Week 18: Iceland

Gullfloss, Haukadalur Valley

Week 18: Iceland—Finals Week, Pt. 2 (Sec. 4 only)
Tu 5.24 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 17: Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Week 17: Ireland—Finals Week, Pt. 1 (Sec. 8 only)
Th 5.19 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Upcoming:

Week 18: Iceland—Finals Week, Pt. 2 (Sec. 4 only)
Tu 5.24 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

World News 5.12.16

CANADA: Massive wildfire devastates parts of Alberta (Globe and Mail)
ITALY: Italian government is last major western European government to recognize gay civil unions (TheLocal)
UNITED STATES: Treasury official claims ISIS' oil revenue has been halved to $250 million  (Reuters)
MEXICO: Judge clears way for "El Chapo's" extradition to the US (BBC News) 
CHINA: Chinese social media up in arms over death of whale shark (BBC News)
UNITED KINGDOM: International row after Queen caught on camera complaining about "very rude" Chinese officials (Guardian)

Week 16: Italy

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Week 16: Italy
Tu 5.10/Th 5.12 (Last regular day of class)
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PG. 3; BRING 2 COPIES); REFLECTION 8

Upcoming:

Week 17: Ireland—Finals Week, Pt. 1 (Sec. 8 only)
Th 5.19 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 18: Iceland—Finals Week, Pt. 2 (Sec. 4 only)
Tu 5.24 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

World News 5.5.16

UNITED STATES: Malia Obama to take a gap year before attending Harvard (NPR)
CHILE: El Nino blamed for devastating loss of sea life on country's coast (TeleSurTV)
IRAQ: All-female Iraqi  combat unit sets sights on ISIS (Reuters)
SAUDI ARABIA: Senior cleric calls for the decriminalization of homosexuality (MiddleEastEyes)
UNITED KINGDOM: British schools slip in latest college rankings (BBC News)
CHINA: Military recruitment film encourages young Chinese that they can "kill, kill, kill" (Guardian)

Week 15: Sweden

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Week 15: Sweden
Tu 5.3/Th 5.5
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH THESIS AND PAPER OUTLINE (BRING 2 COPIES)

Upcoming:

Week 16: Italy
Tu 5.10/Th 5.12 (Last regular day of class)
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PG. 3; BRING 2 COPIES); REFLECTION 8

Week 17: Ireland—Finals Week, Pt. 1 (Sec. 8 only)
Th 5.19 @ 7:15 AM
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 18: Iceland—Finals Week, Pt. 2 (Sec. 4 only)
Tu 5.24 @ 8 AM (Meet at Flames, across from MLK Library)
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

World News 4.28.16

•  FRANCE: Paris terror suspect said to have the "intelligence of an empty ashtray" by his lawyer (Washington Post)
• BRAZIL: Here are areas of concern 100 Days from the Olympics (CNN)
• ITALY: Study finds one in three pizza makers isn't Italian (Quartz)
• GLOBE: Survey suggests more people consider themselves "global citizens" first (BBC News)
• VENEZUELA: Government orders two-day work week to conserve resources (CNN)
• CHINA: Official says The Martian is proof the US wants joint space missions with China (Reuters)

 

Research Paper

This semester, all of your research papers will focus on global issues involving animals, including conservation, extinction, and illicit trades. 

Here are the topics for your research paper. Choose one of the following:

The Exotic Pet Trade in the United States

Though largely illegal, the exotic species trade has flourished in recent years. In it, individuals who can afford it can purchase any number of exotic species (e.g. tigers, snakes, monkeys) for use as domestic pets. This often results in dangerous outcomes, including the death or injury of the owner and/or pet. It has also had a devastating effect on our environment. For example, Florida’s Everglades is reeling from the (unlawful) introduction of Burmese pythons, which have wreaked havoc on its sensitive ecosystem. What should be done to curb this problem? Explore the implications of importing exotic species as pets.

Invasive Species around the World

All around the world, and for many centuries, humans traveling to new lands have purposefully—or inadvertently—introduced non-native species of animals. In some cases, such introductions have a neutral effect (e.g. the European introduction of poultry to North America), but most often they negatively impact an environment (e.g. Cane Toads in Australia). In fact, many regions are attempting to combat so-called “invasive species” in hopes of reclaiming and restoring native environments. Profile two areas around the world dealing with the consequences of an invasive species.

The Impact of Poaching

All around the world, several illicit markets exist specializing in the trade of poached (and endangered) species, such as elephants and tigers. In the illegal wildlife trade, an elaborate and clandestine network of poachers, dealers, and buyers support a multi-million dollar industry. They trade in everything from exotic animals to ivory to overharvested or protected fish. The impact of such markets has been widespread, including dramatically reducing the numbers of several species, such as the rhino. How dire is the situation around the world as a result of the illegal wildlife trade? What can and is being done to combat these networks? 

Animals in War Zones

Animals are often overlooked as causalities of war. From landmines to habitat destruction to bushmeat, animals pay a high price when humans go to war. And yet, the cost of warfare is typical only measured in human and financial costs. What is the impact of war on animals, both wild and domesticated? Are animals sufficiently protected during times of war? If not, what more can be done to protect them?

The Cetacean Trade

The trade of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) is amongst the most profitable animal markets in the world. Cetacean transactions happen through an intricate, though often shadowy, marketplace designed to match these animals with anyone who can afford them. Most recently, SeaWorld has come under fire for its purchase of cetaceans through notorious purveyors, such as those in Taiji, Japan. What have been the effects of the cetacean trade? Can cetaceans be traded humanely? Or, should the trade be banned outright? Explore the inner workings of the cetacean trade.

Requirements:

• 1,250 words minimum—illustrations are encouraged, but must be captioned
• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• Minimum of 6 outside sources—at least 3 from peer-reviewed academic texts

Works cited page

• Include in your research paper:
• A thesis outlining a clear argument
• An deep analysis of your chosen subject matter
• A conclusion that illustrates an understanding of your subject matter

Timeline:

Th 5.5- RESEARCH THESIS AND PAPER OUTLINE (BRING 2 COPIES)
Th 5.12 (Last regular day of class)- RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PG. 3; BRING 2 COPIES)
Th 5.19 @ 7:15 AM (Sec. 8 only)- RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)
Tu 5.24 @ 7:15 AM(Sec. 4 only)- RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 14: The United Kingdom

The Shard, London

Week 14: The United Kingdom
Tu 4.26/Th 4.28
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: REFLECTION 7

Upcoming:

Week 14: The United Kingdom
Tu 4.26/Th 4.28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: REFLECTION 7

Week 15: Sweden
Tu 4.26/Th 4.28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER THESIS (BRING 2 COPIES

Week 16: Russia
Tu 5.3/Th 5.5
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE (BRING 2 COPIES)

Week 17: Italy
Tu 5.17/Th 5.19
Class: Dept. assessment, Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PG. 2; BRING 2 COPIES); REFLECTION 8

Week 18: Japan
Tu 5.10/Th 5.12
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PG. 4; BRING 2 COPIES)

Week 19: Ireland—Finals Week, Pt. 1 (Sec. 8 only)
Th 5.19 @ 7:15 AM
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

Week 20: Iceland—Finals Week, Pt. 2 (Sec. 4 only)
Tu 5.24 @ 7:15 AM
Class: End-of-class review; Informal research paper presentations
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT)

World News: 4.23.16

• 
  
• UNITED KINGDOM: President Obama says US-UK trade could take ten years to recover if the "Brexit" happens (Independent)
• IRAQ: US-led coalition destroys $500 million of ISIS cash (CNBC)
• KUWAIT: Mandatory DNA tagging to commence on all citizens, as well as tourists (SputnikNews)
• GREECE: Photographers win Pulitzer Prize for haunting photos of Syrian refugee crisis (Huffington Post)
• CANADA: Marijuana legalization eyed for 2017 (CNBC)
• AUSTRALIA: Eighty rhinos to be relocated from South Africa in effort to save species (Tempo)

Reflection 7: The Straight Dope—Understanding World Drug Laws

We are all familiar with drug laws in the United States. On the federal level, 100% of all  recreational drugs are illegal. It's roughly the same at the state and local level, with the exception of marijuana, which is medicinally available in several states—recreational marijuana is only legal in Colorado and Washington. And while opposition to America's "War on Drugs" is growing, our country is unlikely to dramatically change course anytime soon. But how do international laws and attitudes on drugs compare to our own? What countries take a different approach to illegal drugs than us? What can we learn from other countries and what can some from the United States? Finally, what should we, as tourists, know about drug laws in certain countries? For example, how can a seemingly drug-accepting society actually spell trouble for tourists engaging in narcotics?

Include at least two of the following pieces in your discussion:

• "The World's Scariest Places to be Busted for Drugs" (The Fix)
• "The High Lands: Exploring Drug Tourism Across Southeast Asia" (Atlantic)
• "Holland's New Marijuana Laws are Changing Old Amsterdam" (Newsweek)
• "Drug Dealers Brazenly Plying Their Trade on Ibiza's Chic Beaches" (Daily Mail)
• "I Went on a 'Make Your Own Cocaine' Tour in Colombia" (Motherboard)
• "Marijuana Laws Around the World: What You Should Know" (Denver Post)

Requirements:

• MLA Style
• 1.5 pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Th 4.28

Week 13: Cuba

Morro Castle, Havana

Week 13: Cuba
Tu 4.19/Th 4.21
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT 1; EMAIL BY 5 PM)

Upcoming:

Week 14: The United Kingdom
Tu 4.26/Th 4.28
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Library research session (Details TBA)
Due: REFLECTION 7

World News 4.14.16

GREENLAND: Mid-April ice melt stuns scientists (Washington Post)
COLOMBIA: Caribbean town sees rare 1,000 pound leatherback turtle (The CityPaperofBogota) 
UNITED STATES: Report claims America's largest 50 biggest companies are stashing up to $1.3 trillion offshore (Independent)
ISRAEL: Half of country's high schoolers polled say Arabs should not be allowed to vote (TimesofIsael) 
NETHERLANDS: Government hopes to ban all gas, diesel car sales by 2025 (Globe and Mail)
THAILAND: Authorities devise morbid punishment fro drunk drivers (Breaking911)

Week 12: Thailand

Erawan Falls, Erawan National Park

Week 12: Thailand
Tu 4.12/Th 4.14
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Research Writing: A How-To”
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES)

Upcoming:

Week 13: Cuba
Tu 4.19/Th 4.21
Class: Multimedia presentations
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT 1; EMAIL BY 5 PM)

Infographic: America and the Syrian Refugee Crisis

As you now know, there is intense debate about the presence of Syrian refugees. For this assignment, you will rework your Rogerian Argument into an infographic. In doing so, you will visually translate your argument in to a new medium. In this infographic, all six components of your Rogerian argument (overview of the issue, summary of opposing view, statement of understanding,  stating your position, statement of contexts, and common ground solution) should be illustrated in one of three areas on the slide: pro, con, and solution. Aim for some variation of THIS configuration. Also, find samples HERE and HERE.

Infographics are most easily utilized in PowerPoint (or a comparable program). Additionally, if you are experienced in them, you may also use Photoshop or Illustrator. This assignment must be delivered electronically.

A well-executed infographic will:

• Have a title that articulates your Rogerian Argument
• Have a design dictated by the topic
• Visually translate perspectives and facts in a clear and enlightening manner
• Stay within the parameters of the Syrian refugee crisis

Due: Thu 4.14 (Draft 1; B&W hard copy or in electronic form); Thu 4.21 (Final draft; email to dhdelao@gmail.com by 5PM)

World News 4.7.16

GLOBE: The Panama Papers wreak political havoc around the world (Forbes)
ICELAND: Prime minister resigns; falls victim to Panama Papers' fallout (CNN)
RUSSIA: Official claims ISIS brings in $200 million a year from the illicit antiquities trade (AOL)
JAPAN: "Radioactive" boars breeding excessively around Fukushima (Daily Mirror)
CAMBODIA: Tigers declared extinct in country (Guardian)
SPAIN: Cristiano Ronaldo has gay slurs hurled at him at match in Barcelona (Bleacher Report)
 

Week 11: Iran

Shāh Chérāgh, Shiraz

Week 11: Iran
Tu 4.5/Th 4.7
Class: Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Infographics 101”
Due: ROGERIAN ANALYSIS (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS)

Upcoming:

Week 12: Thailand
Tu 4.12/Th 4.14
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Research Writing: A How-To”
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES)

World News 4.2.16

BRAZIL: Olympic officials sound alarm about ticket sales—games only 50% sold ahead of August opening (Yahoo! News)
SOUTH AFRICA: President Jacob Zuma faces possibility of impeachment over lavish home improvements (Guardian)
JAPAN: Agreement in place to reduce Japanese nuclear arsenal (USA Today)
CANADA: A potential second Viking settlement discovered in Newfoundland (CBC News)
MEXICO: Hacker claims he rigged 2012 national election (Vice)
NEW ZEALAND: Kiwis decide to keep flag in referendum costing $18 million (TheVerge)

Week 10: Argentina

 Valdés Peninsula, Provincia del Chubut

Week 10: Argentina—Spring Break
Tu 3.29/Th 3.31

Upcoming:

Week 11: Iran
Tu 4.5/Th 4.7
Class: Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Infographics 101”
Due: ROGERIAN ANALYSIS (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS)

Week 12: Thailand
Tu 4.12/Th 4.14
Class: Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Research Writing: A How-To”
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES)

Rogerian Argument: America and the Syrian Refugee Crisis

In the five years since Syria erupted into civil war, an estimated nine million Syrians have fled the country. While the majority of displaced Syrians have remained in Middle Eastern countries, several million have mad their way to Europe. European countries, such as Germany, Sweden, and France, have taken in hundreds of thousands of refugees (from not only Syria, but North Africa and other Middle Eastern countries). In the United States, our government has admitted less than 3,000 refugees. And President Obama's proposal to admit up to 10,000 has met with strong GOP resistance. On the campaign trail, the top two contenders of each party have addressed the crisis and their differences have been stark. Republican candidates have taken a hard line approach (usually citing security concerns) against additional, or even any, refugees. Democrats, on the other hand, have expressed a willingness to vastly increase their numbers, arguing that doing so is representative of core American values. Further complicating this debate are fresh terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, worrying an already skeptical American public. What is to be done? With no end in sight for the Syrian conflict, what should be America's role in the refugee crisis? Using a Rogerian Argument, propose a solution that bridges the divide on this debate.

All evidence to support your solution should comes from the following sources (use a minimum of four):

1. "The Arguments Against Syrian Refugees Sound a Lot Like the Arguments Against Jewish Refugees Before WWII" (Fusion)
2. "It is Time to Stop Accepting Syrian Refugees in America" (The Blaze)
3. "Republicans to Obama: Keep Syrian Refugees Out" (CNN) 
4. "Ted Cruz's religious Test for Syrian Refugees" (New Yorker) 
5. "Donald Trump" Syrian Refugees a 'Trojan Horse'" (CNN)
6. "Hillary Clinton Weighs in on Syrian Refugee Crisis" (CBS News)
7. "The Case for a Refugee Pause" (Chicago Tribune) 
8. "To Undermine ISIS, We Should Welcome Syrian Refugees" (Newsweek)
   
9. "Turning Away Refugees Won't Fight terrorism, and Might Make it Worse" (Wired)
10. "Bernie Sanders: We Will Not Turn Our Back on Syrian Refugees" (Politico)
11. "Here's What Republicans Don't Get About Syrian Refugees" (Mother Jones)
12. "Why is the US Not Doing More to Help Syrian Refugees?" (Newsweek)
13. "The Case for Accepting Syrian Refugees" (Wall Street Journal) 
14. "I'm Not Offering My Home to a Syrian Refugee. That Doesn't Make Me Evil" (Daily Telegraph)
15. "Europe is making a Fatal Mistake" (National Review) 

For more details on the Syrian conflict, see BBC News' "Syria: The Story of the Conflict"

Requirements:

• MLA Style
• 3 pages in length
• Works cited page (4 sources minimum)

Due: Th 4.7