Curriculum Units in Development
Hispaniola
Today, Haiti and the Dominican Republic struggle side-by-side as two of the poorest countries in the world. But while the Dominican Republic has become increasingly prosperous, attracting more tourists and foreign investment every year, Haiti, despite its rich and complex history, is best known as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. What accounts for these divergent paths of development?
In late 2009, the Choices Program plans to publish a new curriculum on these two countries. In this curriculum, students will explore the island of Hispaniola and the intertwined histories of its two nations. The history of the island also provides a clear look at the effects of U.S. intervention in the Caribbean, as well as an understanding of the shared destinies of neighboring countries over issues such as immigration and environmental degradation.
Human Rights
Over the past several decades, human rights discourse has permeated international relations, creating a surge in treaties, institutions, and social movements centered on the concept. Yet while the general principle of human rights has been broadly accepted, human rights abuses persist and the intricacies of the subject remain hotly contested. What exactly constitutes human rights? Are these rights universal or culturally relative? How are they prioritized and implemented, and what action should be taken to protect them? These questions have significant implications for the policy decisions of governments and ultimately for the lives of individuals.
In 2010, Choices plans to publish a new curriculum on human rights. In this curriculum, students will examine the evolving role that human rights has played in international politics, drawing on case studies that illustrate important issues and milestones. Students will explore the current debate on the role of human rights in U.S. foreign policy.