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Global Power Dynamics: A New Era of Modern Imperialism? || High School
Class experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Designed as a high school elective course, learners will engage in a critical examination of global power dynamics, delving into economic exploitation (labor and resource exploitation), military intervention, cultural dominance, and debt diplomacy to evaluate whether the world has entered a new era of modern or 'contemporary imperialism.’ Learners will be tasked with suggesting potential modern-day examples for discussions. This task is not only to promote global awareness but to promote...
8 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Does imperialism need to be redefined?If the contemporary world indeed marks a new era of imperialism, traditional definitions of imperialism may need to be revisited and updated to reflect modern realities.Week 2Lesson 2Is neocolonialism a form of modern imperialism?We'll explore neocolonialism, where powerful countries or corporations control developing nations indirectly. We'll compare this to old-style colonialism and investigate if methods like debt, trade deals, and investments are now used for control. Do power dynamics only exist between rich and poor countries? Can they occur between powerful ones too? Learners will suggest and examine real-world examples, such as how loans or trade deals affect different countries.Week 3Lesson 3Is resource exploitation a form of modern imperialism?Learners will investigate if modern resource exploitation matches their revised definition of imperialism. They'll analyze how multinational corporations profit from resources in developing countries, using real-world examples of oil, minerals, and agricultural products. Additionally, they'll evaluate similar dynamics between developed nations and multinational companies to see if they also align with their definition.Week 4Lesson 4Is labor exploitation a form of modern imperialism?Learners will investigate labor exploitation by multinational corporations in both developing and developed countries. They'll analyze instances where corporations take advantage of lower labor costs in developing nations, often at the expense of workers' safety, working hours, and wages. They'll also examine labor rights violations in developed countries, where companies exploit loopholes in labor laws for profit.Week 5Lesson 5Is military intervention a form of modern imperialism?By exploring contemporary examples of military intervention, learners will examine whether these actions are driven by altruistic motives or if various country's have underlying agendas, including securing strategic resources or geopolitical interests. By analyzing real-world events, learners will evaluate the complexities surrounding modern-day imperialism through military means, ultimately determining whether such interventions align with the characteristics of imperialism in the present era.Week 6Lesson 6Is cultural dominance a form of modern imperialism?Learners will explore if cultural dominance represents a modern imperialism. We'll study the spread of Western cultural values and media dominance, considering if this constitutes cultural imperialism. Additionally, we'll evaluate the influence of non-Western countries on cultural dominance and its potential link to modern imperialism.Week 7Lesson 7Is debt diplomacy a form of modern imperialism?Learners will investigate debt diplomacy to determine its alignment with modern imperialism. They will examine how powerful nations or financial institutions extend loans to others, potentially influencing domestic policies. By analyzing real-world examples, learners will evaluate the impact of debt diplomacy on both developing and developed nations, aiming to discern its role in the context of contemporary imperialism.Week 8Lesson 8Resistance and AlternativesAfter concluding their investigation into 'modern imperialism' and under the assumption that learners find some evidence supporting its existence, they will engage in discussions regarding resistance efforts - including, but not limited to grassroots movements, political activism, advocacy for economic justice, and exploring alternative models of development and international cooperation.
Define and differentiate between traditional imperialism and neocolonialism. Analyze the methods of control used in neocolonialism, such as debt, trade deals, and investments, and compare them to old-style colonialism. Investigate power dynamics in contemporary imperialism, considering interactions between both rich and poor countries and powerful nations. Examine the exploitation of resources by multinational corporations in developing countries, focusing on examples from industries like oil, minerals, and agriculture. Evaluate labor exploitation by multinational corporations in both developing and developed countries, including the exploitation of lower labor costs and labor rights violations. Analyze the motives behind contemporary military interventions, considering factors such as securing strategic resources and geopolitical interests. Evaluate cultural dominance as a form of modern imperialism, studying the spread of Western cultural values and media dominance, and considering non-Western influences. Investigate debt diplomacy and its role in modern imperialism, examining how loans influence domestic policies in both developing and developed nations. Engage in discussions about resistance efforts against modern imperialism, including grassroots movements, political activism, and advocacy for economic justice. Explore alternative models of development and international cooperation as potential responses to modern imperialism.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies. Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12. Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields. My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning.
Homework Offered
Each week, every learner will be required to propose contemporary examples for discussion, drawing from their comprehension of the week's topic. As the class model prioritizes independent thinking, there are no predefined or "correct" answers.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments can be conducted upon request and throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments will primarily rely on learners' contributions in weekly examples and discussions. The purpose of assessments and/or grades is to offer feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. Active participation in assessments is vital for learners to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.Grades Offered
Upon request feedback, numerical and/or letter grades will be provided. Parents and learners are strongly encouraged to reach out about their preferred method of grading before the class begins. This ensures that the assessment methods align with the educational goals and preferences of each learner and family.
Access to credible sources regarding world events and news i.e. news and current events websites, magazines, peer-reviewed or academic journals and/or newspapers.
In this course, we may cover politically sensitive topics that have had or currently do have a significant impact on history and global society. These topics may include imperialism, colonialism, labor exploitation, religion, genocide, war, weapons, racism, terrorism, fascism, and communism. It is essential to note that my approach to teaching and discussing these topics will be objective and based on factual information. My aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these subjects by exploring multiple perspectives and examining historical context. We will actively seek out and incorporate viewpoints from marginalized groups when applicable. By doing so, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diverse experiences surrounding these politically sensitive issues. It is important to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment where learners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. Through respectful and open-minded discussions, critical thinking and the examination of different viewpoints will be encouraged. This approach will contribute to a more complete understanding of these politically sensitive topics and their implications throughout history and their impact today. My goal is to equip learners with the knowledge and tools to engage in informed discussions and navigate complex historical and global issues. By exploring these topics objectively and considering diverse perspectives, we can promote empathy, understanding, and critical analysis among learners.
Outsourcing Empire: How Company-States Made the Modern World by Professor Andrew Phillips & J. C. Sharman Imperialism in the Twenty-First Century: Globalization, Super-Exploitation, and Capitalism’s Final Crisis by John Smith Corporate Imperialism: Conflict and Expropriation by by Norman Girvan Culture and Imperialism by Edward W. Said The New Cold War: The United States, Russia, and China from Kosovo to Ukraine by Gilbert Archcar Cultural Imperialism: Essays on the Political Economy of Cultural Domination edited by Bernd Hamm & Russell Smandych Global Entertainment Media: Between Cultural Imperialism and Cultural Globalization by by Tanner Mirrlees Comparing Global Influence: China’s and U.S. Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, Trade, and Investment in the Developing World by Congressional Research Service Global Media Outlets & Publishers New Literacy Project Various Fact Checkers Multiple Peer-Reviewed Journals International Organizations Reports & Summaries
Hey y'all! I'm Janelle, your not-so-average History teacher. I believe in making learning hands-on and engaging for my middle school students. Why is hands-on learning important for middle schoolers, you ask? Well, the simple answer is that middle...
Group Class
$129
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
3-10 learners per class