AP US- Alex and TJ going at it over the national debt, power of the government, and political disagreements. It’s the birth of political parties in the US and the discussion could almost be taking place in our current time. Or not. It’s “the great experiment” Charlie Brown! OK, seriously, we are discussing the beginnings of America, Hamilton vs. Jefferson, and America’s foreign affairs trouble during the years of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.

Civics: Lots of topics for us. For the next day or so we will discuss The Civil Rights movement, many of the cases that were not solved in the era, but were retried in the late 90s and early 2000s. We’ve talked about being a good citizen, what that means, and how you can contribute in society. It’s likely possible we could have a test next week on this Civil Rights info.

International Relations: MONOPOLY BOARDS! We need them. No, not the TN or Bama football version. Capitalist version! We are currently presenting our countries. We will be taking a test on this information. Yes, you read correctly…TEST, as in learn info and answer questions about it. I know it is a shock for this presentation based class, but it doesn’t happen often and I feel like we need to get in at least one actual test each grading period. I will be uploading the powerpoints to slideshare. We will take time in class for you to review them and add to your notes.

As for current events, post them in the forum under their appropriate topic and discuss.

Thanks!

Starting next week all AP US information will be posted at www.apus.sharbsclass.com. AP US students can also register there for updates.

Essay guide:
Definition and Opinion: Essay begins with definition of the word “revolution,” and a clear statement of point of view.

Arguments: Three clear arguments are made to support an opinion about whether or not the American Revolution was really a revolution.

Information: Facts, details, and examples are used to support arguments.

Organization: Essay clearly includes an opening paragraph, an organized body of information, and a conclusion.

Writing Style: Essay is readable with varied sentence structure.

Grammar, mechanics, spelling: Essay has been proofread.

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.