1. Question – The Wealth and Poverty of Nations
The United States is the richest and most powerful nation in the world. Today, you’re going to try to figure out why.
With your group members, name as many rich and powerful countries in the world as you can.
Now, name as many poor and weak countries as you can.
What kinds of qualities do the rich nations have in common?
What kinds of qualities do the poor nations have in common?
Are there any qualities that any of the rich or poor nations have in common?
Be prepared to discuss these questions when the buzzer sounds.

2. Rich, Powerful Nations Germany Great Britain China Russia Canada Japan
United States
Spain
France
Australia
United Kingdom
Powerful military
Large population
Strict/efficient government
Strong business
Decent law enforcement
Advanced technology
Most have access to nuclear power/weapons

3. Poor, Weak Nations Natural disasters – tougher to recover
Haiti
Most of the nations within Africa
Iraq
Mexico
Cuba
Japan – natural disaster, nuclear
Most nations in South America
China – pollution
North Korea
Germany – were poor
Vietnam
Natural disasters – tougher to recover
Financial problems
Poor healthcare
Low technology
Ineffective military
Can’t support the current birth rate
Much of the population works in farming/food production

4. What do they have in common?
All have religion
All have militaries
All have natural disasters
All have political leadership
All have history behind their current status

5. Guns, Germs, and Steel
Today we will watch the first episode of a video called, “Guns, Germs, and Steel.”
This video attempts to answer the same question we just discussed – why are some societies so rich and prosperous, and others are not?
Your task will be to:
Summarize the basic arguments of the video
Evaluate the arguments and evidence – Agree or disagree? Explain and support why.

6. Assignment You will accomplish the previous task in essay form.
For this essay, it should be at least five paragraphs.
When writing, be sure to use your introduction to introduce your main idea, and your conclusion to wrap-up your ideas at the end
Be sure to explain and support.

7. Argument Logic – 12 Points Excellent – 6-5 points Good – 4-3 points
Poor – 2-0 points
EXPLANATION
Logic argues major points and avoids logical gaps
Virtually no gaps exist in the paper’s logic
Some minor gaps and questions may exist in the paper’s logic
The paper’s arguments make little or no logical sense
SUPPORT
Evidence used is appropriate, strong, and supports the main thesis strongly - SUPPORT
All information used strongly supports the main thesis
Most information used strongly supports the main thesis
Most of the information in the paper is weak and does not support the main thesis
Writing Mechanics and Structure – 6 Points
Writing mechanics and structure follow common standards of written English for the subject and purpose (APA formatted if necessary)
Writing mechanics and structure have few, if any, errors
Writing mechanics and structure may have some minor problems that do not detract from the paper overall.
Writing mechanics and structure have numerous errors that cause major problems with the paper
Introduction and Conclusion – 12 Points
Introduction directly and clearly states the point of view or purpose of the paper.
Introduction directly and clearly states the view or purpose of the paper.
Introduction may only vaguely state the view or purpose of the paper.
Introduction does not state the paper’s purpose, or states it in an extremely unclear way.
Conclusion logically brings together all parts of the argument for a clear summary
Conclusion logically brings together all parts of the argument for a clear summary.
Conclusion may have gaps in bringing together the various parts of the argument.
Conclusion does not bring together the parts of the argument.