TOPICS IN GLOBALIZATION

2009-2010

AP Language and Composition – Ms. Colglazier, Ms. Lebryk-Chao, and Mr. Williams

AP U.S. Government – Mr. Lamb, Ms. Schoeplein, and Mr. Zack

Planet Earth: 2009. 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 way of life.  For everyone, it is complicated.  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, grapple intellectually with selected complex global problems 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 not only be able to develop and communicate, with the highest degree of sophistication, clarity and quality, authentic solutions, but also will be open and willing to give and receive incisive, critical feedback. 

5. 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.

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

2009-20010 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?
• What is the U.S.’s role in the world?  How does the world see the United States? 
• Why is the gap so big between developed and developing countries?  Does it matter?
• How will globalization personally affect you beyond June 19, 2010?

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 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.
• 6 Books, 6 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 “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy” and “Global Environmental Problems: Implications for U.S. Policy,” 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 creative formats.
3. A variety of expert speakers, films and field trips, such as teleconferencing with international schools, off-campus research time, Capitol Hill, the Newseum, and the 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 science writing and profiles in AP Language or Model Congress 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.

cccolglazier@fcps.edu              AJLamb@fcps.edu                   slebrykchao@fcps.edu

MBSchoeplein@fcps.edu                     SOWilliams1@fcps.edu            drzack@fcps.edu