Final Project Research Assignment

Did you know that in many cultures (form Columbian to Chinese), eating grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve is considered good luck? Plus, they're GLOBE Grapes... HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!


For this blog you should begin the first stage of your globalization research project. Simply complete the directions for the first set of bullets on your project guidelines hand out and post a start-up of no fewer than 250 words that meets those requirements. You should include TWO source citations (full citation including hyperlinks) as evidence of your research. ONE should be a primary source. Your work should reflect that you USED and didn't just LIST those sources.





If you lost your guidelines, email me at bridgettefranciscsi@gmail.com with "need project" in the subject and I will get back to you within 24 hours.





Remember you can use http://www.easybib.com/ to help you format your citations OR simply follow this format :





Webisite: Author's last, first name (or the organization that published it), "Title of Report or Article." Title of website or publication. Date published.


Artilce from magazine, newspaper or journal:


Author's last, first name (or the organization that published it), "Title of Report or Article". Title of magazine, paper or journal. Place published: volume number (if applicable), date published.





Sites that may be helpful include (you are not limitied to these sources and still required to submit FULL CITATIONS for the articles drawn from any reccomended sources that you utilize in your research):








https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ - helpful database of nation profiles - can be one of your primary sources





http://www.globalization101.org/ - student-friendly resource bank on globalization issues, articles and reports





http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/briefing/globalization/index.htm - the United Nations' student-friendly database of articles and reports focusing on globalization and how they manage / envision it





http://www.amnesty.org/en/business-and-human-rights - Amnesty International (a global human rights watch organization) publishes various sources about business, development and human rights here





http://www.globalpolicy.org/globalization/links-and-resources-on-globalization.html - index of globalization websites listed by topic and region





http://www.theglobalist.com/ - online news archive of globalization-related sources





http://www.fpif.org/ - website and article bank of the organization Foreign Policy in Focus - focuses mainly on US - Latin America issues





http://www.world-newspapers.com/ - world newspapers organized by topic and date





http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/globalisation/ - BBC news' comprehensive guide to globalization. Note - they spell it "globalisation." That spelling is not wrong, it's British.

10 Years Later: Has the World Trade Organization risen to the challenge of promoting fairness in global trade?

My sincere appologies for not posting sooner. We had some internet problems on the homefront this weekend. This blog is due Tuesday, 12/8. +5 points for completing it before Monday's class.

I could see the crowd from a mile away.
It was then I knew I had to stay.
People shouting fair trade,
With a human barricade.
Determination on their face,
Everyone from every race.
There they were joined together,
In a protest that will be remembered forever.

Untitled Poem by April Smith, 16 http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/14_03/wto143.shtml

1. Read the article “The Meeting: The Battle In Seattle” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,992681,00.html

and/ or,

“A WTO Primer” http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,35294,00.html
(Published in TIME two weeks before the WTO conference and subsequent protests.

Identify and discuss THREE perspectives (from different interest groups, nations, leaders, etc.) and explain how they author of the article expected their interests to pan out during the meetings and protests.

2. View the photo essay Time Magazine published about the 1999 anti-WTO protests entitled “The Battle in Seattle”
http://www.time.com/time/daily/special/photo/wto/index.html

Explain what you see and how it relates to the issues at hand in the 1999 WTO proceedings.


3. Read “Carrying the Spirit of Seattle Today” NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120976363

According to the NPR article, what were they major effects of the 1999 protests? 10 years later, to what extent do you believe the efforts of the 1999 protests to promote fairer global trade have been effective? (Draw on the turtle dispute, these articles and your knowledge of current events to support your answer.)

4. What questions do you have about the WTO and the 1999 “Battle in Seattle?”

minimum 250 words

Global Trade Network Assessment : Should we be thankful?

Introduction to Globalization through International Trade

We have defined globalization as the growing trend of interdependence of nations around the world in the areas of communication, technology, diplomacy, and trade. While globalization has been around in some form since the inception of ancient global trade (think the Silk Road and caravans across sub-Saharan Africa during the Golden Age of Islam), the past 20 years have marked a swift expansion in the interdependence of modern nations. The results of this trend has been a rapid expansion of technology and trade worldwide, thus resolving economic and development problems in some regions of the globe, while hindering/ complicating development and progress in others.

This process of integration and “transnationality” in policy and trade has not only had a major impact on how nations around the world do business, but also transformed how nations govern and interact with others. As stated by the Levin Institute on their site entitled Globablization101.org, “ Questions of the authority of a country within its own borders—that is, its state sovereignty—the role of the individual in the international community of nation-states, and the authority of international organizations, have all evolved in light of the forces of globalization.” The extent to which international trade has shaped foreign policy and politics will the the focus of our next two weeks of study and this week’s blog.

A key factor in this increase of globalization has been the emergence of trade organizations and associations aiming to limit trade barriers between nations sharing common borders and economic interests. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and European Union (EU) have probably been the most influential of these non-governmental organizations (NGOs.) Please select ONE of these collaborations to study and complete the assignment below to better understand how their existence shapes both domestic and international economic policy and development.

I - NAFTA: (select ONE topic)

Topic 1: Immigration and Migration Policy:
http://borderbattles.ssrc.org/Portes/

Read the Introductory page and ONE of the articles linked on the left of the site’s homepage.

Topic 2: Outsourcing and Labor Issues:

http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/outsourcedebate.html

Read the homepage and ONE of the hyperlinks on the NOW PBS page related to this issue

OR

II - EU:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/3498746.stm

AND
ONE of the following topics:

Topic 1: Minority Rights:
http://www.electric-review.com/archives/000085.html

Topic 2: Gas Crisis/ Resource Management:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7809450.stm

Topic 3: Immigration:
http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/337/

Topic 4: General Problems:
http://www.economicshelp.org/2007/03/economic-problems-of-european-union.html


Directions: Summarize the articles you read by –

a)explaining the purposes of the EU or NAFTA

b)Identify some positive and negative implications (effects) of this trade alliance in the modern world. Reference both domestic and international successes and complications that were referenced in your article

c)Elaborate with some depth one problem raised in your articles. Who seems to be benefitting most from this alliance? What region/ group seems to suffering the most hardship? To what extent can this problem be resolved? What will it take for this issue to be resolved?

d)Explain wether you believe residents of EU nations or NAFTA nations should be greatful/ thankful for the trade network they belong to.

e)Pose a question about this topic OR comment on one peer’s question or post (unless you post first, then it’s a freebie!)

This is a sophisticated assignment, so take your time and see me if you need help. The assignment is due in person by Wed. 11/ 25 or must be emailed or posted on the blog by Friday, 11/27.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Enron: The Smartest or Shadiest Guys in the Room?

Directions: Using your film analysis worksheet from "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" and the other sources that have been distributed on this topic, complete a persuasive blog of no fewer than 250 words on the question below:

Were the business practices of Enron and it’s World Com subsidies mainly a result of poor regulation in the national economy OR an intentional case of “white collar” deceit and greed?

The entire film is available for viewing free here

If that link doesn't work, copy and paste the link into your browser http://www.videosift.com/video/Enron-The-Smartest-Guys-in-the-Room or Google search for "enron the smartest guys in the room video" - it will be the first link that comes up (videoswift.com)

This blog is due before class begins on Tuesday, November 17. As a reminder, the end of the marking period is 11/25. We will have one more blog before then. Because we missed a lot of class this grading period, the FOUR blogs assigned for second marking period must be completed - no freebie.

For EXTRA CREDIT, you may additionaly write a one page (300 word, typed) film synopsis OR poster of one of the following films:
Enron:The Smartest Guys in the Room, The Corporation, (2005), Boiler Room (2000- I own this one, you may borrow it), Wall Street (1987), or Capitalism: A Love Story (2009 - still in theatres.)

I have included links to the films on Independent Movie Data Base, but you can watch most of them through netflix (if your family has an account) or Amazon Online on Demand for less than $4. If you're having trouble finding any of them, let me know and I'll try to help.

Your extra credit paper or poster should include a summary of the plot, how it relates to concepts we have covered in class and explain wether or not you would reccomend it to peers.

Stocks and Constovesies Review Terms

Reviewing the following terms should be useful in preparing for Tuesday's Exam:

Types of Stock:
growth
income
blue chip
value
cyclical
countercyclical
speculative
common stocks
preferred stocks

NYSE
American Stock Exchange
Dow Jones
S & P 500
NASDAQ
bull and bear market
dividend
P/E Ratio
volume
market cap
bid
ask
share
shareholder
ENRON
commodities
audit
Arthur Andersen
pension
loophole
subsidy


Additionally, review the positive and negative aspects of the Big Three Automakers bailout, congressional insider trading and universal health care in the US
beta

Spooky Stock Scandals: Corporate accountablilty in the United States

(Appologies - I thought I posted this Friday but apparently saved the assignmment as a draft instead. The Blog is still due Wednesday 11/4 before class.)

Directions: Readthe articles below (each is less than one page in length.)
AIG is the New Enron
http://features.csmonitor.com/economyrebuild/2009/03/19/aig-is-the-new-enron/
Lessons of Enron
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0116/p1s1-usec.html
AND
A Whiter Shade of Enron (AIG)
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/business/yourmoney/03gret.html

A) Use these articles and any outside resources you chose to summarize the American International Group (AIG ) and ENRON scandals.
B) What happened in both cases that outraged so many Americans?
C) How did these events change the stock market and the American public’s view of corporations?
D) In your opinion, how should corporations be held accountable for “white collar crimes”? What can be done to prevent future scandals like these?
E) What questions do you have about these scandals and how they relate to the US economy?

Minimum 250 words, due Wednesday, November 4 before class.

Researching and Assessing the Stimulus Package

Researching and assessing the Stimulus Package

In order to facilitate in-depth exploration of the provisions for GDP spending (and, hopefully, economic recovery) outlined President Obama’s 2009 stimulus package, please actively examine the following resources and complete steps 1-4:

1) Article : "This isn't your run of the mill recession"

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/09/obama.news.conference/index.html#cnnSTCOther1

2) Breakdown of GDP spending as proposed in the plan (chart):

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/09/obama.news.conference/index.html#cnnSTCOther2

3) Read an article regarding ONE of the topics outlined below

Education http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/on-innovation/2009/02/obamas-education-stimulus-isnt.html And/ or

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=57333

Energy and the Environment http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-stimulus-green18-2009feb18,0,5194715.story

Transportation and public works http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/03/06/ap6135687.html

Taxes ( you only have to read one, but are ENCOURAGED to read both articles)

citizens - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/16/personalfinance/main4804729.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4804729

OR

businesses- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123630457644747709.html

Health care - http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/what_the_stimulus_package_hold.php

Employment: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/06/obama.stimulus/

Poverty relief

http://uspoverty.change.org/blog/view/taking_stock_of_obamas_stimulus_package_part_i

4) Share your observations on the Stimulus Package overall and the specific component of GDP spending that you read about in the third source.

* Explain the positive and negative aspects of these plans and provide your insight on what economic reforms would be wise to improve conditions in this aspect of the US economy.

* Is this a keynesan or classical solution to the current economic crisis? Explain your answer.

5) post a discussion question for further exploration in class - we'll be debating these issues later on this week.

Reminder: all work for this MP is due Thursday, October 15. This blog is due Wednesday October 14. Minimum of 250 words.

Unit 1 Review Sheet: Economic Systems, Theories and Intro to the US Economy

Review for Economics Test #1: Wednesday Oct. 7

You should review all of the following terms and c0ncepts before our in-class review

on Tuesday, 10/6. Know examples of the broader concepts we have convered thus far.

Print the sheet for your own refernece, I will not be distributing it in class.

Market Economy
Command Economy
Traditional Economy
Socialism
Communism
Full command economy
Partial command economy

Commerce clause
Coinage Clause
Export Clause

Article 1, Sections 8, 9, 10
Amendments 1, 4,5, 9, 10, 16, 18, 21

Aggregation

Highly Developed economy
Developed
Developing

Microeconomics
Macroeconomics

Keynesian Economics
Classical Economics

Presidential responses to ecnomic recession: Hoover, FDR, Kennedy, Johnson, Regan Bush Sr., Clinton, GW Bush, Obama’s stimulus approach
Historical US recessions and booms

Macroeconomic Indicators:
Long term economic growth
Business cycles/ fluctuations
Unemployment
Inflation
Microeconomic policy
International economics

Debt
Defecit
Subsidy
Tarrif
Sanctions
Embargo
Hyper inflation
Deflation
Stagnation
Interest
Assets
Commodities

Favorable balance of trade

Trade defecit

Trade surplus

"We Are All Socialists Now" - or are we? Analyzing Obama's stimulus plan

Actively read the Newsweek article entitled “We are all Socialists Now”

http://www.newsweek.com/id/183663/output/print, from Newsweek Magazine.  

You may also want to use the following timeline for the assignment: (http://www.nydailynews.com/money/useconomytimeline/)

Follow the directions for ONE of the following assessments:

A) Blog:
Summarize the article and at least one additional resource linked to it on Newsweek.com. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of Obama’s economic stimulus plan. To what extent is the government responsible for recovering the economy in a time of recession/decline? In your opinion, how does this stimulus package compare to Washinton’s response to other recessions in US history? Will the stimulus plan work to recover the national economic crisis? Provide evidence to support your response.

OR 

B) Create a Comic Strip/ Visual Timeline/ Power Point/ Poster:
Create a visual comparison highlighting the details of Obama’s stimulus plan to at least TWO other recession recovery programs in US History. Be sure to reflect that you actively read these materials and researched outside sources to include information BEYOND what I provided for you.

Due Tuesday, September 29 before class. E-mail me if you have questions: bridgettefranciscsi@gmail.com)

A History of the US Economy: Analyzing "trade-offs" that shape the national economy

The Three Main Economic Questions :

• What goods and services should be produced?

• How should these goods and services be produced?
  

• For whom should these goods and services be produced and distributed?
  

• How will the system accommodate for growth and change? 
  

Trade-off
Every time a nation, group or individual faces the ECONOMIC QUESTIONS, a choice is made that has a direct impact on individuals and the potential for a trickle-down economic impact (on industry, society, the economy as a whole, etc.)When choices are made (collectively or by an individual) to accept having less of one thing in order to get more of something else, the results are called trade-offs. For example, when one is allocating (limited) funds, the trade-off usually involves reduced spending for some purposes in order to be able to spend more for other more urgent purposes. However, the concept does not apply only (or even primarily) to decisions involving money. A student faced with the choice of spending Saturday studying for a Political Economy exam or shopping at The Mall makes a trade-off of shopping time for study time in deciding how many hours to study and how many to spend shopping. Society also makes trade-offs -- such as, for example, between its need for a more plentiful supply of energy and its need to prevent excessive deterioration of the environment caused by energy production technologies. Evaluating trade-offs, when done carefully and systematically, involves comparing the costs and benefits of each of the available alternatives with each other.

Opportunity cost is defined as the value of the sacrifice involved in a trade off – in other words what you give up in a an economic decision. Most choices are not all-or-nothing decisions; rather they typically involve small changes at the margin -- a little more of this at the cost of a little less of that. Consumers continuously practice marginalism and make trade-offs as they consider whether to buy one more unit or one unit less of a good or service in their efforts to obtain a mix of goods and services that afford them the greatest satisfaction for their available buying power. Producers must constantly be deciding (and reevaluating) their trade-offs in choosing whether to produce somewhat more or somewhat less of a particular product, whether to add a few more workers or lay a few off, whether to invest in more plant and equipment or whether to close down some of existing capacity, and so on -- in their efforts to maximize profits.

This week's blog assignment asks you to look at key trade-offs in US history and evaluate the wisdom of those decisions on a policy level and matters of popular (citizens) choice.

Directions – Actively read the “US Economy: A Brief History” summary at:

www.countrystudies.us/united-states/economy-3.htm

• Identify THREE moments/ periods in US history wherein individuals in US society and/ or the government as a whole participated in or was affected by an economic trade off.

• What was the opportunity cost of this decision?

• Did it advance or restrict social and economic progress at time when this decision was made?
  

Your assignment may take the form of:

A blog or typed assessment of 250 words or more (emailed, typed, posted or posted here)

       OR 

 A visual chart/ graphic organizer/ comic strip or timeline reflecting all of the ideas above

Welcome to our class blog!

For your first homework assignment:

1. Pose a question you have about the current US or global economy.

2. Note one issue that you found on our class syllabus that interests you OR identify an economic topic/ issue not included in the syllabus that you would like to learn about in the semester ahead. What specifically about that topic do you want to know?

3. Close your comment with your first name, last name and class block

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING IN YOUR SIGNED SYLLABUS TOMORROW (counts as a separate assignment)