Rwandan Genocide Writing Assignment

Answer

the following questions in paragraph form: 1) Judging from what you have seen, read, and heard, could genocide occur again, in Rwanda or other parts of the world? Why or why not? 2) What is the nature and limit of personal responsibility in the 21st century? Support your personal view with evidence from the film and/or from your own knowledge of current events. 3) "The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed how America views its responsibilities in the world." Agree or disagree, supporting your view with evidence from the film and/or from your own knowledge of current events.

21 Up South Africa writing assignment

After viewing 21 UP South Africa describe how either class or race could be a factor in determining upward economic and social mobility in the country today. Describe South Africa's policy of black economic empowerment (BEE) and provide opinion on its necessity in South Africa in 2012. Please post this response by Thursday November 29 before our class meeting.

Jacob Zuma

The Economist article that we read in class on Monday hints at a lack of sound leadership in South Africa as one of the underlying issues affecting the country today. Your task is to write a short analysis of Jacob Zuma as president. Mention 3 reasons why you think he is a good state president and 3 reasons why you think he is not. Look beyond the issues of his rape trial and his polygamy. Be sure to read parts of his inaugural speech as president to determine if he has delivered on his promises to the nation: http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/hartley/2009/05/09/jacob-zumas-inauguration-speech-full-text/ Post your response before our next class on November 7th.

Tsotsi - An examination of Township life in South Africa -

After viewing the film your task now is to write a film review based on what you saw. Be sure to focus on the following: 1. Describe life in the Alexandria township in which the film is set. 2. An attempt to explain how Tsotsi fits into modern South African life. 3. Contrast his life with that of the father of the taken child. Why do you think their lives took such different paths? 4. Mention if you think that Tsotsi was sufficiently reformed to re-enter life in a South African township by the end of the film. "Step out" of your own society with its morals and ethics, before answering this. 5. Mention how Gavin Hood (The director) could have made a better film for foreign audiences. 6. An overall impression of the film.

China in Africa group presentation

After reading the section on Angola in "Untapped" and involving yourself in our discussions in class you are well aware that China has become heavily invested in certain parts of the African continent this century. You task now is to work together to determine if China's precence in Africa is destined to become a blessing or a burden on Africa's citizens and her environment. The Task: Once you have formed your group and been assigned your country of focus you are to research and then prepare a presentation highlighting China's involvement in your asssigned country. Ultimately you will answer the following question in detail: Explain if China's precence in your country is beneficial or not to those that live there. Consider impacts on the economy, employment rates, social impacts, environmental impacts, effects on government including corruption and transparency of fiscal policies. Start by answering these questions: 1. Why did China come to your country of study? 2. How much money have they invested? 3. Is the money a loan? If so, how does your country plan to pay back the loan? 4. Did the loan come with any stipulations on how the money should be spent in society? 5. How have the Chinese been received in your country of study by the common people and by the government? 6. Is China sending laborers to your country of study? 7. Are there environmental issues associated with Chinese investment? If so, does this even matter? Presentations will be in class on Friday.

Group Research and Presentation - Guiding Questions-

1. Provide a brief history of company operations in Nigeria. 2. How did the company gain rights to explore and drill for oil and gas in Nigeria? Was this fair? 3. Decide if your company has done, and is doing business in Nigeria in the same ways as it might in it’s home country. Give examples to support your case. If the answer is no, decide if this is okay and just “a part of doing business in Africa”, or irresponsible. 4. Has your company been environmentally responsible when extracting oil in Nigeria? Again, give examples to support your position. 5. Give examples of benefits to the Nigerian citizenry that have come from the company’s operations in the country.

"Untapped" pages 17-38 -Focus Questions-

1.Explain why Mr. Ghazvinian referred to the Niger Delta as a “place of troubles” 2.Explain illegal bunkering and how it affects Nigeria economically. 3.What is an MOU, and why would oil companies and local communities prefer these to any other agreement? 4.Describe how big multinational oil companies affect local communities in the Niger Delta. 5.Describe how Port Harcourt has been affected by the discovery of oil in Nigeria. Post your responses to these questions by 8:00am September 6, 2012

Nigeria "The Hidden Cost of Corruption"

After having read the article: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bribe/2009/04/nigeria-the-hidden-cost-of-corruption.html briefly respond to the following questions: 1. According to Kennedy, in what two ways does corruption hurts Nigerian society? Do you think his claims about how corruption affects Nigeria are accurate? Why or why not? 2. After reading this article do you think that Nuhu Ribadu's mission of defeating corruption has any chance of succeeding in Nigeria? Why or Why not?