Politics in Action - CPC 30
Overview
The reason why Mr. Babcock’s class is called “Politics in Action” and not just “Politics” is because it has more to offer than your ordinary politics class. Politics in Action still teaches the fundamentals of democracy, law, government, and how these components tie together on an international scale but transcends basic political concepts through the integration of the other four Global Classes: Art, English, Religion, and World Issues. The class incorporated many creative and insightful assignments that prepared the students for the current world of politics. To gain everything you can from a trip it is imperative that you take the time to build an understanding of where you are travelling to beforehand. For this reason, assignments included research and presentations into the two big trips in Global, Cuba and Germany, and the places we would be visiting within them. However, the most impactful part of the course would have to be the many guest speakers that the students had the privilege of listening to. All the guest speakers were phenomenal and each had their own unique element to bring to the Global class. They provided the students an opportunity to ask specific questions they seldom have the chance to in a regular classroom environment.
Overview
The reason why Mr. Babcock’s class is called “Politics in Action” and not just “Politics” is because it has more to offer than your ordinary politics class. Politics in Action still teaches the fundamentals of democracy, law, government, and how these components tie together on an international scale but transcends basic political concepts through the integration of the other four Global Classes: Art, English, Religion, and World Issues. The class incorporated many creative and insightful assignments that prepared the students for the current world of politics. To gain everything you can from a trip it is imperative that you take the time to build an understanding of where you are travelling to beforehand. For this reason, assignments included research and presentations into the two big trips in Global, Cuba and Germany, and the places we would be visiting within them. However, the most impactful part of the course would have to be the many guest speakers that the students had the privilege of listening to. All the guest speakers were phenomenal and each had their own unique element to bring to the Global class. They provided the students an opportunity to ask specific questions they seldom have the chance to in a regular classroom environment.
Assignments
Political Spectrum
At the beginning of the year the Global class learned about the complexities of the political spectrum. Through learning about both the linear and quadratic spectrums the students were able to understand the various political outlooks in regards to to economic and social aspects. Discovering the different political views allowed the students to better understand the inner workings of the local, provincial, and national levels of government. However, the intention of The Politics In Action course is to not only teach students the importance of understanding the existence of various political views, but also how their personal views fall on the political spectrum. To aid the students in finding their place on the political spectrum, each student partook in the "Vote Compass" online survey and recorded their individual results. The results, accompanied by a small personal reflection of the individual placements on the political spectrum was the perfect way to mend classroom lessons with personal political views.
Asharq Al’awsat (الشرق الأوسط) Assignment
The. first major assignment of the Politics In Action course, Asharq Al’awsat opened the Global Class’s eyes into the conflict ridden region of the Middle East. After given an in class background on the linear political spectrum, Arab Spring, ISIS, Syrian Civil War, EU, and the Refugee Crisis, the class was tasked with furthering their knowledge on these topics through a research based assignment. Divided into eight groups of three and one group of four, each group chose a country in the Middle East to study. The assignment consisted of two components. The first was to deliver a 15 to 20 minute assignment on the aforementioned topics. The second component involved group members assuming the roles of citizens of the country they chose and presenting their views on current events in the country.
Pre-Cuba Assignment
In preparation for the Global Class’s trip to Cuba, Mr. Babcock assigned small groups to research and present information regarding various elements of Cuba. In 15 minute presentations, these groups examined topics such as Media, Politics, Sports, Cuba’s History, Religion, and an assortment of prominent cities.
NATO Simulation
It is not often that students can legally pretend to be major country leaders, but that's exactly what happened during this year’s NATO simulation. Using the expertise of Fadi Dawood, the Global class was divided into pairs and given a country to represent. Next, they were required to carry out a scenario using past knowledge and political skills that would best suit their country’s character and interests. At times, many friendships were on the line, but in the end everyone was both happy and more informed about NATO and the countries it encompasses.
Pre-Germany Assignment
The Pre-Germany assignment prepared the students for their final trip to Germany. Just like during the Pre-Cuba assignment, the class was required to delve into history and culture, this time with a focus on the individual places throughout the trip. However, these places were not limited to Germany and extended into regions within France and Austria. Using presentations the students explained the importance of each place, their historical context, and the sights that might be seen while visiting there.
Political Spectrum
At the beginning of the year the Global class learned about the complexities of the political spectrum. Through learning about both the linear and quadratic spectrums the students were able to understand the various political outlooks in regards to to economic and social aspects. Discovering the different political views allowed the students to better understand the inner workings of the local, provincial, and national levels of government. However, the intention of The Politics In Action course is to not only teach students the importance of understanding the existence of various political views, but also how their personal views fall on the political spectrum. To aid the students in finding their place on the political spectrum, each student partook in the "Vote Compass" online survey and recorded their individual results. The results, accompanied by a small personal reflection of the individual placements on the political spectrum was the perfect way to mend classroom lessons with personal political views.
Asharq Al’awsat (الشرق الأوسط) Assignment
The. first major assignment of the Politics In Action course, Asharq Al’awsat opened the Global Class’s eyes into the conflict ridden region of the Middle East. After given an in class background on the linear political spectrum, Arab Spring, ISIS, Syrian Civil War, EU, and the Refugee Crisis, the class was tasked with furthering their knowledge on these topics through a research based assignment. Divided into eight groups of three and one group of four, each group chose a country in the Middle East to study. The assignment consisted of two components. The first was to deliver a 15 to 20 minute assignment on the aforementioned topics. The second component involved group members assuming the roles of citizens of the country they chose and presenting their views on current events in the country.
Pre-Cuba Assignment
In preparation for the Global Class’s trip to Cuba, Mr. Babcock assigned small groups to research and present information regarding various elements of Cuba. In 15 minute presentations, these groups examined topics such as Media, Politics, Sports, Cuba’s History, Religion, and an assortment of prominent cities.
NATO Simulation
It is not often that students can legally pretend to be major country leaders, but that's exactly what happened during this year’s NATO simulation. Using the expertise of Fadi Dawood, the Global class was divided into pairs and given a country to represent. Next, they were required to carry out a scenario using past knowledge and political skills that would best suit their country’s character and interests. At times, many friendships were on the line, but in the end everyone was both happy and more informed about NATO and the countries it encompasses.
Pre-Germany Assignment
The Pre-Germany assignment prepared the students for their final trip to Germany. Just like during the Pre-Cuba assignment, the class was required to delve into history and culture, this time with a focus on the individual places throughout the trip. However, these places were not limited to Germany and extended into regions within France and Austria. Using presentations the students explained the importance of each place, their historical context, and the sights that might be seen while visiting there.