MEADE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2014 IB Middle Years Programme Interdisciplinary Unit: Creating a Better & More Peaceful World

Overview of Interdisciplinary Unit: Creating a Better & More Peaceful World During this investigation, we are going to explore the following two questions: How do global conflicts influence the safety and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants? How can we develop solutions to resolve these global conflicts?

This unit of study supports the IB mission: The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

First Step… In Tech Ed classes, you identified a global conflict and then did some preliminary research. At this point, you should have started a Works Cited page, written some notes, and explained and justified the need for a solution to this global conflict. NOTE: If you do not have a tech ed class, your U.S. history teacher will help get you started by assigning a conflict to you and giving you some initial research.

Today’s Inquiry Question Should the United States be an isolationist nation? Let’s respond a brief excerpt from George Washington’s Farewell Address to consider this question.

George Washington’s Farewell Address of 1796 The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns.... Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course.... when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.

Reflection What is Washington’s message? What are the advantages to a nation being isolated? What are the disadvantages? During the 20 th century, to what extent, did the United States follow Washington’s advice? Even if the United States wanted to become more isolated, is it possible to do so in the 21 st century? Why or why not?

Globalization Let’s brainstorm as a group using a circle map: What do we know about globalization? What’s the definition? What are the causes? How does it affect us both positively and negatively? How does it affect people in other parts of the world both positively and negatively? Who is promoting it? Why? Who is fighting against it? Why?

Globalization Part I—John Green As you watch, take Cornell Notes on what you learn about globalization:

Reflection Let’s go back to our circle map. Let’s add to or revise what we brainstormed about globalization. Consider these questions again: What are the causes? How does it affect us both positively and negatively? How does it affect people in other parts of the world both positively and negatively? Who is promoting it? Why? Who is fighting against it? Why?

Globalization Part II—John Green As you watch, take Cornell Notes on what you learn about globalization: =P-_Uji6lV5w (Start the video at 6:02 and watch until the end)

Reflection Let’s go back to our circle map. Let’s add to or revise what we brainstormed about globalization. Consider these questions again: What are the causes? How does it affect us both positively and negatively? How does it affect people in other parts of the world both positively and negatively? Who is promoting it? Why? Who is fighting against it? Why?

Extending our Understanding of the Implications of Globalization Based on our understanding of globalization, why should we be concerned with finding solutions to global conflicts? Now, let’s read an article entitled “The Link Between Globalization and Terrorism.” How does this help us to answer our inquiry question: How do global conflicts influence the safety and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants?

Overview of Assignment Discuss the assignment for Individuals & Societies. What questions do you have? All handouts, print outs, and assignment will be kept in a folder that you will keep with you for the duration of the project. You will take it with you to each of the classes doing this project throughout the semester.