Thursday, October 20, 2011

Library Research Assistance

Subject Guides

For geographical content, www.USA.gov is a reliable source of information that covers nearly every aspect of any country. For example, just typing in "Argentina" brings up a governmental country report of Argentina.

For international relations, http://www.state.gov/countries/ is a quick and easy guide to country information, listing all independent/dependent nations and their capitals. You can get to this site through the USA.gov search engine.

 Anyone choosing to do reports on a European nation would find http://europa.eu/index_en.htm beneficial as it not only gives typical country information but describes life in Europe, policies, activities and other publications.

http://www.oxan.com/ lists international affairs and is typically up-to-date news that you wouldn't get from the usual country report.

Hanqiong
JiaLun
Xian

Works Cited
"Countries and Regions." U.S. Department of State. Web. 20 Oct. 2011.  
            <http://www.state.gov/countries/>.

"EUROPA - European Union Website, the Official EU Website." EUROPA – EU Website |
Choose Your Language | Choisir Une Langue | Wählen Sie Eine Sprache. Web. 20 Oct. 2011. <http://europa.eu/index_en.htm>.

Oxford Analytica - Global Analysis and Advisory. Web. 20 Oct. 2011.
             <www.oxan.com>
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal. Web. 20 Oct. 2011.   
                <http://www.USA.gov>.
                                                                                                                                                              

Thursday, October 6, 2011

20 questions

1. What country are you from?
It's the basis starting question to get a feel for my general knowledge of the country.
2. What is schooling like in your country?
I'm curious how long children typically go to school and their teaching/learning methods.
3.What is transportation like in your country?
Is public transportation or individual transportation more popular?
4.What sports, if any, are most popular?
American football and baseball are common popular sports in America but what about other countries?
5.What clothing is typically worn in your country?
Are jeans and a t-shirt as commonplace as they are in America?
6.Is there a major religion where you're from? If so, what is it?
I'm curious to see how much of a foothold Western religion has taken hold on the rest of the world.
7.What are the popular foods where you're from?
Food is a necessity of life and not everyone eats the same foods.
8.Is college a typical endeavor? 
 College attendance is at an all time high in America, how does it shape up in other parts of the world?
9. If so, is it usual for women to go to college?
  A lot of countries don't allow women to go to school.
10. Are there noticeable differences in social structures?
Is there a distinguishable difference in societies structures?
11. What sort of government does your country have?
I want to know if it's Democratic or more authoritative.
12. What is family life like?
In America we are driven to be more individualistic and aren't taught to revere our elders.
13. Is there any protesting or civil unrest in your country?
Right now we have Occupy Wall Street and it's affiliates. Is there anything like that going on in your country?
14. How is marriage viewed in your country?
Do people marry for love or convenience?  Are they arranged?
15. How old are people when they get married?
Is is typical to get married young?
16. What are the common hobbies that people take part in?
Are video games and tv as big a deal to people in other countries as they are to people here? Are there more exotic hobbies people have?
17. Is there any effort to going "Green" in your country?
Is the country on the fast track to renewable resources?
18. What are major exports of your country?
 Is there anything that the country relies on to bring in revenue?
19. Are there any sites that you would recommend seeing?
 Is there anything of interest in the country that everyone should see if they were to visit?
20. What is the typical climate in your country?
 Arid? Rainy? Cloudy?