Geopolitics and Speculative Map Making: What Would the World Look Like If ...
Each week in this ongoing class learners will be given a global event scenario and then re-imagine the world according to their speculation of how that event will affect the geopolitical map. Come enhance your geography, map making and political skills while meeting friends and having fun.
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Speculative geopolitics is an academic and creative exercise which allows learners to consider how world events might affect and change the world map including, for example, new borders, alliances, enemies and territorial disputes. If China were to control all the cobalt mines, and therefore all access to new technologies, how would world alliances and borders shift? Imagine that global warming events make the southern portion of the United States uninhabitable, how might it affect the entire globe as climate refugees increase migration patterns and new geopolitical power struggles evolve? These are examples of the scenarios which might be explored each week. As learners use their knowledge of world events and geography and their critical thinking skills to consider the ramifications of events based upon political alliances and geopolitics, they will develop a broader understanding of the global power relationships. Learners can consider together and discuss as they go, seeking feedback for potential ramifications as they recreate the world each week based on geopolitical speculation. Event scenarios will be provided at the start of each class by the teacher and a list of potential global events that students are interested in will be kept and rotated through by the teacher. A social and supportive environment for learners to imagine how the world may look in 10 or 20 years from now based on hypothetical events will ensure that this is a fun and educational experience each week.
Learning Goals
Learners will focus on geography, political science and current geopolitical events as they consider map making and use their critical thinking skills to imagine how various events will affect the global world.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Events scenarios could include disturbing or catastrophic global events such as nuclear disasters or global wars. Sensitive learners who may already worry about the future of our planet should consider if this critical thinking exercise will bring greater anxiety and may not want to add additional stress to their weekly learning experience.
Supply List
Each week learners should come with paper and pens or access to an online world building/ map making software program such as World Anvil or Wonderdraft. A list of programs and their benefits will be provided in the classroom upon sign up. No software program is required though, and learners may chose to use pens and paper will just as much success.
Language of Instruction
English
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a human rights lawyer who has lived and worked globally, covering issues such as water conflicts, refugee crises and civil wars while working for the UN, I am keenly aware of geo-politics and the potential ramifications of world events. As an academic specializing in the UN Security Council, tasked with the maintenance of peace around the globe, I am regularly asked to map out potential scenarios and consider their ramifications. I have taught on Outschool for four years and am comfortable bringing complex topics to younger learners.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 232 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-14 learners per class