1. Question – The Wealth and Poverty of Nations The United States is the richest and most powerful nation in the world. Today, you’re going to try to figure out why. With your group members, name as many rich and powerful countries in the world as you can. Now, name as many poor and weak countries as you can. What kinds of qualities do the rich nations have in common? What kinds of qualities do the poor nations have in common? Are there any qualities that any of the rich or poor nations have in common? Be prepared to discuss these questions when the buzzer sounds.

2. Rich, Powerful Nations Saudi Arabia China U.S. England Japan France Vietnam Canada Vatican City Luxembourg Israel In-debt Active military Tourism – traps Things to sell – industry Nuclear weapons

3. Poor, Weak Nations Mexico Haiti Dominican Republic Almost all nations in Africa Puerto Rico Cuba Jamaica Bahamas North Korea Hunger Education – low Non-English Bad leadership Low employment Natural disasters Bad economies Not necessarily good relations with these nations

4. What do they have in common? Crime everywhere In debt Religious – different, but many similar

5. Guns, Germs, and Steel Today we will watch the first episode of a video called, “Guns, Germs, and Steel.” This video attempts to answer the same question we just discussed – why are some societies so rich and prosperous, and others are not? Your task will be to:  Summarize the basic arguments of the video  Evaluate the arguments and evidence – Agree or disagree? Explain and support why.

6. Assignment You will accomplish the previous task in essay form. For this essay, it should be at least five paragraphs. When writing, be sure to use your introduction to introduce your main idea, and your conclusion to wrap-up your ideas at the end Be sure to explain and support.

7. Argument Logic – 12 Points Excellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points EXPLANATION Logic argues major points and avoids logical gaps Virtually no gaps exist in the paper’s logic Some minor gaps and questions may exist in the paper’s logic The paper’s arguments make little or no logical sense SUPPORT Evidence used is appropriate, strong, and supports the main thesis strongly - SUPPORT All information used strongly supports the main thesis Most information used strongly supports the main thesis Most of the information in the paper is weak and does not support the main thesis Writing Mechanics and Structure – 6 Points Excellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points Writing mechanics and structure follow common standards of written English for the subject and purpose (APA formatted if necessary) Writing mechanics and structure have few, if any, errors Writing mechanics and structure may have some minor problems that do not detract from the paper overall. Writing mechanics and structure have numerous errors that cause major problems with the paper Introduction and Conclusion – 12 Points Excellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points Introduction directly and clearly states the point of view or purpose of the paper. Introduction directly and clearly states the view or purpose of the paper. Introduction may only vaguely state the view or purpose of the paper. Introduction does not state the paper’s purpose, or states it in an extremely unclear way. Conclusion logically brings together all parts of the argument for a clear summary Conclusion logically brings together all parts of the argument for a clear summary. Conclusion may have gaps in bringing together the various parts of the argument. Conclusion does not bring together the parts of the argument.