Current Events Assignment Engaging thoughtfully with the events and issues that are happening around the world is an essential life skill and one that is required as a part of the high school curriculum. This task is intended to connect what is happening in the world with the concepts and ideas that are being discussed in social studies generally. It is also designed to help you to reflect on the events and formulate critical awareness of the broad implications of these events. This assignment is not intended to be a time consuming activity. The steps to successful completion of this assignment are laid out as follows:
Step 1 - Research:
Find a news story that interests you:
Current events can be taken from a wide variety of sources.
·Newspapers (local, national and international)
·Television News Websites (CNN, BBC, CBC, CTV, Global, etc.) -some of these are listed in the sidebar of this class website
·Magazines (sometimes even a story in your favourite sports mag or even... uhm...COSMO –eek!)
The event must appear in printed (text-based) format. That means that if you see a story on live television (or YouTube/video format) you will need to find the same story in printed format. Print and clip your news story to your assignment sheet. On your assignment sheet please provide the following information about your news item.
Headline/Title/Topic:
List author, publisher (magazine, website, or news agency), date, and web link if available.
Step 2 - Overview:
In a brief paragraph give a brief outline of the story content (3/4 sentences):
Step 3 - Connection:
Identify which of the topics or concepts we discussed in class so far might apply to the event you have chosen. Explain why you think they apply.
Step 4 - Reflection:
In a paragraph write your own opinion of the event you have found. Think of these questions as you write this section. Don't feel like you need to answer every one of these questions, I am more interested in seeing how you have engaged with the material you are researching.
- How would I feel if I was involved in this situation?
- Do you agree with the position of the author?
- Whose opinions and ideas seem to be the strongest?
- Whose opinions are missing?
- Are there other articles discussing the same topic or event?
- What other opinions are there about this event?
- Is there something I can do about this situation?
Step 5 - Debate:
Write a debate question based on the problems that are evident in this event. The question should take the conventional format that we have used in class.
Example:
Topic: Sydney Crosby fails to return to regular play in the NHL.
Debate question:
Preamble: Given that professional sports ought to showcase the very best players in the game...
Be it resolved that physical contact in professional hockey be eliminated from the regular course of play.
