Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Three brief student readings (with suggestions for discussion) focus on the use of unnamed and potentially unreliable sources and journalists' need to protect sources.
Most Americans get their news from sources owned by profit-driven media conglomerates. Three student readings (with discussion questions) examine the impact of the bottom line on the news business.
Original quotes and discussion questions to open a class exploration of media issues.
This DBQ exercise can help students practice for standardized tests such as the New York State Regents Exam. To prepare students for the exercise, consider conducting the "Nuclear Nightmares and Nuclear Security" lesson on this website.
Two student readings review the history of FISA and new legislation that allows continued warrantless surveillance of Americans.
The power of special interest money funneled through K Street lobbying firms--and the revolving door between these firms and federal officials--affect the lives of every American. Three student readings (followed by questions & suggested activities) show the process at work.
Students examine differing interpretations of the same events; write and interpret history; ask and analyze questions; and consider further inquiry.
Northern Ireland has finally moved to shared leadership and peace. But why did it take so long? Student readings summarize the struggle and how peace was finally achieved. Suggestions for discussion, writing, and further inquiry follow.
A student reading includes statements from President Bush addressing this question, followed by original documents that support or contradict his claims.
Students consider a range of opinions about what "terrorism" is and what is behind terrorist acts such as the September 11 attacks.