GEP - Current Events Email - November 1, 2007

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Dear Teacher:

As a recipient of World Savvy's Current Affairs Update, every two weeks you will receive a set of resources for 3 major recent news stories, including articles at varying reading levels, a list of relevant standards, and curriculum that can be used to teach about the issues covered by that news story. If you are interested in teaching a larger unit on a specific issue, please contact us for support.

Disputes Surrounding Turkey - Armenian Genocide and Kurdish Rebels

Resolution on Armenian Genocide:

Advanced Article: economist.com
Intermediate Article: www.nytimes.com
Beginning Article: www.pbs.org

Turkey Fighting Kurdish Rebels Along Iraqi Border:

Advanced Article: www.nytimes.com
Intermediate Article: www.usatoday.com
Beginning Article: news.bbc.co.uk
Background Article: Background on Kurdish Turkey - economist.com

Discussion Questions:

1. Which group has the Turkish government threatened to attack? From which country (aside from Turkey) does this group operate?
2. From the perspective of the United States, what are some potential problems that could arise if Turkey launches a cross-border attack against this group?
3. What ethnic group does the PKK represent? Why is it fighting the Turkish government?
4. Why is the Turkish government upset with the US' proposed recognition of the Armenian genocide? Why does the US government consider Turkey to be an important ally?
5. If you were a member of the US Congress, how would you vote on the resolution to recognize the Armenian genocide? What are the various factors that would inform to your decision? Do outside research to support your conclusions.

Curriculum:

1. PBS NewsHour Extra Reading and Discussion Questions: Read it now >>
2. Asking about Armenia: Read it now >>
3. Kurdish Struggle for Self-Rule: Read it now >>
4. Learning about the Armenian Genocide: Read it now >>

California Standards:

World History: Causes of WWI, Contemporary Nation Building
Language Arts: Reading Comprehension – Informational Materials (policy debates, point of view, evaluating evidence), Analyzing the Media

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Topic 2: California Wildfires

The wildfires burning in Southern California have been the biggest national news story over the last couple weeks, and in addition to the devastation itself, there are several interesting connections to other recent weather crises. The response to the CA wildfires has been compared frequently in the news to the response to Hurricane Katrina. In addition, drought has fueled the size and strength of these fires, and a severe drought is also gripping the southeastern United States. The articles and questions below explore these connections.

Advanced Article: www.newsweek.com
Intermediate Article: news.bbc.co.uk
Beginning Article: www.pbs.org

Bonus: Drought in Southeastern United States - www.usatoday.com
Opinion: www.commondreams.org

Discussion Questions:

1. What areas have been affected by the fires?
2. Why were the fires so hard for firefighters to control?
3. What steps have been taken to respond to the fires? Do you think this response has been successful?
4. What, if anything, do you think could be done to prevent such large-scale fires? Who should be responsible for this? Local, state, or federal governments? Citizens? Other organizations?
5. Why do you think the evacuation of people from fire-affected areas has been more successful than the evacuation of people affected by Hurricane Katrina? Keeping in mind which populations might be especially vulnerable to natural disasters, what do you think are the key components of a good evacuation plan?

Curriculum:

1. In Harms Way: Natural Disasters in My Community: Read it now >>
2. Controlling Wildland Fire with Fire Read it now >>
3. Forest Fires Read it now >>
4. Science Links: Defining Drought Read it now >>

California Standards

Economics: Federal Govt. and Economy
Science: Ecosystems, Climate and Ecology
US History: Domestic Policy Issues
Government: Role of Federal, State, Local Governments

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Topic 3: Mozambique's Former President Wins African Leadership Prize

Advanced Articled: news.independent.co.uk
Intermediate Article: www.time.com
Beginning Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. Who just won the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership? How much money will he receive for winning the award?
2. Who was eligible for the award? What are some of the specific reasons that Chissano was chosen for the award?
3. Who established this award and with what intentions was it established? Do you believe it will be an effective means of promoting good governance in Africa?
4. Are there any criticisms of the award? Why would some people see it as being a bribe?
5. Research the histories of Mozambique and one other African country (be sure to include their colonial histories). How does the historical context of each country relate to its current political status?

Curriculum:

1. Whose Lenses: How Mass Media Portray Global Development Read it now >>
2. First 'Honest African Leader' Prize Given (article for ESL students and activities) Read it now >>
3. Power to the People: Exploring the Future of Africa, from Corruption to Democracy (about formation of the African Union…) Read it now >>

California Standards:

World History: Contemporary Nation-Building
Government: Different Political Systems and New Democracies
Language Arts: Analyzing the Media

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The views expressed in the articles and resources listed above are not the views of World Savvy. They are listed here as resources for educators but do not necessarily reflect the opinions and priorities of World Savvy. If you ever want to unsubscribe from this list, just send an email to Kelly at kelly@worldsavvy.org.