1. What are the “big issues” that we find throughout the contemporary world?
The AP World Themes are:
Theme 1: Interactions between humans and the environment
Theme 2: Development and interaction of cultures
Theme 3: State building, expansion, and conflict
Theme 4: Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems
Theme 5: Development and transformation of social structures

2. Theme 1: Interactions between humans and the environment
Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of in appropriate agriculture, mismanagement of land, overgrazing, and deforestation.

3. Theme 1: Interactions between humans and the environment
Deforestation: The clearing of forests or strands of forests, where the land is then converted to other uses. The most concentrated deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests.

4. “People know where they were when they heard the unheard of.”
Essential Questions:
Can studying Global History help to make the world a more understanding place?
To what extent are the nations and people of the world interconnected?
9/11/2001:
“People know where they were when they heard the unheard of.”
– N.R. Kleinfield, New York Times

5. Giuliani's 9/11
Sept. 11
Live News Broadcast
CNN: 9/11 Museum

6. What is Islamic Fundamentalism?
Fundamentalists want to apply strict interpretations of Islamic religious principles to solve societal problems.
During the 1970s, fundamentalism rose as a reaction against the values and culture of the West, supporting societies where there is no separation of religion and state.
States or groups often have sponsor acts of terrorism, the unlawful use of violence and fear, to attempt to achieve political aims.

7. Essential Questions:
Can studying Global History help to make the world a more understanding place?
To what extent are the nations and people of the world interconnected?
Which AP World Themes are represented by the attacks of September 11, 2001?
How do you think September 11, 2001 continues to impact the world we live in?

8. What are the “big issues” that we find throughout the contemporary world?

9. As you walk in, please sit according to the region you received and take out your homework.
As a group, discuss the contemporary issues that your region is facing based on the current events articles. MAKE SURE YOU ARE DISCUSSING THE ISSUE BASED UPON EITHER THEME 2,3,4, or 5!!
After discussing your article, come up with a list of the major issues facing your region. (make sure you can connect them to the APW themes)
As a class we will then discuss the issues facing the world as a whole.

10. How did the world come to this?