Istanbul
Hong Kong
Jordan
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"10 Weeks in Asia: Case Studies in Geography, Demography, Geopolitics & The Future"
"10 Weeks in Asia" is an 12-week class for 8th-12th graders that explores our biggest, most populous continent. After the introductory week, students study a different Asian country each week. We consider each country's physical and cultural geography, modern history, politics (including its relations with its neighbors), economics, and demographics. Each week, students read assigned articles, conduct research, contribute to a class photo essay project, and prepare a short cultural assignment before our in-class discussion. We conclude each week with a country-specific game to reinforce learning. The final week of class compares the various countries we have studied. Prior geographic knowledge is helpful but not assumed. Excellent reading skills and the ability to work cooperatively are a must. The content is at a high school level, with a fair amount of (fun) homework weekly to support the discussion, games, and activities during our meeting time. When taught in person, I usually provide an "international snack" from somewhere in Asia each week (e.g., coffee cookies from Indonesia, spicy cracker nuts from the Philippines). Investigating where the week's snack is from and then sampling something that students in another country might enjoy eating is generally a student favorite. Honors option: for high school students who would like to extend their learning, there is the option of doing one of two honors projects exploring an Asian country we do not study. "[My daughter] really enjoyed the class, and has told me several times how geography means so much more than just knowing where a country is on a map!"
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