What is Culture? How does it define who we are? How does where we live define our culture? What impact does government have on culture and society?

Evaluate what you know of culture and what has been mentioned in class. Use any notes or information you have to discuss the above questions. You will be graded on your response based on use of class discussion and information presented. You will be graded on your language and quality of writing. You will be graded on your ability to present your view point and support it with examples.

20 point essay with some room for subjective grading.

Is anyone going to be offended if we wait until Monday for the International Relations test?

Great…then let’s do that.

Several students created PowerPoints to go along with their presentations. Rather than embed all of those here I am linking you to my slideshows on slideshare.net. Simply click and view the one’s you need.

Link to my slideshows

I know you guys are concerned about your upcoming test and I know you are very concerned about the speed in which we covered the first four chapters. If you have been reading most of the information should not be new. If you have not been reading, this is your first issue. You must read!

I am linking a PDF document, a copy of what you will be given in class, for you to use as a guide. This is a guide ONLY, not a strict promise of testing material. When reviewing my notes, these were the items that “stuck out” to me. It is a topic list to help guide you, simply identifying each item with one sentence will not be enough to guarantee your success. Remember, history is much easier to learn and understand when you view the concepts as pieces of a much larger puzzle. Focus on the big picture.

Hope this helps…

Review 1: Chapters 1-4

Students, I’m finding it difficult to keep track of questions so I would like to ask that you put them all in the same place. If you have a question about class, want to discuss something extraordinary in the world, or just want to talk about school stuff with each other then click to the forum. Even non-registered users should be able to post topics and reply to topics. (Be aware it does require simple math to post. It’s just so the site can be certain you are human.) Put questions in the appropriate place please.

Again, you can find the forum in the page links or click here.

Civics:
Assn: Chapter 2 Sections 1, 2 and 3 end of section questions DUE FRIDAY
TEST: WEDNESDAY SEPT 10th

International Relations:
Culture Project due MONDAY SEPT 8th

AP US:
TEST Friday Sept 5th on 13 colonies and related information
TEST Friday Sept 12th on chapters 1-4

Just a few reminders and explanation:

AP US- Be reading! I can not stress enough the importance of not getting behind on your reading.

You have an assignment due Friday: chapter one “looking back” and “looking forward” questions, and the identifications. Pages 34-35. (I believe)

Civics- Bill of Rights Test Friday.

All you have to know is what they are, what they include, and be able to identify which right is represented/violated in the scenarios given. I said in class to be able to list them. In other words, study it and know it. Test format will be matching, multiple choice, and maybe listing too.

Int’l Rel- Bring a current event article to class Wednesday.

We will be summarizing it and responding to it in class. I plan to read each one and comment on what you have done and how to fit the expectations for your Current Event Project. You will be receiving official CEP instructions.

There have been several questions on the current event for Wednesday. My apologies for not being more clear. It made perfect sense to me, but then I have been doing this project for years. ALWAYS ask when what is in my head does not come out of my mouth clearly.

Wednesday I would like you to bring a current event to class. Use the online news links available on the website, search news on the net, or search your local newspaper for something of interest. Try to choose articles of international interest. (Print it, copy it, or cut it out.) They can certainly be of a local nature, but be able to make a connection to international interest. I plan for Wednesday to be a practice run for summary and response. In class you will read your article again, summarize it, and respond to it with your opinion. I will make all attempts to evaluate your work in class and offer suggestions. You will have to present this article, or another if you prefer, on Thursday.

Detailed guidelines for this semester project will be given Wednesday.

Hope this helps.

FRIDAY

I have posted a PDF document of the Bill of Rights and Bill of Rights explained. I think you will find it helpful.

Bill of Rights

AP US STUDENTS: It is now Saturday. You may certainly submit your work for review, but unless I spoke with you in class today about not submitting by midnight you will not be receiving responsibility credit for meeting the deadline. Feel free to include an explanation with your submission. I am always willing to listen, but will not guarantee reconsideration of the extension of responsibility credit. Please include any explanation you may have in your email and not in the public comment section of this website.

INT’L REL STUDENTS: Your “culture project” handout is posted on the Int’l Rel page. I have added a couple of informational lines that you may find helpful. DUE DATE 9/8!

First week in review:
Yes, I know it was not a full week for students. However, it counts in my book as the first week. I believe we got off to a great start and am very excited about the 08-09 school year. You guys are going to challenge me in positive ways and it is something I look forward to.

First period: 8 AM comes early! You guys are so quiet! I’m not complaining, but lets try to have more discussion.

Second period: This class is going to be so much fun. Unfortunately, we can’t discuss current events and international issues everyday. In order to do the fun stuff we will have to accept the informational instruction and use it for our benefit. My best advice is make use of the time we have in class and you will have minimal outside work. When you are given something to read, READ IT! Remember, I will not give you anything without a reason for doing so.

Fourth period: What a great class today! I am really looking forward to the debate that is going to take place this year! We will really have to focus on our goals and staying on task. I would like to see more people offer their opinions. Remember, you are welcome to have any opinion you wish…just have one! (and know why)

Fifth period: You guys are so entertaining! I WILL learn your names. A little loud at the beginning…there are so many of you, you almost can’t help it. Remember the numbers and your volume and lets make sure we continue to separate the time for fun and the time for seriousness.

Sixth period: Aren’t we all glad to see the end of the day? I promise to learn your names as well. You guys have the misfortune of being at the end of the day, right after my largest class. Yes, I know I have seen several of you early in the day…even the previous period, but it isn’t easy to learn all of your names and faces! Grant me your understanding and I will continue to work hard with the name issue.

Thank you for a great first week. Let’s look forward to meeting the standard for the rest of the year.