Throughout the the Global Program of 2017, every student was asked to choose a topic which most interested them, and produce a semester long ISU. Topics include political and social issues that are prominent in today's world. Here we present (however many isu's there are) to show the work and passion the global students put behind these reports and to further educate people on issues that may not necessarily effect them personally. The students were divided between our four teachers: Mr. Toole, Mr. Babcock, Mr. Torlee and Ms. Aylesworth based on the teachers personal interest with each topic. They acted like mentors, giving Global students one on one help with their topics giving everyone the tools they needed to write an exceptional report. The first section of the ISU was to be handed in just before march break and the second section a couple weeks after our trip to Cuba. Meeting each deadline was a challenge because as the ISU's were being written, projects in the 5 individual classes were being assigned daily. Throughout this lengthy process, we learned how to manage our time and write a research report (which many of us have not written before). This was possible thanks to our advisors who gave us revisions and insight on what to add, how to structure and how to manage time to produce our best possible product.
The Discrimination of the LGBTQ Community
Rachel Bettencourt
The Discrimination of the LGBTQ Community is a global issue that revolves around injustice and mistreatment of LGBTQ people. Some of the focuses within this issue include the criminalisation and violence towards people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity and the inequality they face every day.
I chose to do this topic because of my experiences with close friends who have been personally affected by this issue and who have showed me just how devastating the impacts can be. Aside from personal influences, I was also interested in learning about all the aspects surrounding LGBTQ discrimination that I wasn’t aware of, such as the history of LGBTQ people in World War II as well as the instances of corrective rape currently occurring in South Africa. |
Marijuana – The Times are Changing
Isabeau Caneira
My original ISU topic was the war on drugs, but after realizing I could not provide detail for such a broad topic I decided to put the focus on the legalization marijuana. This ISU highlights the differences between criminalizing, decriminalizing and legalizing while displaying the pros and cons from both sides of the argument. Legislation is currently being changed on an international level and there is an abundance of information from both sides of the argument being released. I chose this topic because it is a prominent world issue that everyone has an opinion on.
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Oil Spill: An Inconvenient Truth
Mia Ceklic
Oil spills are the mass release of a liquid petroleum from tankers, offshore drilling rigs, and underwater pipelines into a body of water. There are various types of oils that can contribute to an oil spill, depending on the source of the spill, although crude oil is one of the most prominent types of oil in the industry today. Oil spills repetitively occur, having profound impacts on the environment, economy and health. I chose to do this topic particularly because of the massive effects spills have on Earth’s species and the environment. What I found particularly interesting in this topic, was learning about the devastating effects of oil spills and the amount of control and manipulation in the oil industry amongst the government and large corporations.
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Religious Oppression
Meredith Cudmore-Keating
Religious oppression is the restriction of freedom of thought due to religion. It is also any restraint applied to an individual’s behaviour, opinions and choices because of religion. For example, the rejection of other belief systems apart from one’s own is religious oppression because an individual’s beliefs are restricted due to religion. I chose this topic because being raised in a household critical of religion has made me see the flaws present in such practices. I am at once fascinated with religion and repelled by it and my passion for religion made this topic something important to me. I feel that it is an issue with varying degrees of severity globally and the diversity of the issue attracts me to it as well.ISU Description Here
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Overpopulation: The Human Sardine Tin
Mackenzie Collings
Everybody knows that there are about seven billion people in the world and that there are serious issues facing us; climate change, the oil crisis, air quality problems, and poverty to name a few. This Independent Study Unit boils all of said pressing issues to their root cause: an already massive growing population. Overpopulation is debatably the most serious problem purely because there is no hiding from it and solutions are tough to set into action. Here, one can read about the daily effects of overpopulation in China, India, and Dubai to learn about how each is not only suffering but benefiting in each’s unique way. With outlooks from David Suzuki and multiple other sources, this ISU provides details about overpopulation that shine a light on the topic in a brand new way.
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The Misconduct of International Ocean Treaties and Misuse of Fishing Practices
Mallory Duprey
I chose the topic The Misconduct of International Ocean Treaties and Misuse of Fishing Practices after watching the documentary Sharkwater. This film brought the issue of illegal fishing practices and the affects they have on the world's ecosystems to my attention. My topic began by focusing solely on how shark populations are affected by the misconduct of ocean treaties and fishing practices. After doing initial research I learned that that topic was too narrow and I had to expand it. I started writing this paper by conducting basic research on international ocean treaties, destructive fishing methods, and locations where this topic is a large issue around the world. After, I narrowed my research to focus on each section of the paper such as why this issue is significant, examples of how it has become a problem, and looking to contact an expert on this topic. This issue outlines how the rising demand for seafood is compromising the health of ecosystems and the species that live within them. This is commonly done using destructive methods and is often overlooked by corrupted government systems.
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Access to Freshwater In Developing Nations
Carlee Feinstein
Water is a necessity in life. In other words, without water ever living thing would die. I chose the topic of freshwater access because water is such a powerful resource that many people overlook. I have always felt a need to educate myself about developing nations and one day hope to bring relief/aid to these countries. I felt focusing on the aspect of freshwater access in developing nations would really fit my interests and benefit me in the future. From the beginning I left my topic broad and never narrowed in on one specific issue within my topic. I gathered lots of information and learned what I should write for each section. This paper thoroughly looks at the issue of freshwater access in developing nations and thoroughly analyzes the affects of unsafe drinking water on people, a society/culture, businesses and a whole country. Water is a human right, a right that is violated for hundreds of millions of citizens every single day. More action is needed to be taken to help bring the water every citizen deserves.
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The Cycle of Child Poverty
Allison Hardy
The cycle of child poverty refers to the continuous poverty throughout generations of families specifically affecting children. This issue is found at each corner of the world, as fundamental poverty is found all over the world. The cycle of poverty is an extremely complex issue as it does not have a simple solution, and there are many different factors that contribute to the continuous nature of this viscous cycle. This report will explore the cycle of child poverty as well as examine case studies from India, Haiti and Ethiopia. I chose to research and write about this topic because I feel very strongly that it is the responsibility of us, those who are privileged and live in a developed country, to understand that there are so many people who do not live the way that we do, and think about how we can make a change in the world.
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The Effects of American Military Intervention
Andrew Hewson
Military intervention, if conducted appropriately, can serve as a solution to the many conflicts that occur worldwide. The United States are involved in many conflicts around the world. If intervention is done properly, positive changes may occur, but the United States does not always proceed appropriately, or for the right reasons. They often intervene mainly for their own benefit instead of helping countries in need. The United States has intervened in various international conflicts throughout history, and they continue to do so today. This paper examines US intervention in Haiti, Panama and Iraq.
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Murder in Disguise: Honour Killings in Developing Countries
Emma Hodgson
The world issue that I chose to write my ISU on was Honour Killings in Developing Countries. Honour killing is the practice of killing women who have brought “shame” upon their families, and ironically there is no honour in it at all. I chose this topic after reading about the Shafia murders in the newspaper, which happened in Kingston, Ontario. I remember being shocked that something so horrific could occur, especially so close to home, and wanted to investigate the practice of honour killing further. When I learned that we had to pick a topic for our Global ISU, I jumped at the chance to pick this one apart and explore it from all angles. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to promote awareness for this little known issue, and I hope that through my report many people will learn more about honour based violence and how to fight it
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The War on Terror: The Ineffective Use of Violence in Isolation as a Method of Countering Terrorism
Esther Hoffman
The topic I chose to research for my ISU was the War on Terror. I chose this topic so I could get a better understanding of war and the choices many governments make that I do not agree with. My paper focuses on how the use of violence in isolation when combatting terrorism is ineffective. Many examples from the past and present are used to show how violence alone is not a productive way in countering terror, but often causes a surge in terrorist activity by organizations around the world. The ISU provides an extensive historical background of terrorism – both international and domestic. It also explains the deeper meaning behind terrorism and explores the reasons that governments to choose violence over other methods. Further explaining the current War on Terror, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the Philippines are investigated to see their counter-terror procedures and whether they are effective. It is concluded by providing resolutions to the issue, focusing on long-term solutions as a priority. Though Islamic terrorism is the focus of my ISU, it is understood that terrorism is not linked to one religion or ideology.
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Plastic Pollution
Shae Johnson-Harris
The topic of plastic pollution is rather newly introduced into our society and generation, that is because it is becoming mass produced and consumed. This report encompases all of my concerns and feeling of the detrimental effects it has on our environment and ecosystem. I believe that there should be more of an awareness to the effects plastic has, and the simple thing anyone can do to avoid polluting our planet further.
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Child Sexual Exploitation Through the Act of Child Trafficking
Meghan Kaplan
The sexual exploitation of children is an inhuman crime that is not isolated by the lines on a map, its presence seeps into every region of the world in the form of modern day slavery. The secret and ever evolving world of selling children like commodities is a global issue that is often left in the dark; it is uncomfortable to discuss and its presence in the 21st century is horrifying. This criminal act steals the innocence of its victims and thrusts these children into a world of pain, suffering and pure fear. Children do not have the capability to fend for themselves and this vulnerability is the meat the predators prey upon. The chain of trafficking must be broken … it should not hurt to be a child
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The Mistreatment of Mentally Ill in Developing Countries
Aiden Langford
The Mistreatment of Mentally Ill in Developing Countries was the primary study of my ISU. This issue had relevance to me because I had prior awareness of this issue to some degree, however I wished to learn more. I chose this topic to become an expert of this issue, and to spread awareness and knowledge to others regarding this conflict. The mistreatment of mentally ill in developing countries surrounds the conflict of the mentally ill community being oppressed of their basic human rights, abused, neglected, and more; due to the fact that they were born with a mental illness. This issue is more common in developing countries, thus indicating the focus of said developing countries within this ISU.
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Child Soldiers – The Devastating Truth
Hailey Marais
This Independent Study Unit gives insight on the hardships faced by children recruited into armed forces, focusing on those affected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Philippines and Colombia. The report outlines the possible solutions to this global issue and ways to properly reintegrate former child soldiers into their societies following the horrific experiences they have been exposed to. The topic of this Independent Study Unit was inspired by a guest speaker named Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. Upon hearing Beah’s devastating story, I was completely shocked to discover that this was an ongoing issue occurring in countries all over the world. I was interested in learning more about child soldiers and what is being done to put an end to this issue. Ishmael Beah sparked my interest in this topic, and hearing his story inspired me to become less ignorant to what is happening in the world around me.
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The Indigenous Mental Health Crisis
Christy Lorenz
I was first introduced to the issue of indigenous mental health in 2016, when I was cast in a student-written play called, “Empty Regalia”. The playwright and director, Ziigwen Mixemong, was a 17 year-old Pottawatomi-M'ikmaq student who wanted to use her position of privilege to educate the public about indigenous issues. In my role, I portrayed a ten-year old indigenous girl who drowned herself in a bathtub because of the prejudiced environment that surrounded her. It was a narrative largely based on real life. In fact, indigenous mental health has frequently been called an international crisis. Across the world, indigenous populations endure poverty, cultural persecution, land loss, exploitation, violence, and marginalization. Consequently, Indigenous people face a reality which causes Aboriginal depression, anxiety, suicide, and other disorder rates to augment beyond global averages.
When I conducted the research for this paper, I became really angry: Angry at the fact that these problems exist in the first place, and angry that almost nothing was being done to rectify them. I hope that my ISU does justice to this topic, and the people that it's written for - and maybe inspire a little anger in others, too. |
The Danger of The Rise of Nationalism
Jami McElrea
I chose the Dangers of the Rise of Nationalism as a topic because I wished to gain more understanding on a relevant issue that is affecting the world while also explore possible solutions. Ethnic nationalism is a growing force that draws from any and all differences in culture, religion and race to set citizens of a nation apart. In developed countries worldwide, uneven social and economic situations such as the increasing divide between classes and the loss of job opportunity has lead to an increased distrust in government institutions This has created the perfect climate for populous alt-right leaders to rise, while often encouraging the blame an external enemy( a scapegoat) for all social/economic issues.
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Colonialism: The Contemporary Impacts of Indigenous People
Rufaro Muzorewa
Colonialism is a difficult aspect of the history of many countries around the world. It accounts significantly for the current economic, political, and social status of many indigenous communities. The impact of colonization on native people can be observed not only in developing countries where it is acutely evident, but also in developed countries where the impacts remain subtle. The ramifications of colonization will be investigated in this essay, specifically in relation to the political, economical, religious, and social impacts on indigenous people. In particular, this essay will explore how the impacts of colonialism account for the various current issues that affect indigenous people today.
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Global Organ Trafficking
Kristie Nowicin
When first thinking of an ISU topic organ trafficking never crossed my mind, but as I looked into world issues it instantly caught my eye. I was interested because I really knew nothing about the issue but you hear of those "someone found in a bathtub full of ice missing a kidney" stories so I was curious if that was really the case. You never hear about organ trafficking but I'm glad that I chose it as my ISU topic because it opened my eyes to not only the fact that organ trafficking is a large issue in the world we live in today but with that even if we don't hear about these world issues taking place on the news or in our daily life, they're shockingly a very common problem but we just don't see them taking place. Organ trafficking is definitely one of those world issues that mostly takes place behind doors but is life changing to those involved.
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The Exploitation of Workers by Corporations
Jacob Roberti
My ISU topic is The Exploitation of Workers by Corporations. I chose this topic because I wanted to look into the corporate industry to try and understand why their actions are what they are along with the possibility and realism of change. Throughout I specifically look into the garment industry in regards to sweatshops. This includes the conditions of the sweatshops themselves, how the workers are treated physically as well as mentally and their lack of pay leading to their way of life. There is also insight on the common acts of outsourcing or offshoring by powerhouse consumer countries like the United States and what some companies are doing to bring jobs back home. As a result of this issue the most powerful and effective way to fight against these corrupt corporations is on consumers themselves by not supporting the companies who have their products made at the cost of someone's basic humanitarian rights.
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Corporations and the Exploitation of Inadequate Environmental Regulations
Michelle Stepanek
My ISU topic is Corporations and the Exploitation of Inadequate Environmental Regulations. I chose this topic because I am passionate and concerned about the effects of climate change on our future. The economy and environment are very closely intertwined in many complex ways. Often corporations set up their facilities in countries with little to no environmental protection in order to reduce production costs. These countries are often developing nations who limit these regulations in order to gain a competitive edge. My ISU explores the effects of these issues and possible solutions, such as multilateral agreements and stabilizing economies.
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Antimicrobial Resistance
Christian Tsepelis
I chose to select antimicrobial resistance as my global issues topic because it is a serious threat and a global issue this big deserves more attention and devotion to finding solutions. I had a little bit of background knowledge of the process of resistance from biology class first semester. In biology class, I wanted to know more about antimicrobial resistance so this global issues ISU was a great opportunity to continue to research and find out more about this topic. There is a point in people’s lives where they have used a type of microbial for health purposes and it is scary to think that on such a smaller level, a resistance can occur, spread and people don’t even know it’s happening.
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The Impact of Skilled Migration on the Healthcare Systems of Developing Countries
Owen Wong
The global issue I decided to focus my attention on was the impact of highly skilled migration on the healthcare systems of developing countries. The issue is characterized by highly skilled professionals such as medical workers migrating from poor to wealthy countries in search of a better life. Often motivated by factors such as political instability, lack of personal safety, greater job satisfaction, and higher wages, these skilled individuals are able to immigrate into developed countries due to the nature of their jobs. By this, I mean that wealthy countries readily accept those trained in highly skilled professions into their country as these individuals will benefit the economy. However, the migration of these healthcare workers means that the countries they leave behind are, in most cases, in need of health care professionals to replace those who had left. This often resulted in critical shortages in healthcare workers in developing countries which cause a significant increase in preventable deaths.
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