Class+2

CLASS TWO __Class Two Objectives__: Upon completion of this class, the student will: 1. Describe the basic theory behind Jared Diamond’s //Guns, Germs, and Steel//. 2. Describe the ecological, geographic, and climatological differences among the major regions of the world. 3. Describe the material advantages and disadvantages accruing to those inhabiting in these regions. __Class Two Individual Assignments (5-12 hours)__

1. Read Chapters 1-5 in //Guns, Germs, and Steel//.

2. Compile a 1-2 page list of important points for discussion from Diamond’s thesis. Be prepared to discuss in class.

3. Download a blank copy of an outline map of the world. Print 6 blank copies for the other assignments for your map portfolio. On the first, label the continents, oceans, and mountain ranges. This map is due for Class 2, and is also a part of your map portfolio which is due in Class 7. 4. Do research on //The Bell Curve,// a controversial study by Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein. Bring notes to your study group meeting. //__Class Two Individual Assessment:__//

· //1-2 page list of points derived from Diamond’s thesis.// · //Map of continents, oceans, and mountain ranges (part of Map Portfolio, which is due in Class 7).// · //Active participation in class discussions and activities based on the assigned reading.//

__Class Two Study Group Assignments (4 hours)__

1. Develop a list of no fewer than five ways in which you might interact daily with people of other countries. Indicate how socio-cultural, economic, and political interdependence in the modern world affects those interactions. Make enough copies for all in the cohort for distribution.

2. Discuss what your group thinks the answer to Yali’s question might be. Adopt a consensus statement. Make certain that you’re attentive to the nuances **within the question**. Pick a spokesperson to read it to the class.

3. Research the major points made by Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray in //The Bell Curve//. Compare and contrast their theory to Diamond’s. Answer this question by consensus: What is more important in the development of the dominance of one people over the other, native intelligence or the environment? Be prepared to present your answer to the class. Your presentation should be approximately 5 minutes long. //__Class Two Study Group Assessment:__//

· //List of world daily interactions.// · //Presentation on Yali’s answer.// // Presentation on // The Bell Curve.