TOPICS IN GLOBALIZATION

Syllabus

2008-2009

AP Language and Composition- Ms. Colglazier and Ms. Lebryk-Chao

AP U.S. Government- Mr. Lamb and Ms. Schoeplein

Planet Earth: 2008. The world community as we know it is shrinking.  Technology and communication are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, integrating the economies and cultures of the world faster than ever. For some, this phenomenon is exciting, a world of endless possibilities. For others, it is devastating, threatening their very existence. Either way, it is here to stay. We are living our lives on the 21^st Century’s Silk Road---and it’s called Globalization. 

Welcome to Topics in Globalization, an integrated, interdisciplinary class combining AP English Language and Composition and AP U.S. Government, with a focus on global issues. Topics is intended to be an experimental class emphasizing new educational ideas, combinations, and methods of teaching. 

Principles of Topics in Globalization

1. Students will deeply examine, research, and, using all of their experience, intellectually grapple with selected complex global problems in order both to provide and to evaluate creative and practical solutions.  Because of the authentic nature of these problems there may, in many cases, be a lack of information, unforeseen dilemmas, and no “right answer.” Students will have opportunities to adapt appropriately and creatively to such situations.

2. After examining current global problems and proposed solutions and locating evidence from a variety of sources, students will apply critical thinking, clear reasoning, keen evaluation skills, and consideration of the ethical issues inherent in all aspects of the problems, in developing their solutions 

3. Students in both the AP Government and AP Language and Composition classes will combine for investigative projects and a culminating class activity using the advantages of both blocks of class time and the varied resources available in the Washington metropolitan area.

4. Students will communicate their understanding, reasoning, and solutions, creatively, clearly, and effectively to a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology and journalistic skills. Our students will be able to not only develop and communicate, with the highest degree of sophistication, clarity and quality, authentic solutions, but will be also be open and willing to give and receive incisive, critical feedback. 

5. The class is designed to help students succeed on both the AP U.S. Government and AP Language and Composition tests.

6. Students will work in an ethical manner.  All assignments (tests, projects, homework, papers, etc.) turned in will be original work.  Someone else's work, research, or ideas must be cited responsibly and accurately.  Students will be advised when collaboration is acceptable.  This class uses turnitin.com as a resource for the appropriate use of sources.

2008-2009 Essential Questions for Topics in Globalization:

These questions will guide our study of Topics in Globalization this school year.

• What does it mean to be a global citizen?
• Look in the mirror: is the U.S. a Hero or an Ogre? And, how does the world see the United States?  Will McCain or Obama make a difference?
• Developing and developed: Why is the gap so big?  Does it matter?
• How will Globalization personally affect you beyond June 13, 2009?

Course Structure

Topics in Globalization will work at three different levels.  On the first level there are overarching experiences in which all students will participate concurrently:

1. Summer reading that provides the common concepts and vocabulary that will be needed to begin the exploration of global issues.
2. Projects that require a variety of research processes and written forms.
• Global Seminars- Groups identify global issues of personal interest, research the history and current status of the issue, and present their findings to peers.
• Science Writer in Residence- Students hear from noted writers and make effective NPR radio broadcasts and podcasts on science topics.
• 4 Books, 4 Teachers- Book groups study literature from around the world that raises questions about culture, history, economics and conflict. 
• Global Simulation- Students play the role of members of Congress, interest groups, and diplomats, to develop resolutions to address world problems. We will use the simulations “U.S. Role in a Changing World” and “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy,” which were developed by Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies.
• Global Exhibitions- Students showcase their reading, research, and analysis of a global issue in a creative format.
3. A variety of expert speakers, films and field trips- C-SPAN participation, teleconferencing with international schools, off-campus research time, Capitol Hill, Newseum, National Academy of Sciences. 

On the second level there will be coordination of assignments and topics among the English teachers and the government teachers in their respective disciplines so that classes are comparable.  Also, teachers in a discipline may work together for specific projects such as AP review, reading groups in AP Language or Mock Supreme Court in AP Government.

On the third level is the working relationship between your AP Language and AP Government teachers.  They will coordinate assignments, tests, and papers and will look for sensible opportunities to make the most efficient use of common class blocks.  Grades for each subject, however, will be kept separately, and students will work most often in single class groups.

We look forward to an exciting and productive year, and we plan to learn at least as much from you as you do from us.  Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have any questions or concerns.

Catherine.colglazier@fcps.edu  Jay.lamb@fcps.edu     

Melissa.schoeplein@fcps.edu               slebrykchao@fcps.edu