This unit is designed to lay the foundations of the course. It begins with a farily large global mapping assignment, designed to familiarize students with the locations and relative wealth of the world's countries. This is followed by an study of the 5 elements of issue analysis. Colonialism is examined so as to provide some background information as to why some of the African nations are currently poor and war-torn. Lastly, a simulation game is played which demonstrates the nature of power.
Learn why power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Unit Assignments
World Mapping Assignment
- Using the textbook as a reference, number each country on a world map outline. Do not repeat numbers.
- Create a spreadsheet listing the country number, name, and GNP per capita in U.S. dollars.
- Colour the map on the basis of GNP, using three shades of the same colour. Do not copy the textbook pattern, as there are differences. Include a legend. The division between GNP levels is as follows:
- $0 - 999 - less developed country
- $1,000 - 9,999 - developing country
- $10,000+ - developed country
- Answer the following questions:
- Using your own words, define GNP.
- Do you think that GNP is a good variable for judging a country's level of development? Why or why not?
- What other factors should be taken into consideration?
- Describe the patterns on the map, focusing on concentrations of wealth. What things do the wealthy nations have in common, and what things to the poor nations have in common?
- Why do you suppose this pattern exisits?
Statistics Reading - "Nothing Certian in People Figures"
According to one United Nations projection . . .
- Identify 3 faults with the way population estimates are formed.
- What is considered to be the replacement rate? Why are some country's projections different from others?
- If demographers can't predict the future, why do we bother to try? Give specific reasons.
Colonialism - "Good Governance: The challenge for Africa"
Using notes from class and the articles "Colonial Carve Up" and "Good Governance: The Challenge for Africa" write a 300-500 word response to the following:
How likely to succeed are the attempts to peacefully democratize African states?Consider all of Africa, not only current or former Commonwealth countries. Other things to consider:
- What prevents success?
- What reasons are there for hope?
- What can developed countries do to help?
Test Review
- problems versus issues
- fact, opinion, reason and bias
- cultural sensitivity and historical perspective
- use and abuse of statistics
- ignorance and education
Test structure: