GEP - Current Events Email - November 1, 2008

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Dear Teacher:

Each month World Savvy will post current events resources for one topic, with links for articles at varying reading levels, a list of relevant standards, and discussion questions and curriculum that can be used to teach about the issues covered by that news story. For more in-depth current events resources, please preview and subscribe to our World Savvy Monitor, www.monitor.worldsavvy.org.

Global Reaction to the Election of Barack Obama as US President

Throughout this recent presidential campaign in the United States, many people around the world were eagerly following the contest between Barack Obama and John McCain to be President of the United States. With Barack Obama’s historic victory in this campaign, how are citizens and leaders around the world reacting?

Advanced Article: Associated Content
Intermediate Article: Gaurdian
Beginning Article: CNN

Background and multimedia:
Video and Audio - Frontline World: Reactions in Kenya leading up to 2008 Presidential Election PBS
Global Reaction to Barack Obama’s Presidential Win: PBS
Financial Times: Overview and in-depth reports of reactions from many countries/regions: Financial Times

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes Obama’s election in the United States historic?
2. How did leaders in Europe respond to Obama’s election?
3. How did leaders in the Middle East, and especially in Iraq, react to the election results?
4. Obama’s father was born and raised in Kenya. How did people in Kenya respond to the election of Obama as US President?
5. Obama will face many new challenges as president of the United States, both domestically and abroad. What are some of the challenges the US faces today around the world, and how do you think President-Elect Obama will face these challenges? If you could advise Obama on foreign policy, what would you tell him?
6. Is it relevant what citizens and leaders around the world think of a US President? How do you think world opinion of the US President shapes current events or foreign policy?

Curriculum:

1. NY Times: Examining Reactions to the Election of Barack Obama in the Context of History. www.nytimes.com
2. Teachable Moment: What will President Obama do about Afghanistan and Pakistan? www.teachablemoment.org
3. Choices Program: US Role in the World www.choices.edu

California Standards:

Government: 12.1 - Democratic Thought and Principles, 12.6 - Elections, 12.9 - Comparative Government

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