Escalation in the Ukraine - is the Cold War over for everyone?

As the conflict in the Ukraine hots up, there is something for us to learn from this in terms of its relevance to our study of the Cold War. Much of that which Russian President Putin projects in his militaristic actions in Crimea (southern Ukraine) is being reported as the continuation of Cold War tensions between Russia (former U.S.S.R) and the West (predominantly the US and Britain).

Questions to consider:

1) What is actually happening in the Ukraine at present - what is causing the conflict?

2) How does the ABC News broadcaster from the US portray/represent each participant in the conflict, and those diplomatically involved? Are they positioning the viewer to be sympathetic to a certain 'side'? Why might they do this?

Now, here is a link to an article written by former Prime Minister of Australia during the Cold War Malcolm Fraser (1975-83) which sheds further light on the Ukrainian dilemma, with particular connections made to the conflict's origins coming from decisions made throughout the Cold War. There are many Cold War related points made in the article that may not make sense to you at this stage. Note any questions you have and bring to next class ready for discussion and clarification: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/03/ukraine-theres-no-way-out-unless-the-west-understands-its-past-mistakes 

Further news on the developments in the Ukraine: 

ABC AUSTRALIA REPORTS

ALJAZEERA REPORTS

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD REPORTS

Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed

Yesterday the anti-homosexuality Bill was passed in Ugandan parliament. It was reported as 'A Victory for Ugandan Society'. But I ask you, how can this be so? Take a look at the news broadcast below and consider whether this is similar in any way to the fascist policies of Adolf Hitler... And, as you look at the second news item (and conduct some of your own online research), consider what support of this bill by many Ugandans might mean for Ugandan society?

Guardian News article, 'Ugandan politicians celebrate passing of anti-gay laws': ARTICLE LINK

Nationalism dividing Europe in 2014... Similarities to lead-up to WW1?

The Ukraine is in democratic crisis and the rise of nationalism is tearing the country apart - some supporting a move towards Europe (EU) and others preferring strengthened economic relations with Russia. Can you find any similarities between Ukraine currently and the desires of Serbia leading up to WW1?

Welcome!!!!!

With the ever increasing phenomenon of blogging around the world, the line between professional journalists and amateur bloggers has blurred and many believe ALL bloggers to actually be journalists! So, welcome all you budding journalists to the wonderful world of blogging. We will be using this blog as a base medium from which to learn throughout this unit of work. Feel free to join and contribute!

The general structure or mechanics of the course is heavily focused around a line of questioning - the Historical Inquiry Model - that categorises questions into "Definitions", "Sources", "Backgrounds, Causes & Motives", "Effects & Arguments" and "Reflectiions". Using a line of questioning to guide the learning maintains an acute focus on the subject, categorises the learning into easily retained chunks and deepens the students' historical understanding by providing an environment where they must analyse and evaluate historical evidence to arrive at conclusions not always clear.

Historical stimulus, activities and provocative discussion forums are available here for students to interact with. There are opportunities here for self-study and collaborative/cooperative study, utilising the benefits of peer and teacher feedback for learning. 

Be inquisitive, cooperative and discussive... It's the key to lifelong learning!