Project #2: Arab Spring Final Paper - Due on Monday, April 7

Our final paper is due at our course blog for Monday, April 7. No exceptions. 

First, pose a specific question about the Arab Spring of interest to YOU.

Second, do some research and find at least SIX sources. After initial reading, craft a ONE SENTENCE thesis that answers your question, focusing on at least three different Arab Spring countries.

Finally, continue researching and craft an 8 paragraph multimedia paper (a paragraph = 5-7 sentences) posted as a STAND-ALONE post (with a sexy title) on our course blog, in which you articulate and defend your FINAL one sentence thesis focused on a specific aspect of the Arab Spring in the Middle East across at least 3 different Arab Spring countries.

Sample Question: Has the Arab Spring movement led to more democracy in the Arab Middle East?

Sample Thesis: "The Arab Spring has led to a democratic revolution in the 21st century Middle East, ushering an era of new and positive political changes in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya."

To earn an A, your paper must:

1. Have a specific THESIS statement, grounded in TIME and PLACE, in your opening paragraph.

2. Consist of 8 paragraphs of between 5-7 sentences each.

3. Contain no grammar, spelling, or mechanical errors.

4. Be illustrated with AT LEAST one photo or video embed for EACH paragraph.

5. Provide AT LEAST one direct quotation from AT LEAST SIX different sources (you may include our 3 class texts) for EACH of your 8 paragraphs. Use research and texts to support your conclusions!

6. Focus on AT LEAST 3 specific Arab Spring countries.

7. Be presented with confidence in class (excerpted sections.)

Yalla - go Arab Spring'ers, go!

Project #1: Middle East "Arab Spring" Country - Formal Oral Presentation

Goal: Working in small teams, select an “Arab Spring” Middle Eastern country and do some online research.  Consult at least SIX “news” sources. 

Then, in a single stand-alone course blog post, prepare a 15-minute formal ORAL presentation via Blog, Power Point, or Prezi that includes the following:

1. Location/Geography/Environment-The official name and year of origin of this country, location, climate and major geographical features of the country. (Be sure to include Maps and a Flag!)

2. Social Structure–What racial, ethnic, class structures are present?

3. Politics- what type of government runs this country?

4. Religion/Ideology-what type of religious activity is present?

5. Economics-what types of economic activity, natural resources (oil, etc.) are present?

6. Technology-Is this an “advanced” country technologically?

7. Popular Culture: Any special food? Sports? Pop stars? Sites?

8. 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities – Describe any.

9. “Arab Spring” focused questions:

A. Immediate precipitating causes of the “Arab Spring” – when, how and why?

B. Long-term causes of the “Arab Spring” – why did it happen in your country, based on deeper historical and cultural issues?

C. Key players – who are THREE individuals and organizations that have served as key players in the “Arab Spring”?

D.Possible futures for your “Arab Spring” country – play out at least THREE different future scenarios – what might happen?

AN EXCELLENT Oral Presentation:

Is “blog friendly” organized and well-practiced.

Includes Web 2.0 hyperlinks, photo and video embeds.

Is 15 minutes long and full of detailed content.

Week #15: Blogging BATTLE FOR ARAB SPRING, Chapter 12 and Epilogue

This post is due by Tuesday, April 22 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #14: Blogging BATTLE FOR ARAB SPRING, Chapters 10-11

This post is due by Tuesday, April 15 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #13: Blogging BATTLE FOR ARAB SPRING, Chapters 8-9

This post is due by Tuesday, April 8 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #12: Blogging BATTLE FOR ARAB SPRING, Chapters 6-7

This post is due by Tuesday, April 1 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #11: Blogging BATTLE FOR THE ARAB SPRING, Chapters 4-5

This post is due by Tuesday, March 25 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #10: Blogging BATTLE FOR THE ARAB SPRING, Chapters 2-3

This post is due by Tuesday, March 18 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #9: Blogging BATTLE FOR THE ARAB SPRING, Introduction and Chapter 1

This post is due by Tuesday, March 11 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #8: SPRING BREAK - Yalla!

Week #7: Blogging REVOLUTION 2.0, Chapters 7-9, Epilogue

This post is due by Tuesday, February 25 @ midnight. No credit given for late posts. Yalla.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #6: Blogging REVOLUTION 2.0, Chapters 4-6

This post is due by Tuesday, February 18 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #5: Blogging REVOLUTION 2.0, Prologue, Chapters 1-3

This post is due by Tuesday, February 11 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #4: Blogging Dr. W's "Screening The Homeland" chapter in Censored 2014 book

This post is due by Tuesday, January 28 @ midnight for full credit.

 Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

 1. Read Dr. Williams' "Screening the Homeland" chapter from the new Censored 2014 book. (He will email it to you as a PDF).

 2. Share THREE SPECIFIC observations from the chapter at the blog thread below - how do Hollywood movies like "Argo" and "Zero Dark Thirty," the Arab Spring movements, and U.S. goals and policy in the Middle East all intersect?

Week #3: Blogging ARAB UPRISINGS, Chapters 4-6.

This post is due by Tuesday, January 21 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #2: Blogging ARAB UPRISINGS, Chapters 1-3.

This post is due by Tuesday, January 14 @ midnight for full credit. 

Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.

Read the assigned chapters above, and then:

1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.

2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.

Week #1: Salaam, Arab Spring'ers. Who Are We? Introductions.

and don't forget...SYRIA.

Please introduce yourself to us below, telling us:

1. Your name.

2. Your professional major.

3. Your town/city and state/province/country of origin.

4. One burning question you have about the modern Middle East.

"Yalla." Let's go!