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Current Issues Mr. Eisenman Email: reisenman@rutlandhs.k12.vt.us web site: http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/eisenman Welcome to Current Issues. In this class you will have the opportunity to learn about the major issues in the world today. Through in depth study of the issues, you will formulate your own opinions, which you will present in a variety of creative formats, including debate, tv and radio broadcasting, storytelling, presentation, PowerPoint, web design, etc… There will be no textbook for this course. Students will be required to read New York Times Upfront magazine, the Rutland Herald, and selected articles from the instructor. Students will occasionally watch news broadcasts and related video. A major component of the course will be independent research by the student. You will also be required to actively participate in class discussions. The course will generally follow the following format. Each unit will last approximately two weeks. A unit of study will be introduced at the beginning of a week. During the next two weeks, you will study the issues on your own and through class activities. On Monday, approximately two weeks after the beginning of the unit, a project demonstrating your learning of the material will be due. In addition to the major units of study, you will read the front page of the Rutland Herald every morning for the first 10-15 minutes of class. You will also be given a copy of New York Times Upfront magazine (biweekly). Every Friday you will have a current events quiz. Depending on the schedule of the class, I will occasionally articles to read which will require a 1-2 page short reaction. You will do several mini debates and some occasional map work. COURSE CONTENT Arab-Israeli Conflict Media Literacy The Iraq War The international response to terrorism Global Warming and the end of oil Political music Globalization and Walmart The Rise of China The Presidential Election 2008 Other optional domestic issues: Cloning, legalization of marijuana, AIDS, sports scandals (doping and steroids), response to Hurricane Katrina, immigration debate, child labor, population and demographic trends of the US and Vermont, and Constitutional Issues such as the death Penalty, gun control, abortion, and dress codes. Other optional international issues: Genocide in Darfur, Pakistan-India conflict, North Korea- South Korea conflict, China-Taiwan conflict, Cuba OBJECTIVES · To learn the issues and terms involved in major national and international issues · To begin to formulate personal beliefs and opinions about the major issues based upon evidence · To develop the habit of following major news stories on at least a weekly basis. · To understand the value and limits of a variety of resources- both print and media- for learning about current issues. GRADING · Projects- 50% · Current events quizzes-15% · Quizzes, homework-15% · Class participation- 20% · There will be a final exam worth 10% of your final grade POLICY FOR LATE WORK Unless prior arrangements are made with me, unexcused late assignments will lose 10 points for each day late. After 5 days late, I will not accept the assignment for credit. You may make arrangements with me to revise work Class rules 1. LANGUAGE/HARRASSMENT: Profane, vulgar, or harassing language will not be tolerated. Please use a respectful tone at all times.
2. TARDY: Arrive to class on time and prepared, which includes bringing a pen, paper, textbook (when required), handouts, and homework. Tardies will result in detention.
3. RESPECT: Treat your teacher and your classmates with respect. This includes listening respectfully, without talking, when your teacher or your classmates are addressing the class. Your active contribution to class discussions is vital to your success in the class. Please raise your hand before talking. Debate is strongly encouraged, but no personal attacks will be tolerated. Be POLITE to others.
4. RESPONSIBILITY OF LEARNING: Take responsibility for your own learning. If you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course, please tell me so that appropriate arrangements can be made for you to get help.
5. MAKE-UP/MISSING ASSIGNMENTS: Complete projects, homework, tests, and essays in a timely manner. If you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to see what you missed and make arrangements to make up missing work. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent, you must make arrangements to make up work that you will miss. You should also check the class web site for homework posting.
6. LEAVING CLASS: Students must use their passbooks and are only permitted to go to the bathroom, the nurse, or a pre-approved place. Inappropriate or excessive use of the pass will result in teacher detention. You may not go to the cafeteria or the school store during class hours, unless the teacher approves a class trip.
7. FOOD/DRINK: No soda, candy, or food is permitted. You may bring your own water bottle to class.
8. SAFETY: Maintain safety and civility.
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Ron Eisenman Rutland High School
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