Current Events and Issues

Next class we will discuss issues and events that are happening right now! Please read a news article or research a little about an issue that interests you and be able to talk about it to your group.

Below are some ideas about where you can get information (but you can choose your own sources too):

Al Jazeera

Good

The Guardian

National Public Radio

Radio Netherlands

Russia Today

Slate

Ukraine News

Wired News

Xinhua News

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Diaspora

A map showing the countries with large numbers of people from the Greek diaspora

The word "diaspora" comes from Greek, meaning "a scattering of seeds". In English, it describes the movement of many people from their home country to other countries or even within their home countries. The reasons can range from economic, political, environmental or others.

Diasporas have happened throughout history. The Jews were expelled from Palestine 2600 years ago and experienced another diaspora when the Nazis wrecked havoc across Europe in the mid-20th century. Some modern diasporas include the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have left their country due to the occupation by the US military as well as the 1.3 million people who left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Please click on one of the diasporas below, find some interesting information and write about it in the comments.

African

Australian


Basque


British


Chinese


Indian


Japanese


Korean


Polish


Ukrainian

Pure Language: Jamaican English

We will talk about what it means when we talk about language - for example, what is "pure" English? Is it the English they speak in England? But the United States has more speakers... Why not Jamaican English? Check out the video HERE and learn a little bit of Jamaican Patois then answer ONE of the questions below.

1. What is your impression of Jamaican English?

2. What is your experience with different types of English? (i.e. did you have an Australian teacher, but then went to Canada for a homestay?)

3.Do you have an opinion about what "pure" Japanese is?

4. In France, the French Academy is a group of scholars that decides what "pure" French language is. What is your opinion? Should Japan have an academy like this? Is it possible to control a language? Should we try to keep our languages "pure"?

Food Culture: Norway

When you think of Norway, what kind of food do you think of? Well, watch a Norwegian cooking show HERE and you'll learn how they make smoked fish and nettle stew outside and next to a fjord!

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After you watch, please answer ONE of the following questions:

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1. In this video, what food was similar to your country's food? What was different?

2. What is your favorite food? Do you know any of the history behind it?

3. What is the most interesting or oddest food you have ever tried? Would you recommend it?

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If you're interested, there is a restaurant in Kichijoji that serves Scandinavian food. It's called Allt Gott. Check it out!

Try cooking something yourself! Here are some recipes (in Japanese).

Or you can order Norwegian food and drinks and other goods online HERE.

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First Reports due 6/1

Written Report
1-2 pages typed
references

Oral Report
2-3 minutes speaking (you may use an outline, but don't read your report)
2-3 minutes discussion with the group

Send me an email if you have any questions!
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Cults

In common usage, "cult" has a negative connotation, and is generally applied to a group by its opponents, for a variety of possible reasons.

Examples of cults can include religious and non-religious groups. For example, the following groups have been called cults by their opponents:
Amway (a business), the Branch Davidian’s (a Christian group), Aum Shinrikyo (a mixture of religions), therapy groups (Synanon), and military organizations (Symbionese Liberation Army).

Think about these questions then answer ONE in the comments:

1. What do you think is the difference between a cult and other groups?

2. What is a cult that you know of? What do you know about them?

3. Why do you think people join cults?
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Youth Culture in Aging Societies

In these countries, more than half of the population is over 40 years old and their populations are shrinking (getting smaller):

Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Spain, Ukraine, Italy, Cuba, Austria

As a nation gets older and produces fewer young people, the youth culture has less and less influence on society. This can cause frustration and hopelessness among young people.

Think about all of these questions then answer one of them in the comments.

1. What kinds of problems are caused by aging societies?

2. What kinds of problems are caused by shrinking populations?

3. Why do you think young people feel frustrated in these aging and shrinking societies?

4. What can be done to improve the situation for young people?

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