Seven Revolutions

National Issues Forum publishes pamphlets on topics such as education, energy and environment, government and politics, and other current issues. Available as class sets, they present multiple sides of an issue. Many include a moderator's guide and questions. An example is The New Challenges of Immigration http://www.nifi.org/stream_document.aspx?rID=13784&catID=13&itemID=13780&typeID=8

* DVD available April 2009 * Running time: 80 minutes * Description: Through the eyes of former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker, I.O.U.S.A. daringly examines the history and rapid growth of the U.S. national debt and the effects that it will have on U.S. citizens and the world. A thirty minute version of the movie can be seen online at http://www.iousathemovie.com/.

* Released January 2008 * Running time: 60 minutes * Description: The entire 60 minute video of "On Our Watch," which addresses the humanitarian crisis in Darfur that has been labeled the first genocide of the 21st century, can be accessed at the following web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darfur/view/main.html This video examines the emerging crisis in Darfur beginning in 2003 and continues to examine the dynamics of this complex situation as a UN official presses the world to act, the United Nations makes numerous ineffective efforts to intervene, and flickers of hope emerge in 2007. This powerful and informative video is supported by web links to additional information about the crisis in Darfur. (DVD also available for $30 from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/) * Rating: excellent ; used selected sections in class, related to conflict revolution

* Released May 2008 * Running time: 270 minutes * Description: 9/11 and Al Qaeda, Afghanistan and Iraq, WMD and the Insurgency, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, Fallujah and the Surge. For six years, FRONTLINE has been revealing those stories in meticulous detail and the political dramas played out at the highest levels. Now, on the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, the full saga will unfold in this special definitive documentary analysis of one of the most challenging periods in the nation's history. 270 minutes on one disc. (Description from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/) Video available for $30. * Rating: excellent; used outside of class as an optional learning activity, related to conflict resolution

* Released April 2007 * Running time: Eleven 50 minute episodes * According to multiple reviews, this is THE best nature and wildlife series ever made. The film covers the world's different habitats in 50 minute pieces, including mountains, caves, and desserts, ending with a three-part discussion of sustainability and the current environmental threats that our world faces. This series is not to be missed by anyone interested in natural resources, the environment, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

Worlds Apart is a collection of essays by leading thinkers on the subject of globalization, and related environmental issues. Used in critiquing the 7 Revs framework

This is a new periodical from Scientific American that is ideal for a 7 Revs class. It deals primarily with issues of our future planet including well-written articles on water, energy, green-technology, biodiversity, population and even conflict. The graphics, images and charts are easy to understand. Articles present scientific interpretations of problems, many with a future focus. Excellent for use in all course topics.

* Released December 2008 * Running time: 84 minutes * Description: This is a powerful documentary of the current state of freshwater ownership, privatization and distribution around the world. The film discusses the conflict between "predatory" corporations and engaged citizens over water rights and usage. For example, it discusses how companies like Coke and Pepsi use of water in India and Nestles use of water in Michigan for bottled water. This film also documents water wars in Bolivia, privatization in Africa, and issues of pollution of freshwater around the world. It promotes lively and emotional discussion in class. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Technology, Economics, Conflict.

* Released February 2007 * Running time: 240 minutes * Description: China from the Inside is a series of four documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them and where the present is taking them. Episodes include Power and the People which deals with the governance of China, The Women which talks about the past and future for Chinese women, Shifting Nature, a look at China's environmental challenges, and Freedom, an exploration of China's conflict between personal freedom and governance. Produced in 2006 with 240 minutes on one DVD. Description from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/ Video available for $30. * Rating: very good * Used outside class as optional learning activity; related to several revolutions

* Filmed: February 2008 * Running Time: 4:03 * Description: This talk gives a short description about how Function MRI and neuroimaging techniques will soon enable us to control a greater part of our brain and could replace, in part, the need for psychotherapy and drugs for depression and pain. Has a good "future" feel to it. * Rating: Very Good (It's short so it good for showing during class) * 7-Revolutions: Technology

* Filmed: August 2006 * Running Time: 8:48 * Description: A short lecture demonstrating cutting edge technology for humancomputer interface showing an innovative touch screen. This is an interesting example of the future of technology. * Rating: Very Good * 7-Revolutions Section: Technology

* Filmed: August 2006 * Running Time: 17.38 * Description: Nicholas Negroponte discusses his work to provide cheap ($100), portable, self-charging laptops to developing countries. He talks about how these laptops can change education and ultimately reduce poverty. * Rating: Good * 7-Revolutions Sections: Technology, Information Processing.

* Filmed: February 2006 * Running time: 16.18 minutes * Description: This talk describes current issues related to global climate changes. His talk has a good deal of humor and is quite entertaining. He provides practical ways to reduce the effects of global climate change. * Rating: Very Good * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources