1. SAGE Lecture Spark
[9/17/18]
The Publisher of the Social Sciences

2. Trump Escalates Trade War with China via Tariffs
“President Trump has decided to impose tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods,” which would apply to over “1000 products.”
Tariffs will be set at 10%. Technically paid by U.S. importers, this cost is often passed off to American consumers.

3. The Casualties of Trump’s Trade War Are Mounting
This week again, we offer an opinion piece from a major news source.
Many American companies are hurt by Trump’s escalations of the trade war.
“A group of more than 80 trade associations representing U.S. farmers, retailers, toy makers, fisheries, tech companies and others has launched a campaign with the slogan ‘Tariffs Hurt the Heartland.’”

4. Key Concepts Geopolitical Economics and the Media
Traditionally the “three estates” were the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. While these estates don’t necessarily apply today, the “fourth estate,” or the press has long been responsible not only for reporting on global news, but according to some, for holding in check the governments of the world.
To do so, the press must be unbiased. But when the press is affected by global economics and politics like everyone else, can they be?
Links to Relevant Articles
Quick introduction to the Fourth Estate: -

5. Assessment
Writing: A great deal of the media content we consume is still produced by media companies and most of the mass media in the United States and other Western democracies are for-profit businesses. Like all businesses, they are influenced by issues such as profitability. Explore whether or not you believe the news sources of the U.S. are affected by the growing trade war with China, and more importantly, discuss how (or not) you believe this could affect their portrayal of the issue. Consider that much of the news media’s money comes through advertisers, and some companies make cuts in anticipation of tariffs.
Debate: Should news media sources be obligated to disclose their affiliations, financial or otherwise? If so, what would this disclosure look like?
Poll: Which country do you believe poses the greatest economic challenge to the U.S.? China, India, Russia, Germany, the UK, Brazil or France?
Short Answer: Do you think the U.S./China trade war affects you?
Current Events Quiz
President Trump is imposing further tariffs on goods from ___.
The new tariffs will apply to how many products?
A Harvard professor recently argued we must not overemphasize the effect of who/what on the ongoing trade war?
China can fight the trade war by ____?
Many American companies are ____ by the escalation of the trade war.
Answers
China
Over 1000
President Trump
4. Tightening industry policy on American goods
5. Hurt