Dates: September 24 – December
10, dates vary
Times: See time slots for videoconferences below
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Theme: Global Geopolitics
Cost: (includes 2 videoconferences): $300
or membership price*
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As America votes for a new president in this November’s monumental election,
other democracies worldwide are undergoing competitive electoral races of their
own.
In this special extended PULSE series, students will examine the meaning of democracy through the lens of campaigns both at home and abroad. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and debate aspects of American democracy, all while putting the U.S. presidential race in the context of the international community.
After the U.S. elections, students will have the unique opportunity meet their peers in Ghana, which is in the midst of presidential campaigning as well in preparation for its December election. Over a period of three conferences, students will get to know one another and discuss the similarities and differences between American and Ghanaian democracy.
By connecting face-to-face with their peers around the country and around the world and a host of experts on political participation, election observing and more, students will assume a unique role in this year's elections as local citizens with a distinctly global perspective.
Dates, Topics, and Sessions:
Wednesday September 24:
Election Watch Part 1 – Only in America: Examining Democracy in the
U.S.
Students will compare democracy in the U.S. to democracy in other parts of the
world, specifically the UK, Kenya, and Egypt. In a lively exchange, students
will discuss their “ideal” democracy. Students will speak with Richard Graves, Program Director of Global Environment & Youth Voice/Youth Vote 2008 for Americans for Informed Democracy.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, October 1
Election Watch Part 2 – What Happened in Zimbabwe?
Students will discuss the events surrounding this summer’s election and
related violence with a special guest speaker from the UN and possibly former
candidate Morgan Tsvangirai. Students will discuss whether a similar conflict
could ever occur in the U.S.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, October 8
Election Watch Part 3 – Barack Obama vs. John McCain
Students will engage with the candidates themselves or representatives from
their campaigns on the battle for presidency.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, October 15
Election Watch Part 4 – Inside Election Observation
Students will speak with an election observer from the United Nations on what
it’s like to monitor an election, particularly a recent one, whether Azerbaijan,
East Timor, Kenya, or another.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, October 22
Election Watch Part 5 – Political Participation and YOU
Students will discuss the ways they’ve gotten involved in this year’s
elections and what the best way is to get your voice heard and effect political
change.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, October 29
Election Watch Part 6 – Republicans and Democrats (and the Rest of
the World)
Students discuss the unique bi-party system of the U.S. and particularly examine
the two parties’ positions on foreign policy and perceptions in the world.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Tuesday, November 4
Election Watch Part 7 – This Is It: Election Day 2008
Around the country, students gather to talk about polling in their hometowns
and the big day with special political correspondent.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, November 12
Election Watch Part 8 – Now What?
In the aftermath of the historic election, students debrief and discuss the
big election and its (yet unknown) results.
Available Times: 11:00 – 12:00 pm | 12:30 – 1:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, November 19
Election Watch Part 9 – Welcome to Ghana
With Ghana’s election approaching, students in the U.S. connect directly to their counterparts in Ghana to discuss meet one another face-to-face and discuss democracy and their respective elections. GNG is partnering with World Partners for Development to make this program possible.
Available Times: 10:00 – 11:00 am | 11:00 – 12:00 pm EDT
Ghana Lesson Plan
An overview of the videoconferences in Ghana and what to expect
Wednesday, December 3
Election Watch Part 10 – Gearing Up for Ghanian Elections
Students will speak with their Ghanian counterparts to learn about the similarities and differences in their electoral systems.
Available Times: 7:30 – 8:30 am | 8:30 – 9:30 am EDT
Wednesday, December 10
Election Watch Part 11 – Election Day in Ghana
Students delve into the Ghanaian election by hearing firsthand accounts of the
progress on their ground from their peers and new friends.
Available Times: 10:00 – 11:00 am | 11:00 – 12:00 pm EDT
The Election Watch program is aligned with these national standards:
Civics and Government Standards
- Topic II: What are the foundations of the American political
system?
- Topic IV: What is the relationship of the United States
to other nations and to world affairs?
- Topic V: What are the roles of the citizen in American
democracy?
Social Studies Standards
- Strand III: People, Places, and Environments
- Strand IV: Individual Development and Identity
- Strand V: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
- Strand VI: Power, Authority, and Governance
- Strand IX: Global Connections
- Strand X: Civic Ideals and Practices
World History Standards
- Era 8: A Half-Century of Crisis and Achievement, 1900-1945
- Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises & Paradoxes
What to expect from The PULSE
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