Current Events Analysis

Keeping up with the news of the world is important in our study of international relations. It expands our horizons of the world, it makes us better informed as citizens, and it gives constant practice to sharpen our analytical skills.

This semester we will pay attention to current events on a regular basis. Every Thursday we will devote the beginning of class to a review of recent world events. We will do this in two ways: a very quick quiz based on news from the New York Times in the previous four (4) days; and a short collective analysis of one event. Quizzes will count as part of the "homework" portion of grading. Brief analysis papers will be assessed and will earn extra credit points. Although we will begin this process right away, quizzes and analyses will start earning credit points in week 4. A total extra value of up to an additional 10% of regular points can be earned.

At the end of this series of exercises, you will be able to:
• Be familiar with a variety of international events
• Explain international events from an analytical point of view
• Write succinctly and meaningfully about international events

Where’s the news? Read the New York Times online edition. It is FREE (although you have to “register” on their site.) Go to http://www.nytimes.com . Scan the front page for world news articles; then click on the link to “World” on the left navigation bar. You will see a page with many world news stories, including the ones from the front page. Make some notes on at least the story headlines; and, of course, read a couple (certainly the ones linked from page 1).

News Quizzes

• 2-5 very short questions, usually multiple choice; quiz will earn 5-10 points. We will have about 10 of these, so these will count about 50-75 points.
• Quizzes will be handed out within the first 5 minutes of class – none will be handed out after that. You will have about another 5 minutes to complete it (should be more than enough). We will spend 5 minutes quickly discussing the topics

News Analysis

• One typed page analysis of a single story, with a printout of the story included. Each weekly analysis brief will be worth up to 10 points. We will have about 10 of these, so you have the potential to earn up to 100 extra points.
• The analysis should be an effort to use the ideas from the class to explain something about the news event.
• Assessment/points will be:
  • 3 points for turning in an article and typed analysis
  • Up to 3 points for writing and composition
  • Up to 4 points for analysis – making connections to ideas and/or topics in our class

All points earned from analysis briefs are totally free money.