Nationalism and the Arab Spring

Social Studies 20 looks at the ways in which nationalism and national interests influence the various ways societies interact with each other. One of the best ways to understand these complex issues is to look at real-world events.

Your assignment will be to work on your own or in groups to create an infographic explaining a specific nation-state’s role in the 2011 Arab Spring. It is suggested that you break your display into five sections as follows (but you are permitted to change this format with permission from your teacher). You can create a digital or hard copy infographic.

· Section one – your nation-states involvement in the initial actions of 2011o What conditions are the fundamental reasons for revolution in your nation-state?

Economics, political, culturalo What events were the immediate cause of revolution in your nation-state?o Who was the leader in your nation-state when the revolution began? What actions were taken against him?o Who were the leaders of the opposition/revolution in your nation-state?

· Section two – your nation-states current status

o Who is the current leader of your nation-state? What is the international and national opinion of this leader?o Do the initial leaders of the opposition/revolution still have a role in government today?o What is the current economic status of your nation-state?o How are minorities being treated in your nation-state?

· Section three – international involvement in the nation-state since 2011

o Was there any international involvement – why?o If there was international involvement:

Were there any international organizations (e.g. UN, NATO) that led the actions?What are the various views on these actions?

o If there was not any international involvement:What nation-states supported/opposed action being taken and what were their rationales?What international meetings were held to discuss these actions?

· Section four – opinions regarding what the current international involvement should be in your nation-state

o Try to find information showing the opposing views

· Section five – how does all of this relate to nationalism and national interest?

*You should also include a map on your infographic to indicate the location of your nation-state in the region.Sample Infographics

Nation-States● Tunisia● Egypt● Libya● Yemen● Syria● Bahrain● Algeria● Jordan

Evaluation

Is the infographic:

Limited Satisfactory Excellent

concise?

/3

There is either too much information, or too little information

to effectively communicate ideas

Choice of information to include is effective, although some areas have too much or too

little

Choice of information to

include shows a confident control of

summarizing an issue

informative?

/6

Student demonstrates a

confused understanding of the

information. Audience will be confused by the

information.

Student demonstrates an acceptable

understanding of the relevant information. Writing provides a

satisfactory understanding to the

audience.

Student demonstrates a

confident understanding of the information

relating to the topic, which in turn

effectively educates the audience

appealing?

/6

Stylistic choices are awkward, dialogue is

awkward and ineffective

Stylistic choices are matter of fact creating

a layout that is straightforward.

Dialogue is basic and academic.

Stylistic choices create an appealing

layout. Dialogue has an engaging

voice