At the end of this week, we'll have completed 75% of this course! As an optional part of this forum, feel free to take a little time to talk about your academic progress. Tell us what degree are you working toward. What is your progress in accomplishing your educational goals and what courses are you starting next month? Why did you choose these courses?

Choose one of the two following topics for your primary post. Your primary post is due by Wednesday 11:55 PM ET, and your two required replies by Sunday, 11:55 PM ET.

Topic 1. South and East Asia in the News

For this forum, find a recent news article (within the past 12 months) that describes the latest developments in a conflict, issue, or other major event in this the South or East Asian realm. Provide a brief summary of the conflict/issue/event that your article describes, and your own analysis of how this issue might affect the realm, and might be resolved. Be sure that the topic of the news article has some connection with the geographical issues and concepts we've been discussing, and be sure to highlight these connections in your discussion.

Remember that your article summary must be in your own words to avoid plagiarism.

-OR-

Topic 2. Map Analysis

1. Select one of the maps used in Chapters 9 or 10, or find a map on the internet that focuses on South or East Asia. You may use one that highlights physical, environmental, cultural, structural, or other features – just be sure you understand what the map represents and that you can discuss it well.

2. Review the map, conduct any research that might help you explain the topic presented, and be sure to state which map in the book you are using, or include a link the map on the web.

3. For your post, explain in an academic manner exactly what the map presents and why those conditions are as such. If you are addressing population, for example, you might discuss what the map illustrates and the reasons for the population to have the characteristics shown. The idea is to interpret the map, and communicate to the class what it represents. For example, you should avoid simply re-stating the legend, and instead provide the class with an understanding of the conditions illustrated on the map.

Being able to describe what a map illustrates is an excellent way of demonstrating that you can read AND interpret maps. It is a very good idea to use terms and concepts we are studying to reinforce what you have learned and to help you include "academic" information.