Overview and Learning Objectives
This lesson is designed to introduce students to the political and social situation that existed in Somalia during the early 1990s. The lesson will be taught over two days. The specific goals for this lesson are as follows:
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The students will conduct on-line research about the nation of Somalia
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The students will analyze data/information about Somalia
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The students will synthesize the information gathered on a worksheet that will facilitate cooperative learning group activities.
Procedure
As part of this lesson, the class will receive a series of reading assignments taken from Scott Peterson’s
Me Against My Brother
. Specifically, the students will read the following sections devoted to Somalia: “Laws of War”, pp.3-17; “City of The Insane”, pp.19-35.
On day one, the students will work on-line in the computer lab gathering additional information on Somalia. They will be required to use one of the following resources: “Country Background Notes” on Somalia from the U.S. Department of State homepage. www.state.gov. Have students proceed to “Countries and Regions” link. Next, students choose “Country Background Notes-Somalia”. Students can also go to www.cia.gov. From the homepage proceed to the “World Factbook” link and choose Somalia.
Each website provides a wealth of relevant, fairly up-to-date political, social, and economic information on most nations. The students will use data/information on Somalia to address a set of questions that will focus their cooperative learning group discussions in which they will play the role of American government officials who must decide what actions the United States should take in Somalia. A sample copy of the proposed worksheet appears on the following page.
Resources
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Computer lab
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Somalia situation briefing worksheet (copy presented on next page)
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Copies of readings on Somalia from
Me Against My Brother
Country Situation Briefing Sheet:
SOMALIA
Author:
Date:
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Geography
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Location:
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Land Area or Size (in square km.):
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People
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Population:
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Major Nationalities or Ethnic Groups:
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Religions:
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Government & Politics
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Type of Government:
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Chief of State:
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Briefly describe some of the important history or background of the country (one paragraph)
Page 2
Country Situation Briefing Sheet:
SOMALIA
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Do you believe that the United States has any vital interests in Somalia? Please use data/information from your research to explain why or why not. (Use this page for your answer)