Blog # 2: Was the new world superior to the old world?

Now that we've spent time exploring the initial motives and consequences of European colonization of the Americas, I'd like to hear your position on one of this week's essential questions: Was the New World superior to the Old World? Please refer to class materials and/or any outside research you complete for your first project as evidence to support your answer. 

Be sure to respond to one other blogger after you have posted your own thoughtful response. 

Due Monday, September 22

Blog Assignment #1: Columbus, the Indians and Human Progress

1. Actively read Chapter 1 of "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn. 

Consider the question posed by the author on page 17, "was all this bloodshed and deceit ... a necessity for the human race to progress from savagery to civilization?" 

2. Respond to this question incorporating details from the reading and the other materials we explored together in class this week. Your reflection should be no less than 250 words. Due Monday, September 15.

Upcoming Seminar (counts as a key grade this marking period.)

Be prepared to have a seminar on this chapter on Monday. You should prepare three text-based discussion questions. You will be graded on preparation and participation in the debate on the following scale:

1- unprepared - missing book and/or question and did not participate in discussion

2- moderately prepared with notes or comments, but contributions were mainly reactive and/or did not reflect close work with the text

3- well prepared with thoughtful notes and comments. Contributions were based on text OR academically sound, but general in nature.

4- Well prepared and insightful contributions to discussion. Comments/ questions reflected a fair comprehension of the text but may reflect some slight misunderstandings.

5 - Very well prepared and actively engaged in discussion. Comments and questions were insightful and reflected a deep understanding of the text. References to outside examples were submitted and relevant.

due monday at the beginning of class

the first chapter of this book is available to read in full at: http://historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncol1.html

Summer Assignment Study Group Questions

On page XV of his introduction, Eric Foner suggests  that: 

"Freedom is so central to our political language that it is impossible to understand American history without knowledge of the multi-faceted debates over it's meaning... the history of freedom sheds light on the ideas and purposes of social and political movements... what is important is not so much the evolution of a single definition as the multiple purposes to which the idea of freedom has been put, and the broader belief systems these useages illuminate."

Consider this quote as you reflect on Chapters 1- 6 of The Story of American Freedom.

Work with your group to complete each of the following tasks for each chapter assigned from to your group from the text:

1) Identify the dominant definition of freedom in each era/chapter 

 (For example, a reflection on Chapter 1 would explain require an explanation of how colonists' defined freedom in response to British tyranny and exploitation...)

2)  Provide three pieces of text based evidence (quotes/ passages) to support the definition that your group decided on in Step 1.

3) Identify the individuals and events that contributed to the development and promotion of each definition of freedom. Explain why each individual/ event's significance. (provide at least TWO events and TWO individuals for each chapter.)

Your notes for this assignment may be submitted as a group but each member is responsible for familiarity with the information , which you may need to know for this Monday's assessment based on the summer reading.

Your responses may be in outline format but must be legible and easy to understand. Please use headings if you chose an outline format and be sure they are self-explanatory. Give citations (page numbers) for all quotes you use in your response, and include the quotes itself in it's entirety.

Please bring your Foner book and notes for it to class every day this week. 

The study group notes will be due at the beginning of class on Friday.

1960s and 70s Speed Dating Mini-Project

You will be randomly assigned a figure from the 1960s or 1970s to research thoroughly by Tuesday, 5/27.

The goal is that you get to know that person well enough to answer any question your three minute date may ask you in class.

I'm posting three basic questions, but would like each of you to post your own in class today that will help your peers prepare for the big day.

You will be given a graphic organizer to complete on your speed dates on Tuesday.

Requirements:
A minimum two page historical biography with three works cited in MLA format is required.

Additional notes for speed dating are fine.

This will be a project grade so dress the part. (+10!)

Rubric:
Paper will be worth 50%, graphic organizer 30% and participation in the "dates" 25%

Interview Questions
1. What achievement in your life are you most proud of?
2. Identify one decision or experience from your life that you truly regret.
3. If you could meet anyone from history (fact or fiction), who would it be and why?
(Ms. Francis)

Cold War and the Sixties: Redefining Freedom

Read Chapters 11 and 12 in the Story of American Freedom.

- Take copious notes
- Compose 3 discussion questions
- Write a reflection comparing the ideals both decades. Evaluate Foners' notion that the 60's "challenged the ... orthodoxy of the 60's and redirected national attention to ... freedom at home."

STUDY FOR THE AP TEST. BUT NOT TOO MUCH, I NEED YOU FRESH AND POSITIVE MONDAY!!!

NO BLOG THIS WEEK - STUDY FOR MONDAY'S TEST AND THE AP EXAM!!!

If you wish you may complete any assessment posted on my A block blog, www.msfrancisushistoryablock.blogspot.com, for extra credit. Or, complete any DBQ from Out of Many that we have not worked on for class.

If you would like to get ahead, you can begin reading and copious notes for chapter 26. Pages 930-48 are due by Tuesday 5/15.


We will be taking a practice AP exam in class next Thurday 5/17 during E and B blocks.

Text assignmnet due Monday, May 5

Read pp. 887- 910 in Out of Many. Take copious notes and two excerpts from section A of Chapter 35 in American Spirit (365-74).
Take copious notes and respond to the following question:

It has been said that the four years of the Great Depression and eight years of the New Deal. Comment on this statement with emphasis on identity politics - considering how the war affected the lives of ethnic, economic and political minorities as well as women.