IB Middle Years Programme
Interdisciplinary Unit:
Creating a Better & More Peaceful World
MEADE HIGH SCHOOL
SPRING 2014
Overview of Interdisciplinary Unit:
Creating a Better & More Peaceful World
During this investigation, we are going to explore the
following two questions:
 How do global conflicts influence the safety and
well-being of the planet and its inhabitants?
 How can we develop solutions to resolve these
global conflicts?
This unit of study supports the IB mission:
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop
inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people
who help to create a better and more peaceful world
through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools,
governments and international organizations to
develop challenging programmes of international
education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the
world to become active, compassionate and lifelong
learners who understand that other people, with their
differences, can also be right.
First Step…
 In Tech Ed classes, you identified a global conflict
and then did some preliminary research.
 At this point, you should have started a Works Cited
page, written some notes, and explained and justified
the need for a solution to this global conflict.
NOTE: If you do not have a tech ed class, your U.S. history teacher will
help get you started by assigning a conflict to you and giving you some
initial research.
Today’s Inquiry Question
Should the United States be an isolationist nation?
Let’s respond a brief excerpt from George
Washington’s Farewell Address to consider this
question.
George Washington’s Farewell Address of 1796
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to
have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements,
let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which
to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the
causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. . . .
Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. . . . when we may
take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously
respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not
lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by
justice, shall counsel.
Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground?
Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in
the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?
It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I
mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to
existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is
always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense.
But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.
Reflection
 What is Washington’s message?
 What are the advantages to a nation being isolated?
What are the disadvantages?
 During the 20th century, to what extent, did the United
States follow Washington’s advice?
 Even if the United States wanted to become more
isolated, is it possible to do so in the 21st century? Why or
why not?
Globalization
Let’s brainstorm as a group using a circle map:
What do we know about globalization?
 What’s the definition?
 What are the causes?
 How does it affect us both positively and negatively?
 How does it affect people in other parts of the world both positively and
negatively?
 Who is promoting it? Why?
 Who is fighting against it? Why?
Globalization Part I—John Green
As you watch, take Cornell Notes on what you learn
about globalization:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SnR-e0S6Ic
Reflection
Let’s go back to our circle map. Let’s add to or revise what
we brainstormed about globalization.
Consider these questions again:
 What are the causes?
 How does it affect us both positively and negatively?
 How does it affect people in other parts of the world
both positively and negatively?
 Who is promoting it? Why?
 Who is fighting against it? Why?
Globalization Part II—John Green
As you watch, take Cornell Notes on what you learn
about globalization:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_iwrt7D5OA#aid
=P-_Uji6lV5w
(Start the video at 6:02 and watch until the end)
Reflection
Let’s go back to our circle map. Let’s add to or revise what
we brainstormed about globalization.
Consider these questions again:
 What are the causes?
 How does it affect us both positively and negatively?
 How does it affect people in other parts of the world
both positively and negatively?
 Who is promoting it? Why?
 Who is fighting against it? Why?
Extending our Understanding
of the Implications of Globalization
Based on our understanding of globalization, why
should we be concerned with finding solutions to
global conflicts?
Now, let’s read an article entitled “The Link Between
Globalization and Terrorism.” How does this help us to
answer our inquiry question:
How do global conflicts influence the safety and
well-being of the planet and its inhabitants?
Overview of Assignment
Discuss the assignment for Individuals & Societies.
What questions do you have?
All handouts, print outs, and assignment will be kept
in a folder that you will keep with you for the duration
of the project. You will take it with you to each of the
classes doing this project throughout the semester.