Check out these clips from "60 Minutes"!

So, I'm watching "60 Minutes" last night at home, and saw a fascinating story about the Orthodox church in Turkey. Perfect for our class!!!  I've posted the link, as well as a couple of extra, related links found on the CBS site with the story.  I hope to watch and discuss these in class when we get back. Let me know what you think. ***NOTE:  If it doesn't play right away, click on the corresponding photo in the boxes below the viewing screen on the CBS site.  It should load and play.***

60 Minutes segment: The Patriarch Bartholomew (leader of Orthodox church)
Web extra: Cappadocia (churches carved into mountains)
Web extra: Pilgrimage (Bartholomew travels to his home)
Web extra: Footsteps of Christ (last Christian village in Muslim country)

Check Out Our World Traveler...

It looks like Nick Rapp (the guy attempting to drive around the world) has made it to Mexico! If you want to catch up to him, check out the link on the bottom of the sidebar (to the right).  It's called "Trans World Expedition."  Pretty interesting! Remember, at the bottom of his blog, there is a link to older posts, so you can read last week's postings as well. What do you think of his travels so far? (Post a comment.) Hope you're enjoying your break so far!

Cultural Universal: Holidays

So...this week, people in the United States celebrate "Thanksgiving".  There are many cultural components of this holiday relating to history, family, food, travel, traditions, entertainment, shopping... even sports.  Think about ways your family will commemorate this American holiday. Describe at least one tradition / activity that you will participate in during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday (and the weekend after). (Note: Please don't make your comment just about eating turkey, unless there is more to say about that than "We eat turkey." Think a little harder!:-D)  Please remember to sign your name to your comment.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Elvan Gunel

Yesterday, Dr. Elvan Gunel, a social studies professor from Turkey, spoke with the Global Cultures classes.  Elvan talked about diversity among Muslim women,  her experiences here in the US, a bit about her country, and some about the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.  So, what is something that surprised you during her presentation? What did you learn that you didn't know before? 

What is Islam?

In Global Cultures, we have just started a study of Islam. It's important for us to have a good understanding of basic Islamic practices, which will help us as we examine world cultures. Knowing something about Islam will also add richness to discussions that will happen during the upcoming Middle East Summit.

So...my question to you: To help us in our class study, what question do you have about Islam that we haven't covered yet?

Time to step into Web 2.0...

Global Cultures class joins the Read/Write Web! Stay tuned for links to articles, websites, assignments and, most importantly, a forum for Phoenix students to continue our ongoing Global Cultures discussions.