Communication
What was the biggest reason for the sharp decline in the Indigenous population in several English-speaking countries?
Yes, colonization, but more specifically: Diseases, such as smallpox and measles, killed more people than warfare. The reason for this was that these germs were foreign to Indigenous people's immune systems.
Explain the terms "parliamentary democracy" and "constitutional monarchy".
Parliamentary democracy is a political system that is grounded in an elected parliament representing the people. This means that the UK is run by elected representatives (like Norway).
In a constitutional monarchy, the head of the state is the queen/king, but their powers are limited (she/he is not head of the government).
What is media literacy? And why is it an important ability?
Ability to identify different types of media and understand the message they are sending.
In a global society where anyone can post anything and news platforms can be biased, it is important to question the information you are presented with.
How is education in the US linked to the social divide between rich and poor?
Education is to a large extent funded by the individual in the US, and therefore, if you come from a wealthy family you are more likely to get a good education.
+ Possible to link this to the 'college cheating scandal' from a couple of years ago.
Who is 3rd in line to the British Crown?
Prince Charlotte of Wales (Prince William's daughter)
What is cultural genocide and any specific examples you can point to?
You prevent the transmission of culture from one generation to the next through a process of aggresive assimilation.
Indigenous populations in several English-speaking countries. For instance, the Stolen Generations in Australia and the residential school system in Canada.
Explain briefly the historical process of how the UK became a multicultural society.
1945-1960: Open Door Policy = Nationality Act
1960-1980: Scepticism towards immigration
1973: Member of EU = Free flow of goods and people
Today: Brexit (a current backlash towards immigration?)
What do you make of the phrase "we become what we behold"?
We are influenced by different media platforms every day in negative and positive ways. They can contribute to prejudice and confirmation bias, but also open up alternative paths for communication and understanding.
If we are more aware, we can help influence what we "behold", and try to avoid contributing to further polarization.
What are the three branches of government and who/what makes up each branch?
Executive branch: President, Vice-President, and Cabinet
Legislative branch/Congress: House of Representatives and the Senate
Judicial branch: Lower courts and Supreme Court
Why has Nigeria been called "the mistake of 1914" or "a mere geographic expression"?
The merger of two British protectorates on the African continent was not based on what was best for the people in those areas or because they had more in common than what kept them apart. It was a decision made because it made sense, practically and financially, for Britain.
For the people of Nigeria, this merger has resulted in decades of conflict and instability.
Mention the different language periods of the English language.
What word can we used to describe the English language based on these different language periods?
1. Old English (475-1000)
2. Middle English (1000-1500)
3. Early Modern English (1500-1800)
4. Late Modern English (1800-Present)
Flexibility.
What is sus-law? And how is 'Sonny's Lettah' an anti-sus poem?
Sus-law = Stop and search (and possibly arrest) people based on "suspicious" behavior. Used disproportionately towards ethnic minorities (ex. black people in the UK).
The poem protests the injustice and discriminatory nature of the sus-law through both content and form (latter: language).
What is the checklist you should consider when analysing sources and/or information (6 questions)?
• Who made this?
• How was this made?
• Why was this made?
• When was this made?
• What is this missing?
• Where do I go from here?
Briefly explain the timeline for black people living in the US.
Slavery - Illegalization of slavery + abolition - Jim Crow-era (Disenfranchisement, Segregation, Lynchings) - Civil Rights Movement - Cointelpro and Dark Alliance - Industrial Prison Complex - Obama - Black Lives Matter movement - Still tensions today
Again, very shallow explanation.
How many American presidents have been assassinated?
Possibility for bonus points if you can provide names as well.
4
Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14 1865, and died of his injuries nine hours later.
James Garfield was shot July 2, 1881, and died of his injuries two months later.
William McKinley was shot September 6, 1901, and died of his injuries a week later.
John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
Mention four reasons why English has become a global language.
Colonization by the British: Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, The Caribbean (Jamaica). Brits established English as the language of trade, government, religion and education in their colonies.
The industrial revolution in the UK – English = language of inventions, science, technology
Although many former colonies gained independence, many chose to keep English as their official language for diplomatic reasons.
Power-shift from UK to US after WW2 (after loss of colonies. US = strong economic, military, cultural superpower. Became main driver for spreading English as world language through cultural imperialism.
Global language = Spoken by people in power. Established as the official language in post-war organizations.
Right place at the right time.
What are 'the Troubles' and why is this period still significant today?
A term used to describe a period of violent clashes between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland from the 1960s and up until the 'Good Friday Peace Agreement' in 1998.
It is significant today because of Brexit and the possibility of reigniting the conflict because of the border situation. Secondly, you still see the outcome of the Troubles in Northern Ireland with segregated neighbourhoods and schools. It has caused a divide that has still not healed, even if it no longer involves the same degree of violence.
What is the difference between bias and prejudice?
Bias is when we choose and decide things based on our personal experiences, beliefs, and values.
This is different from prejudice, which is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Why is there a political divide in the US and how does it affect society?
Two-party system (Republicans and Democrats).
Not just a question about politics, but also core values and identity. Furthermore, the polarization in politics is mirrored in the information provided by the media, which only serves to widen the gap further.
Who is the British Prime Minister and what was the circumstances around their appointment?
Rishi Sunak.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned after 45 days in office. She resigned after a very turbulent premiership in which her financial policies scared the market and devalued the pound, her fellow Tory MPs lost confidence in her, polls were showing a clear Labour lead, and the British people were growing increasingly frustrated.