CGI+Syllabus+and+Expectations


 * Why is this course so important?**

You will be the citizens and leaders of the 21 st century, heirs to a world that grows smaller and more interconnected every day. For the world to continue to prosper, all students must have the opportunities to learn about other world regions, cultures and languages. The world will demand it of you and of our educational system. Students are encouraged to become global thinkers by learning how to relate their knowledge to the larger issues common to all societies such as: political and economic policies and the role of international organizations, demographic changes, environmental changes, the media, international law and human rights, conflict and peacemaking. **//Our job is not to prepare you for what was our world – it is to prepare you for yours!//**

**What will we be exploring?**

How to examine Global issues and propose solutions Global Institutions (political, social, economic…) Globalization of economies (good or bad – it’s not going away…) Human rights issues (haves vs. have nots) Global terrorism, conflict and peacemaking Global trends (population, environment, health, etc…) Comparative systems (political and economic)

**COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:** Students will be able to:

*Apply knowledge about recent historical events that have led to the current political, social and cultural realities of the globe *Research, organize and present information using available technology *Work collaboratively with other students through discussions, group work and development of presentations for the class *Distinguish between fact and opinion *Work to discern credible from non-credible information sources *Organize arguments from different viewpoints and debate issues *JUSTIFY opinions *Predict outcomes and propose solutions *Use active listening skills and treat others and their perspectives with respect *Identify and describe some major political, economic, social, and environmental issues confronting the global community. *Evaluate major threats to peace and stability in the world today, and be able to discuss the underlying reasons for a lack of resolution. *Understand the role of power and military force in global affairs and limitations to the use of force. *Evaluate the demographic, economic, and ethno-national dimensions to issues of development.

**Classroom Policies** CELL PHONE: If I see it, hear it, or just ask for it – It is mine until the end of the day. School policy will be followed. COMPUTERS: They are not opened until I say it is OK and they are closed when I say so... FOOD: We'll start off the year by allowing it. If students start leaving a mess, this privilege will be revoked. TARDIES: Not acceptable unless you were with another teacher. (Have a note)

**What are the course expectations?**

Daily attendance and participation Conduct becoming of a responsible young adult. Disruption of learning will not be tolerated. Come to class prepared to discuss, listen, take notes, LEARN.

Respect for classmates The learning process is directly dependent on an ability to discuss various ideas throughout the course. For this discussion to be successful, students must be accepting, open-minded and respectful towards the ideas of others. All students are not only free, but are encouraged, to express themselves fully throughout the course.

Academic honesty and responsibility Expected of all students. This includes exams and assignments. There is “zero tolerance” and it will be dealt with.

Assignments and Projects that are done **on time**. Department and school policy will be followed for makeup work due to absences or tardies. Late work will be downgraded per department policy (1 day = -15%, 2 days = -30% beyond that = down to 1/2 credit...)

Quizzes and Tests, including oral and written, mostly essay.

Media World Watch portfolio - see sheet

**What will determine my grade?**

Primarily your active participation. Supplemental readings from different sources with many different perspectives will be used at the “text” for this course. My job is NOT to give you answers, it is to facilitate your examination of global issues, develop an educated opinion and search for possible solutions.

Points will be awarded for assignments, projects, media watch, and quizzes/tests and grades will be weighted as follows:

**Tests/Quizzes - 30%, Projects (Including World Watch Portfolio) - 20%, In-class activities/Participation - 20% Homework - 15%, Final Exam - 15% (as per school policy)**