Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam at the conclusion of this course. In this course students study the vast, diverse continent of Africa - its regions, nations and people. Students address issues related to political change, economic development, cultural diversity and national unity, and international relations. Particular attention is paid to the influence of history and geography. This course provides for study of Latin America and the Caribbean from a variety of perspectives.
Special emphasis is placed on geography, literature, economics and lifestyles.
Four countries are singled out for study in depth. Students are required to do a major term paper on the country of their choice. The focus of this class is review of the Middle East, with specific attention to the Arab-Israeli conflict and to US foreign policy. Emphasis is placed on the historic and religious backgrounds of Moslems and Jews, the role of the West, the influence of oil, and the cultural diversity of the region. The causes and implications of recent changes in the lands of the former Soviet Union are investigated.