CURRENTS: Globalization and the Post-American / Flat World
TITLE: CURRENTS: Globalization and the Post-American / Flat World THEMES: Global Development; Global Politics; Sustainable Communities; Conflict and Human Rights GRADE LEVEL: 7-8. 9-12 DATES**: September - December TIME*: Times Vary - Subject to Change COST: $300 per session, or GNG Membership Price Sign up
CURRENTS is a joint project of Semester at Sea (SAS) and Global Nomads Group (GNG). From September - December 2009, SAS will embark on its historic 100th
voyage. During this exciting shipboard expedition, GNG and SAS will
collaborate to produce a series of documentaries as well as live, open
dialogue videoconferences between schools in the United States and schools
and cultural sites around the world. Nations involved will include Spain,
Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China. The aim
of the program is for youth participants to broaden their understanding of
an increasing "flat world" in the 21st century through live, cross-cultural
conversations on the manifold issues that relate to immigration and
globalization. Hop aboard and join the adventure!
The 123s of CURRENTS Registration:
Participation in a CURRENTS program is very simple. Each individual program (country) is divided into 2-3 videoconferences (with exceptions), typically on consecutive days. During the video exchanges, your students will be linked with a school in a host country and 3 other participating schools in the U.S. or Canada to share their beliefs, values, and to learn from one another.
Schools signing up for a specific country (eg: India, Morocco, etc) must commit to participating in all VC sessions available to that country.
Here is a typical breakdown of the program:
1. Prepping
Upon signing up for a CURRENTS program, you will receive a prep guide with lesson plans and class activities to help prepare your students for the live events. Activities focus on giving your students a broad understanding of the context for the videoconferences, but also on helping them express their individual values.
2. Videoconference 1
This first videoconference will focus on "breaking the ice" between students. Participants will be asked to present their schools/communities to their peers in a 3-5 minute presentation (which could take the form of a video presentation or the recital of a poem). Conversations will then focus on sharing one's values, culture, and interests.
3. Videoconference 2
This second videoconference will explore one or several aspects of globalization. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speaker directly. Whenever possible, this broadcast will be conducted in or near a significant historical landmark.
4. Videoconference 3
This third and last videoconference will once again bring together all students to share what they learned and for a discussion centered on the affects of globalization in their lives.
