012 are:Saturday 10th November to Tuesday 13th • There is a possibility that all 9th grade students

will be involved in this activity. This will be confirmed. However, you can also become involved with MUN by selecting this as an after school activity. This is coordinated by Ms Plank.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

• Homework is a very important part of this subject Global Issues.

• Homework will be marked by the teacher and contribute to a significant part of your overall grade.

• If you fail to complete homework on a regular basis, your parents will be contacted and a plan will be implemented to ensure your homework is completed in a timely manner.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Dedication to the Learning Process• Demonstrates responsibility by meeting

deadlines, completing assignments and coming to class prepared.

• Engages in Goal Setting• Reflects on the learning process and

celebrates accomplishments.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Mastery of Key Facts & Concepts• The knowledge of key facts & concepts

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Thinking & ReasoningDemonstrates problem solving skills• Uses the steps of the problem solving process:(1) Identifies a problem.(2) Generates possible solutions.(3) Makes a plan.(4) Carries out the Plan.(5) Examines & Evaluates Results.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Thinking & Reasoning (continued)Demonstrates Creative Thinking Skills • (A) Generates Alternatives or Innovative Ideas

and Questions. • (B) Produces original outcomes.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Thinking & Reasoning (continued)Demonstrates Critical Thinking Skills(A) Uses cognitive processes (eg: comparing, classifying,

analyzing, evaluating & synthesizing) (B) Reflects clearly and accurately on the thinking

process.(C) Evaluates arguments, interpretations, beliefs, or

theories. (D) Arrives at logical conclusions from evidence.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Information Literacy Understands Technology Operations & Concepts(A) Demonstrates proficient use of various software programs.(B) Interacts Online Safely & Responsibly. Use Information Ethically & Responsibly (C) Applies copyright laws(D) Respects intellectual property rights.

Standards & Benchmarks for Social Studies

Information Literacy (continued)Uses the Research Process• Locates, evaluates, analyzes and organizes

information Communicates Effectively • Shares knowledge and information with others using

visual, written and verbal communication tools.• Adheres to language conventions (eg: correct spelling

and grammar.)