Unit 7 Physical and Human Geography Reading and Writing Workshop
​Workshop Overview
​Topic: Geography and Global Issues
Key Issues:

• Globalization and its effects
• Food production and distribution
• Water scarcity and access
• Humanitarian crises and refugee movements

Reading ActivitiesFor each issue, students will read a selection of public domain texts and analyze them using critical thinking skills. Texts have been chosen to explore these topics in an accessible way.
Globalization and its Effects

• Reading: Excerpt from The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (1776)
  • Focus on the principles of trade, specialization, and how global trade impacts economies.

Discussion/Analysis:

• What is globalization, and how does it connect different parts of the world?
• How does Smith's work relate to the modern economy and global trade?
• In what ways has globalization impacted both wealthy and poor countries?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a short essay discussing the benefits and drawbacks of globalization based on the reading and your own observations.

Food Production and Distribution

• Reading: Excerpt from The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels (1845)
  • Focus on how industrialization changed food production and distribution.

Discussion/Analysis:

• How did the rise of industrial factories change the way food was produced and distributed in the 19th century?
• What challenges did workers face related to food during the industrial revolution?
• How do these challenges still affect people today, especially in developing nations?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a letter from the perspective of a factory worker in 1845, expressing concerns about food access and how globalization might change it.

Water Scarcity and Access

• Reading: Excerpt from The Report of the Commissioners for the Investigation of the Water Supply of the City of Boston (1870)
  • Focus on early attempts at providing clean water and the importance of water management.

Discussion/Analysis:

• What were some of the challenges in providing clean water to urban populations in the 19th century?
• How is water access still a global issue today, especially in arid regions and developing countries?
• What solutions can be applied to help communities facing water scarcity?

Writing Prompt:

• Imagine you are a city planner in a developing country with limited access to clean water. Propose a plan to improve water access for local residents.

Humanitarian Crises and Refugee Movements

• Reading: Excerpt from The History of the French Revolution by Jules Michelet (1847)
  • Focus on the effects of revolution on civilians and how people fled their homes to seek refuge.

Discussion/Analysis:

• What were the causes and effects of refugee movements during the French Revolution?
• How do these historical movements compare to modern refugee crises, such as those caused by war or political instability?
• Why is it important for countries to provide refuge for displaced persons?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a letter from the perspective of a refugee fleeing from a conflict. Discuss the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.

Writing ActivitiesAfter reading and discussing the texts, students will complete the following writing tasks to reinforce their understanding of each issue:

1. Reflection Journal
   • Students will write a journal entry reflecting on how each global issue (globalization, food distribution, water access, humanitarian crises) impacts people in their own community and around the world. This will encourage them to connect global issues with their local context.
2. Research Project
   • Students will choose one global issue discussed during the workshop and research its current impact on a specific country or region. They will write a report outlining the issue's effects and propose potential solutions. This allows students to apply what they learned and explore real-world examples.

Extension Activities

• Map Analysis: Using historical maps and modern world maps, students will locate regions affected by food scarcity, water issues, and refugee movements. This will help them visualize the geographical scope of global issues.
• Group Debate: In small groups, students will take on roles as representatives from different countries and debate how the international community should address one of the issues. This encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking.

AssessmentStudents will be assessed based on:

1. Participation in discussions
2. Completion of writing prompts
3. The depth of analysis in their research project and reflection journal
4. Engagement with the extension activities

This workshop will not only help students understand the significance of these global issues but also foster their ability to analyze historical and modern sources critically. Through reading, writing, and discussion, they will develop a deeper understanding of how geography impacts human lives and the world we live in.