This lesson will take TWO days to complete. You will work in a group of four to complete the tasks outlined below. Your group can work at their own pace through each of the tasks, but must complete everything by the end of the second day.

Learning Goals:

By the end of the two days we will have a better understanding of where conflict minerals originate, how they contribute to conflict in DRC, and how the conflict has impacted the Congolese people.

Each group member will choose ONE of the articles below (or the paper copies provided in class) and read it. After all group members have finished their articles answer the following questions. Each group member must contribute to the discussion and all group members must record the answers in their notes.

1. What are the specific types of conflict minerals?
2. Where do these minerals end up after processing? Where are they processed?
3. Describe the conditions under which these minerals are mined.
4. Who benefits the most from the mining of these minerals?
5. How does this industry reflect globalization?

We will now explore the conflict occurring in the DRC. The current conflict is a continuation of a much longer and larger conflict that has gripped central Africa since the fall of colonial rule. As a group, read the following articles (or the paper copies provided in class) and answer the following questions. Remember that these questions serve to guide your discussion.

1. What events in the DRC's history contributed to the current conflict?
2. What role do conflict minerals play in the conflict?
3. What groups are involved in this conflict? Where are the located?
4. What specific impacts has this conflict had on citizens?
5. How has the international community intervened?

Watch the following video with your group members. Discuss the impact of the conflict on children (child soldiers) and sexual violence against women.

Go to our D2L site and locate your Blog (under the communication tab). Create a new blog post responding to the following statement (remember to make sure your blog is public). Your post must be approximately 400 words in length.

Globalization has created a system whereby the developed world depends upon the exploitation of the less developed world. This relationship will always exist due to our desire for cheap consumer goods.

You can agree or disagree with this statement. If you agree you must explain why efforts to stop exploitation will fail. If you disagree you must explain how we can move beyond our current system while maintaining our current globalized economy.