Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I ran through southwest asia...one...time

WHhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaasssssssssssuuuuppppp,

So, after your POLITICAL MAP TEST on Friday we will begin the flick "Persepolis". This movie is narrated through the eyes of a Persian woman reflecting upon her youth in a changing Iran. For this blog post you will research Iran and the Islamic Revolution that took place there in February of 1979.

First, read over the first part of Wikipedia's info

Second, look over the timeline of Iran

Third, read over the review of the movie that we will watch - "Persepolis"

In a non-judgmental manner we want to explore events and emotions surrounding this time period. I wonder, what do WE know about Iran and why do we know what we know? In this region how do politics and religion seem to mix and how do we, from the "Western" world view this? Are we judgmental of countries that intend to exist mixing the two? Or, are we merely judgmental of Islam? Thoughts?

Don't forget to study for your test!!!!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Afghani sports

We have started Southwest Asia with a look at "Kite Runner". Now, I want you to do a little research on the historical issues and events associated with the region.

First, travel to BBC news to view the timeline of the events surrounding the Soviet War in Afghanistan, as it is called.

Question: How is the Soviet War related to the Cold War? How did the US support Afghanistan and how has the idea of who to support there changed over time?

Next, travel to the country profile of Afghanistan.

Question: How has Afghanistan changed over the last 10 years? In the view of the US is this change a positive one? How do (and have) various ideas collided in this country.

And, check out this video (posted a year ago) about the Taliban's rising power.

Reflect upon what is happening there. Is there a solution? Should the US (and other countries) intercede with the issues there or should they stay out of it? Defend your answer.

Finally, think about these two questions on the movie:

1) What do we learn from the Afghanistan culture?

2) What questions do you have about life in Afghanistan (or in Southwest Asia) as you watch this film?

Post a response.

Don't forget - political map test on Friday and physical map test on Tuesday!!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

OUCH...

Check out this video on Thailand

-What might this video tell us about art and culture in Southeast Asia?

-Think of a question you would ask the artist.

-Do you think they are possessed or is it merely acting?

-Is there a connection between a belief in mystical elements and economic status?

Reflect...