Homework: Current Event Journal
Overview:
Why do we study history? You've probably heard many references to the idea that we need to study history because history repeats itself. While this does hold validity in certain cases, it is also important to understand that history connects today to yesterday. Political decisions today are based on past decisions or events, we continue to work on social justice, and we see new interpretations of past legislation and primary source documents. History surrounds us.
Over the course of the class, you will be retrieving and evaluating current event articles (in the last 5 years); making connections between the units we are currently studying and today. You will be responsible for finding an online article from a reputable news source. For example: Time.com, USA Today, The New York Times, etc.
You'll focus on the role of the United States in World affairs. In the late 19th century, the United States not only sought to redefine itself as American but also to establish its place in the global political arena. Foreign policies paralleled those of many European nations, with a focus on imperialism and preserving foreign interests and markets, specifically in the Western hemisphere. It will be the United States positioning in the Spanish-American war that marks the beginning of its imperial power, with future expansions and political involvement in Latin America and the Pacific Ocean.
Instructions:
In your current event homework, address each of the following:
A. Provide a summary of the article (include source, date, important people and events, place/location).
B. Explain the connection to the information we studied.
Use the following questions/prompts as a guide:
a. How does this current event article connect to the unit we are currently studying?
b. What impact did the past have on the events taking place today? Is it political, economic and/or social?
c. Describe specific historical events/people/documents that are involved and explain how they are involved.
d. What does the current event article tell us about the past?
e. What predictions do you have on this event affecting the future?
C. Provide a reflection on your personal opinions regarding the current event article and the historical event it is connected to.
D. Make sure to provide a hyperlink to the article (check to make sure the hyperlink works)
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.