Catalonia is a region in northeast Spain that has its own language and customs, and accounts for 20% of Spain’s economic output. This region has had financial disputes with the other regions of Spain and a history of striving for independence. Catalonia recently declared independence from Spain and in response Spanish authorities assumed direct control of the region. A warrant was issued for the arrest of the deposed Catalan leader and several Catalan ministers were arrested. Listen to hear more about the events in Catalonia, and the reactions to their efforts for independence.
Story Length: 3:44
Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234
April 29, 2016
5:24
There is an important debate in the United Kingdom about whether they should stay in the European Union or leave. One opinion is that there is a huge amount of discontent with the workings of the European Union and it will dissolve in the future. Another opinion is that the European Union has helped facilitate change in Europe and has promoted democracy, human rights and market economies. Listen as two brothers debate this issue, then discuss your students’ opinions about whether Britain should leave the EU.
Read MoreApril 22, 2016
3:26
In Spain, Italy and other Mediterranean countries, it was a tradition to rest after the mid-day meal. The siesta was created to escape the heat of the day. Over time this has turned into a two or three hour lunch break, where errands are done or people simply continue working. However, they are expected to still work until 8 or 9 p.m. Recently, the acting Prime Minister of Spain proposed skipping the mid-day break and ending the work day at 6pm. This news has been reported in ways that highlighted negative stereotypes of Spain. Listen and debate the pros and cons of getting rid of the afternoon nap in Spain.
Read MoreNovember 12, 2014
6:51
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communism in West Germany. The Berlin Wall was a physical and emotional divider of democratic East Germany and communist West Germany. When it was torn down in 1989, an unlikely American TV star played a surprising role in the fall of the wall. David Hasselhoff of the hit TV show Baywatch, sang a concert to crowds at the Brandenburg gate. This public radio story remembers that moment in history and its impact on German citizens.
Read MoreMarch 18, 2014
4:28
Residents of Crimea, which is a part of Ukraine, voted to secede and join neighboring Russia. In response, citizens in the capital of Ukraine are preparing to use military force to prevent any action by Russia. Citizens are afraid that one day Ukraine will lose more territory to Russia.
Read More