Internet regulations on China

Here is yet another example of the Chinese government regulating the internet.  This time, "microblogs" are the target.

BBC article on the Kony 2012 campaign

Here is a relatively unbiased article on the Kony 2012 campaign that most of you have probably already seen on facebook and youtube.  This is a great example of optimism (Invisible Children, Ocampo) and pessimism (Ugandan activists, people on the ground in Uganda) surrounding the consequences and changes brought about by globalization.

Here is an article outlining criticisms of the Kony campaign and a profile of Kony.

New course plan

Change of plans! As I announced in class, we will be covering democratization, globalization and political violence on Monday, March 12th.  There will be a multiple choice test on the corresponding O'neil chapters (LDCs and NICs, globalization, political violence) on Wednesday March 14th.  That will be your last grade for the third quarter.  When we get back from spring break, we will focus on the remaining three countries (Mexico, Iran, Nigeria) with an FRQ testing the material.  After that we will continue research for your policy presentations.  After all the material has been covered, we will do a comprehensive practice AP to see where you stand regarding the test in May.  We are almost to graduation, so keep your head down, keep working, and it will be here in no time!!

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for the Freedom Friday (March 16th) movie, please let me know.  I am planning on showing Hotel Rwanda (121 minutes, so we would start on March 14th after the test), but any relevant film suggestions will definitely be considered.  Use this post as a forum for suggestion and discussion!

Mexico briefing paper

Nevermind.  I just read the fine print and I can't post the briefing paper electronically without express permission by collegeboard (and I do not like paperwork).  Sorry, but I will have it for you next class!

Presentation rubric

Presentation requirements for AP Comparative Politics policy presentations

You will be graded on the following:        /50

1.       Presentation style – skit, lecture, quiz, class participation, appearance, visuals, country-specific knowledge, ability to answer questions, etc.  I want to see some creativity!

2.       Clarity, accuracy and scope – must demonstrate understanding of the following core components of comparative politics with a MAJOR focus on public policy:

Sovereignty, authority, and power – Has policy changed (or sought to change) views on these concepts in the last 15-20 years?

Political Institutional change – How have the actual institutions changed over the last 15 years? (example: elections rules, representation, etc.)

Citizens, Society and the State – How has their role evolved over the last 15 years? (protests, voting, interest group policy, etc.)

Economic change – What do most recent indicators tell us about change over time? GDP, HDI, GINI etc.

MAIN FOCUS - Public Policy – timeline of MAJOR public policy issues/changes over the last 15 years.  Useful to separate into social, political and economic spheres of policy     

-need AT LEAST 8 milestone policy changes (or MAJOR attempts at change) – FOCUS ON ACTUAL POLICY CHANGES

Your group must hand in:             /50

1.       PowerPoint presentations or Prezi (6 slide/pg. format OR link to prezi)

2.       A list of key terms unique to your country, organized and categorized by the core components of comparative politics listed above (print these out and hand to fellow students before presentation)

3.       Sample practice FRQ and rubric (this can be incorporated into your presentation or not)

Each student must individually hand in a one paragraph peer evaluation of your fellow group members’ contribution to your final product.  Be specific.

Links to important news articles

Party politics in the UK

Smog over China

New EU-backed fiscal policy

Mexico in 2012

Independence figure buried in Nigeria

Voting in Iran

Russian 'faces to watch' in upcoming elections