Facilitator: Dennis ThomasRoom 2302

Email: oice Mail: 968-7307

International Events 2007-08

Course Description: This is a student focused class structured to increase the student’s knowledge of local, national and world events. Focus is placed upon recognizing bias, through critical analysis of multiple sources.

No required textbooks: Outside reading is required and expected to stay current on current events. Class readings and assignments are posted on the class web page:

Course Expectations:

Mid-Semester Grade Weighting Percentages:

1. Bureau Projects: ------30%

2. Class Assignments: ------20%

3. Participation: ------20%

4. Assessment: tests, quizzes,------30%

Semester-End Grade Percentages

1. Each Quarter------40%

2. Semester Final Examination, Editorial, Final Test------20%

  • Assessment: The Cathedral grading scale will be followed. Assessment will vary from traditional paper and pencil tests to presentations, projects, web pages, and reports. The weighted grade system outlined above keeps strong focus on participation. Weekly quizzes on Friday.
  • Notebook: You are required to keep an organized notebook dedicated to this subject. You will date it for each class before taking notes. I will collect it on an informed and uninformed basis throughout the semester so it must be brought to every class to receive credit. Save all graded material for the semester. Graded work will serve as proof that you did the work.
  • Makeup work: It is the student’s responsibility to get missed assignments.
  • Each class that you miss, you have missed something. It is your responsibility to get all miss work, and notes. This is an Excuse Free Classroom!! Attend daily, on time, ready to learn!!
  • Late work: Will be accepted with penalties. 25% off the first day late and an additional 10% for each consecutive day late.
  • Cathedral’s rules will be followed in this class.
  • I will be in room 2302 at 6:45 AM and 6th period. I am also available by voice mail—968-7307 or E-Mail:. The best way to reach me is via E-Mail.

Bureau Work:
Students will be assigned a bureau (department) for our news coverage. Each bureau will work as a team for one week to research, report, and present the most important events from their area of coverage. Additional explanation of requirements and expectations available on the Bureau Rubric available on the class web page:

Regional Bureaus:

  1. Central and South America—Wednesday
  2. Austro-Indonesia Asia—Wednesday
  3. Sub-Sahara Africa—Wednesday
  4. Middle East—Thursday
  5. Europe—Thursday
  6. Domestic Issues—Thursday

Final Project:
Students will submit their own editorial piece about a major news event. Students are expected to read a number of articles from many different sources. The article should reflect a bias, forming opinions and attempting to “spin” the event creating a coherent argument, with quality support of the editorial position. Project Rubric will be handed out during the last six weeks of class outlining additional expectations and requirements.