Choices Program: The United Nations: Challenges and Change

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1 Curriculum Unit Name of Course: Modern World Conflicts Grade Level(s): Elective Brief Description (Course Catalog): As the United States and the world becomes even more connected, student understanding of the background and current impact of events and conflicts throughout the world becomes increasingly important. This course will help the students be able to understand the greater world systems throughout international organizations, economics, political, and military means to gain knowledge about conflicts and security issues that affect the world today, such as the United Nations, terrorism, nuclear weapons, conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. Simulations will be used along with research into a specific country to gain information and allow the students to debate and interact with the content. Length of Course (Qtr, Sem or Year): Semester Instructional Units Name of Unit/Big Idea: The United Nations and the Modern World The first unit will focus mainly on the modern world by looking at maps of the world in the past century as well as looking at the United Nations as an international organizational body with impacts throughout the world. Unit 1 will focus on background information about international organizations around the world focusing on the United Nations. Students will also look at the Millennium Goals of the United Nations to determine the actions of the UN and their member states. Students at this time will also choose a nation to represent for the semester and will do preliminary research in class on their country. The second part of the unit will be a brief overview of the 20 th century focusing on big picture impacts and changes. Mostly done through timelines and maps, students will get a sense of major events and themes throughout the past century. This will provide the student with an understanding of major events beyond those of Europe and the world wars specifically looking at the fall of empires, independence movements, the Cold War and changes in military/technology. 1 week Essential Questions:. Overview of history of the 20 th century Origins and Role of the United Nations Different parts of the United Nations Locate key nations on a world map Explain the functions of the different branches of the United Nations Choices Program: The United Nations: Challenges and Change

2 Name of Unit/Big Idea: Terrorism: Conflicts without Countries This unit will provide students with an understanding of the concept of terrorism as a phenomenon in the modern world. Students will gain a greater understanding of the basis of terrorist organizations in the world today, changes in international politics after 9/11, and the role of the UN and the international community in fighting against terrorism. 3.5 weeks Essential Questions: What are the root causes of terrorism, and how are these being addressed in UN deliberations? Can we overcome the fear and paranoia generated by the events of 11 September 2001? How is terrorism defined at the UN, and what issues affect the disagreements over the definition? How are the Security Council and the General Assembly involved in the legislative actions to respond to terrorism? Which countries at the UN rank the elimination of terrorism highest among their diplomatic priorities?. The origins of terrorism historically Effectively analyze positions from different perspectives on Choices Program Responding to Identify the major terrorist organizations and their goals terrorism throughout the world Terrorism Motivations and ideology of terror Analyze point of view within political cartoons Definition of Terrorism Write position documents expressing personal and other Avoiding Armageddon Video Series Determination of the differences between Terrorism and Freedom Fighters UN Terrorism Poster Origins of Al Qaeda History of the US involvement with terrorism Evaluate UN country s impact by domestic and foreign terrorism

3 Name of Unit/Big Idea: Nuclear Weapons Students will learn about nuclear weapons historically and throughout the world in order to see how nuclear weapons have affected modern political organizations 3 weeks Essential Questions: How does nuclear capacity play a role in this disagreement?. History of Nuclear Weapons Effectively analyze positions from different perspectives on Background on the nuclear treaties nuclear weapons throughout the world Choices Program: The Challenge of Effects of nuclear weapons Analyze point of view within political cartoons Nuclear Weapons Impact of nuclear terrorism Write position documents expressing personal and other UN Response: Should the UN and Analyze different views on the effectiveness of nuclear weapons as a deterrent other organizations be allowed to limit the possession and use of nuclear weapons?

4 Name of Unit/Big Idea: The Middle East: The Palestinian Question Students will analyze the history of the Middle East looking specifically at the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Looking at the situation historically as well as with current events, students will be able to understand the background for both sides of the argument, the events in recent history as well as the modern question of the rights of Palestine as a nation or a state. Students will also debate the issue of should Palestine be allowed into the United Nations as an independent country? 2 weeks Essential Questions: What is the history of the disagreement over Palestine? What political and ideological underpinnings guide Arab and Israeli positions regarding the Middle East? How does the UN play a role in this conflict?. History of the Middle East Effectively analyze positions from different perspectives on Choices Program: Shifting Sands in Origins of Israel and Palestine Middle Eastern politics and the Israel/Palestinian problem the Middle East Background to Israel-Arab conflicts throughout the world Origins of Zionism and Intifada as ideas Analyze point of view within political cartoons Choices Program The Middle East in Reasons for the conflicts between Israel and Palestine Write position documents expressing personal and other Transition Effects of modern political issues and politics on Israel and Palestine US and foreign involvement in Israel and Palestine

5 Name of Unit/Big Idea: West and Central Africa: Blood Diamonds and Civil War Students will learn about the civil wars in Africa that spring from Imperialism and the movement of wealth and industry away from these regions leaving political instability. 2 weeks Essential Questions: How can the UN and the international community best deal with interrelated, cross-border conflicts? How has the sale of diamonds affected the current situation in Sierra Leone? What are the positives and negatives to Nigerian or other west African involvement in regional crises?. History of Africa in imperialism and following Effectively analyze positions from different perspectives Portfolio Assignment: West Africa and Origins of political conflicts on African civil wars throughout the world Blood Diamonds Blood Diamonds & Child Soldiers Analyze point of view within political cartoons Conflicts of international involvement in resources Write position documents expressing personal and other