5/18 - Raising awareness

Today we watched some videos about human trafficking. One was a photo montage and statistics about human trafficking. Another was a video montage set to the song Amazing Grace. Before watching that one, we discussed the abolitionist William Wilberforce and what he did to end the slave trade in the British Empire in the 1800s. Then we watched a video on the Price of Life and how they worked to raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking in the summer of 2010.

Homeork: Read Ch4, human trafficking in Europe
THERE WILL BE A QUIZ OVER THE READING, DISCUSSIONS AND VIDEOS ON MONDAY 5/23

5/17 - Child soldiers in Uganda

Today we'll discuss Chapter 3 of Not For Sale, which focuses on child soldiers in Uganda.

Homework: Read Chapter 4 in Not For Sale for tomorrow; Reading Reflection on Ch4

Slavery in Haiti

Here's an article (with video) I just came across about slavery in Haiti. We've addressed this in class, so I thought I'd share it with you: Haiti still ailing from child "slavery" epidemic

5/16 - Human trafficking in India

Today we'll discuss Chapter 2 of Not For Sale, which is about human trafficking in India. Here are two short videos we'll watch as an intro for class:

The Story of Seema
Born into Brothels overview

Here's also a video about Kru Nam, the abolitionist we read about in Chapter 1: Kru Nam

Homework: Read Chapter 3 and do a Reading Reflection, due 5/18

5/12 - Human Trafficking in Thailand

Today we'll read/discuss Chapter 1 of Not For Sale together, which focuses on Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand.

Homework: Read Ch2 of Not For Sale and do a Reading Reflection on that material (optiona). Due 5/16 (again, optional)

5/10 - Starting to discuss human trafficking

Today we're going to interrupt our normal course of lessons to start a unit on human trafficking. I'll pass out books called Not For Sale, which we will read and discuss with one another. I'll show some videos to kick off our classes for the next couple weeks:

At the End of Slavery
Eye to Eye with Katie Couric: Human Trafficking (CBS)

Homework: Read the Intro and write a Reading Reflection, due 5/11

5/9 - Tibet

In order to transition back to the textbook, we'll read an article about Tibet and answer questions. Students will complete that in class (or do it for homework if they do not get it done). With time remaining, students will read Chapter 24, Section 2, which is on South and Southeast Asia. We will go over that section together tomorrow in class.

Homework: Read Ch24, Sec2; Tibet worksheet

5/5 - South and Southeast Asia

Today we'll look at Chapter 24, Section 2, together. It focuses on events in India and other areas of South and Southeast Asia. Here are some videos on Indira Gandhi:

Indira Gandhi interview 1971
Indira Gandhi assassination 1984

Homework: Review Ch24, Sec2

4/18 to 4/20 - Relaxed schedule

I will be out of school this week as I am in the Czech Republic on a missions trip. Monday, 4/18, students will take a quiz over Ch24, Sec1. After that, students will view various history DVD's about American History. We'll pick up with the rest of Chapter 24 after Spring Break.

4/14 - Cultural Revolution discussion

Today students will share information they found on Mao's Cultural Revolution. We'll start by watching this video: Mao's Red Guards. Tomorrow we will finish discussing Ch24, Sec1. You'll be quizzed over the material on Monday, 4/18.

4/13 - School canceled

School is canceled today. We will continue our discussion on Chapter 24, Section 1, tomorrow. Remember to bring in information about Mao's Cultural Revolution.

4/12 - China 1945-present

Today we'll go over the first part of Chapter 24, Section 1, on the Chinese Communist revolution, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution. Homework: Find information (article or video) on the Chinese Cultural Revolution for 4/13

4/11 - Ch23, Sec1 Test

Today students will take a test over Chapter 23, Section 1, the video on Africa, and Things Fall Apart.

Students who would like to earn 3 points of extra credit on their homework grade may do the Section Review questions for Chapter 23, Section 2, which is due Wednesday, 4/13.

Homework: Read Ch24, Sec1, for tomorrow, 4/12

4/6 - Mrs. Okafor visits

Today Mrs. Okafor will share her experiences in Nigeria to go along with Things Fall Apart. Students will have a chance to ask her any and all questions they have regarding the culture of Umuofia and Nigeria in general.

Homework: Continue reading Things Fall Apart; be ready for a test over Ch23, Sec1, and Achebe's book on Monday, 4/11

4/5 - Video - Global Issues - Africa: Challenges in the 21st Century

Today we will watch a video to highlight and review things we've discussed about issues Africa is facing in the 21st century. Students will fill out a note-taking sheet as we go through the video. Homework: Prepare questions for Mrs. Okafor; continue reading book

4/4 - Things Fall Apart from a new perspective

Today I am out ill, so students will work with a substitute teacher. The assignment is to write another version of Things Fall Apart from the perspective of a character, such as Okonkwo's children, wives, friends, or Okonkwo himself. Whatever the students have written is due at the end of the period. Homework: Ch11-16 of Things Fall Apart and corresponding Reading Reflections, due 4/5

3/31 - Things Fall Apart discussion

Today we will discuss Chapters 1-6 in Things Fall Apart.

Homework: Read Chapters 7-10 in Things Fall Apart, and write about one interesting thing from each chapter in a Reading Reflection (so a total of four interesting things in one RR), due 4/1

3/30 - African leaders' biographies

Today students gave presentations about various leaders in Africa during the continent's independence movement. We also started discussing the first few chapters of Things Fall Apart, but we didn't get far. We will talk about these chapters tomorrow.

Homework: Review Chapters 1-6 in Things Fall Apart

3/29 - Independence in Africa

We will finish going through Chapter 23, Sec1, and discussing various African leaders. Homework: Read Chapters 1 through 6 of Things Fall Apart and do a Reading Reflection on SIX ideas from these six chapters (one idea from each chapter), due 3/30

Yam recipes

As we read Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, we will see how central yams are to Nigerian culture. To recognize and celebrate this, students are welcome to try to make various foods using yams. Here are some recipes to consider trying: Top 20 Yam Recipes. Not all of these are African dishes, but I'm sure they're all rather tasty. You can prepare one of these recipes and bring it in during our discussions of Things Fall Apart for extra credit. The final day to bring these in would be Tuesday, April 5th.

3/28 - Starting Chapter 23

Today we'll start going over Chapter 23, Section 1, which is about the independence movement in Africa. Homework: Reach biographical information about an African leader (as assigned in class) for tomorow, 3/29

3/25 - Ch22 Test

Today students will take a test over Chapter 22.

Homework: Read Ch23, Sec1, for Monday, 3/28

3/24 - Presentations of self-portraits

Today students presented their self-portraits a la Frida Kahlo's work. Time remaining will be spent reviewing for the test tomorrow over Chapter 22.

Homework: Study for the Ch22 Test for 3/25

3/21 to 3/23 - Watching the film Evita

Monday through Wednesday we'll be watching the movie Evita, which highlights things we've been reading and discussing about Latin American political and economic reforms/developments in the later half of the 20th century. The biography on Eva Peron closely follows the movie. Students will be responsible for information from this bio for the test on Friday, 3/25, which also covers Chapter 22 and the countries in Latin America.

Here are maps to help you study for the test:
Central America
South America

Homework: Be reviewing the countries (and capitals for extra credit) in Latin America
Be reviewing Chapter 22 for the test on Friday, 3/25

3/16 - Mexico and Central America

Today we finished discussing Ch22, Sec1, and moved into Section 2, which focuses on Mexico and Central America. We will continue to discuss this section tomorrow.


Students were also given an art assignment. As with Frida Kahlo's "Self-Portrait on the Border Line Between Mexico and the United States," students are to make a self-portrait (or collage) with themselves in the middle and elements of their world around them. They can show how they feel torn between worlds like Frida did, or they may make some other statement with their self-portrait. These are due Wednesday, March 23rd.

Homework: Read Ch22, Sec2, and start brainstorming ideas for your self-portraits

3/15 - Modern-day Latin America

Today we started going through Chapter 22, which is about current events in Latin America. We took a brief reading quiz and then discussed the section together.

Homework: Re-read Ch22, Sec1, and read ahead in Ch22, Sec2

3/14 - Starting Ch22 about Latin America

Today we'll go over Chapter 22, Section 1, which is an introduction and overview of economic and political problems in Latin America.

Homework: Read, re-read Ch22, Sec1, for a quiz tomorrow. Look at head at Ch22, Sec2

3/11 - Quiz on African Presentations

Today students took a quiz over their classmates presentations on various events in Africa, such as the Darfur genocide, Rwanda genocide, South African apartheid, and recent Egyptian political upheaval, and a map of Africa.

Homework: Read Chapter 22, Section 1, for Monday 3/14

Extra Credit: Poster comparing/contrasting the French Revolution and American Revolution

Students may earn up to 10 extra credit points toward their homework grade if they make a poster (at least 24x36) comparing/contrasting the American Revolution and the French Revolution. Students will receive two points for each point of comparison/contrast. Each point should include images and a succinct, informative description of the comparison/contrast being made. Posters must be neat, informative, visually pleasing, and turned in by March 18th (the end of 3rd Quarter).

3/7 to 3/11 - Student Presentations and then Quiz

Monday through Thursday students will give presentations on the material they researched over the past week and a half. Friday we will have a quiz over the presentations AND a map of Africa. Students are expected to memorize all the countries of Africa. They will be asked to identify several random countries on that quiz.

Homework: Students who have not done their presentations should prepare to give them
Study the map of Africa
Prepare for the quiz on Friday, 3/11

2/25 to 3/4 - Working on research projects

Students will work on their African Research Projects in class through Friday, March 4th. Student presentations will begin Monday, March 7th.

African Research Project

Students will research one of the following events/crises in Africa: Egyptian political upheaval of early 2011, the Sudan/Darfur genocide, the Rwanda-Burundi genocide, and the South African apartheid. Research and the presentation will be done in groups. Tasks should be delegated according to students’ strengths and interests. The project is worth a total of 60 points. Presentations will last from Monday, March 7th, to Thursday, March 10th.

Content (30 points)
• Include a map showing where your country is in Africa
• Brief background of the country’s history (Include what led up to the event/crisis you are studying)
• Be able to answer the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How questions for your event/crisis
• Many visuals, such as photographs and/or video clips (Content must be appropriate, such as no nudity, swearing, etc. If you’re unsure if something is appropriate or not, ask your teacher before sharing it in your presentation.)
• Discuss how this event/crisis impacts the country, continent, and the world

Presenting (10 points)
Student presentations will last the entire class period (about 40 minutes). Students should take turns sharing during the presentation. Photographs can be shown in a PowerPoint slideshow or simply in an MS Windows slideshow. If video clips are shown, they should not dominate the presentation. Instead, they should emphasize and illustrate a point or points made in the talk. Videos are limited to a maximum of 10 minutes of the overall presentation.

Students are welcome to bring in songs, show artwork, bring in food, etc. to supplement their presentations if they choose, though these are not necessary.

Points will be given for a well-organized presentation with good flow of material. In other words, one segment should segue nicely into the next. (Good transitions!) The presentation should be informative, very visual, and engaging. Students should confidently share about their topics, which shows understanding of the material. Also important are good eye contact with the audience, and a clear, loud speaking voice.

References (10 points)
Students should provide a comprehensive list of all sources used for the presentation. Sites like Wikipedia are not sufficient. Students are encouraged to use both Internet and non-Internet based sources. Be sure to only cite credible sources for your research. References should be listed in APA format. (See attached sheets for how to use APA for references.)

Create a Quiz (5 points)
The group should create 15 multiple choice questions (with answers) that will be used to give a test after all groups have presented.

Group Work (5 points)
All students are expected to participate in the project. It is important that tasks are delegated. No one should sit by and let everyone else do the work, nor should someone do all the work himself/herself. Students will grade their classmates on their participation in the project.

2/23 - Beginning research projects on Africa

Today students will get going on their group research projects/presentations on various African events/crises. These include the current Egyptian political upheaval, the genocide in Rwanda/Burundi, the genocide in Sudan/Darfu, and South Africa's apartheid. Students will have all of this week and all of next week do do research. Their presentations should include a map of where the country is, a bit of background about the country, details of the event/crisis, and how the event/crisis impacts the country's future and the world. It is helpful if students prepare a PowerPoint presentation to include several images for their presentation. Students will also generate 15 students' presentations. Students are also encouraged to do some "extras" to enhance their presentations, such as providing music, food, etc. from the country. They may show a short YouTube clip as long as the video does not dominate the prestentation. It should merely accent a point. Each group will be given a full class period to give its presentation. Plan on 40 minutes. (More specific details to come in a handout.) Everything should be done by Friday, March 4th, to be ready to present by Monday, March 7th.

2/15 - Test on Ch14

Today students will take a test on Chapter 14.

Homework: None

2/14 to 2/18 - Finishing Ch14

Monday, 2/14, we will finish going through Chapter 14, Section 4, which is on colonialism in Latin America. Tuesday, 2/15, students will take a test over all of Chapter 14. Because of the Winter Retreat, there will be no World History class Wednesday through Friday, 2/16 to 2/18.

2/11 - Colonization in Latin America

Today we'll go through Chapter 14, Section 4, after taking a quiz over Section 3. If we do not get through all of Section 4 today, we'll finish on Monday. Students should be reviewing Chapter 14 in preparation for the test over this material on Tuesday, 2/15.

Here is a video about the Panama Canal: Ch14, Sec4, Spotlight Video.

Homework: Read, re-read Chapter 14, Section 4

2/10 - British Rule in India

Today we'll go through Chapter 14, Section 3, which is on British colonial rule in India. We'll read/discuss the section together. Here's a nice little video that highlights what this reading is about: Ch14, Sec3, Spotlight Video.

For those that are interested in India's history, there's a sensational 5-part documentary called The Story of India that I highly recommend. It's long, but packed with great, colorful information. You can probably rent it from Netflix or Blockbuster, or you can get it from your local library.

To review earlier sections of Chapter 14, click the links to the videos below:
Ch14, Sec1, Spotlight Video
Ch14, Sec2, Spotlight Video

Homework: Study for quiz over Ch14, Sec3, for 2/11
Extra Credit: Do ALL the Section Review questions for Ch14, Sec3, on a sheet of notebook paper to earn up to three points of extra credit toward your homework grade. Due Monday, 2/14.

2/9 - Finishing Guns, Germs, and Steel

Today we'll finish watching Episode 3 of Guns, Germs, and Steel, which is about European conquest of Africa. We'll also discuss the second half of Chapter 14, Section 2, together.

Homework: Video Reflection over Guns, Germs, and Steel, due 2/10
Read Chapter 14, Section 3, for tomorrow, 2/10

2/8 - Guns, Germs, and Steel (Episode 3)

Today students are watching Episode 3 of the documentary Guns, Germs, and Steel, which is about how the Europeans were able to conquer Africa. Students should take notes because they will be writing a Video Reflection about the film when we finish it.

Links to the documentary are here:
Guns, Germs, and Steel - Episode 3, Into the Tropics (Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4, Part5, Part6)

(By the way, I'm thinking the test over Chapter 14 will be on Tuesday, February 15th.)

Homework: Review Chapter 14, Section 2, and read ahead in Chapter 14, Section 3, for tomorrow, 2/9

2/7 - "New imperialism" in Africa

Today we'll finish going through Chapter 14, Section 2, which is on "new imperialism" in Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Homework: Review Ch14, Sections 1 and 2

2/4 - "Africakes"

Today students decorated cakes to look like the colonization map of Africa c. 1900. This is based on the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, at which the European powers treated Africa like a big cake... They each took their own piece.

We'll finish going over Chapter 14, Section 2, on Monday, 2/7. Students should complete SecRev14-2 for Monday, 2/7.

2/3 - New Imperialism in Africa

Today we'll go through the first half of Chapter 14, Section 2, which is on "new imperialism" in Africa. In addition to the text, I will read a bit about the Berlin Conference to the students. This is a very important event that is important for students to know about and understand.

Homework: Re-read Chapter 14, Section 2, for tomorrow

2/1 & 2/2 - SNOW DAYS! :)

We've had two snow days due to icy road conditions. We'll pick up where we left off when we return to school. We'll start looking at Chapter 14, Section 2, together. Students should read and familiarize themselves with the material ahead of time.

1/31 - New Imperialism

Today we will begin going through Chapter 14, which is about "new imperialism." Section 1 focuses on colonial rule in Southeast Asia. We'll discuss the information together. We'll also watch a video segment about independent Siam (Thailand): Ch14, Sec1, Spotlight Video.

Homework: SecRev14-1, due 2/1

1/27 - Work on essays

Today students will be given time to work on their essays comparing/contrasting the French Revolution and the American Revolution, which are due Monday, 1/31.

Homework: Finish essays, due 1/31

1/26 - Test on Chs 10 & 11

Today students took a test over Chapters 10 and 11

Homework: Work on compare/contrast essays, due 1/31

1/25 - Work on essays

Today students will work on their essays comparing/contrasting the French Revolution and the American Revolution. These are due Monday, Jan 31st.

Homework: Study for test over Ch10 & 11 for tomorrow 1/26

Compare/Contrast Essay: French Revolution and American Revolution

In order to better understand two important events in world history, you will write a compare/contrast essay focusing on the similarities and/or differences of the French Revolution and the American Revolution. Your essay should contain a strong thesis statement, be well organized, use several specific details/examples to support your ideas, be at least two to three pages in length, and typed. You will be graded on the content as well as the quality of your writing.

Introduction and Thesis Statement (5 points)
Your essay must contain an introductory paragraph that foreshadows the points you will explore in your essay. Your introduction must also contain a strong thesis statement, which tells the reader how you will interpret the subject. (It presents the crux of your whole essay.) The rest of the paper will gather, organize, and present evidence to support your thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs (5 points for organization, flow, grammar, and spelling)
The paragraphs following your introduction present information that supports your thesis statement. These should be well organized and flow nicely to help the reader focus on your ideas rather than your writing. Transition statements between paragraphs are exceedingly helpful. Body paragraphs should be loaded with succinct factual information to inform the reader and illustrate your ideas. You may include headings or subheadings if you would like, but they are not necessary. If you would like to include images with your essay, you may do so, but they will add to the length of your overall essay.

Conclusion Paragraph (5 points)
After you have presented all the evidence to support your thesis statement in the body of your essay, you must wrap it up with a concluding paragraph. Your conclusion should restate the main points you made in your essay, and also restate your thesis statement. It is your last chance to reiterate how all the points you made demonstrate your thesis statement to be true.

Content (15 points)
You must choose at least three main ways the French Revolution and American Revolution are alike or different. Identify and include several historical facts to illustrate your three main ideas. Each idea will be worth five points, for a total of fifteen points.

Format
You essay must be typed and 1.5-spaced with one-inch margins. Use 10- to 12-point Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial fonts. Include your name, class, and the date in upper-right header of your essay. Also include a title for your essay. You may indent each paragraph, or organize your paper in block format. It is up to you, but make sure your paper is easy to read. (Be sure you divide your points into well-organized, identifiable paragraphs.)

Essays are due Monday, January 31^st.

1/24 - Working on essays

Today students will have an opportunity to organize their essays comparing and contrasting the French Revolution and the American Revolution. They may work in pairs or individually to get their ideas discussed. They can share ideas for thesis statements and such. If students choose, they may also study for the test over Chapters 10 and 11, which is tomorrow 1/25.

Ch11, Sec2, Spotlight Video on Marie Antoinette
Ch11, Sec3, Spotlight Video on Napoleon's invasion of Russia

Homework: Study for test on Chapters 10&11 for tomorrow 1/25

1/18 - Finishing the video on the French Revolution

Today we'll finish the video on the French Revolution, and then discuss/review Chapter 11, Sections 1 and 2 together.

Homework: Video Reflection on the French Revolution documentary
Read Ch11, Sec3, for 1/19

5 EXTRA CREDIT points for tissue boxes

Students who bring in TWO boxes of tissues during the week of January 18th-21st will receive five extra credit points on their 3rd Quarter homework grade.

1/13 & 1/14 - Video on the French Revolution

Today and tomorrow we will watch a documentary on the French Revolution. Today, 1/13, we will sip French vanilla coffee with creme brule creamer and nibble croissants while we watch the film. Very French! ;)

Homework: Review Chapter 11, Sections 1 and 2
Prepare for your essay comparing and contrasting the French Revolution and the American Revolution

Extra Credit Opportunity

Students who would like to earn 2 points of extra credit to their 2nd Quarter homework grade may bring in authentic French food on Thursday, 1/13, to supplement our viewing of a documentary on the French Revolution. Ideas for food include croissants, eclairs, madeleines, or macaroons. (French fries do not count as French food.)

1/12 - Continuing with the French Revolution

The substitute teacher will continue reading/discussing the French Revolution with the students as the class reads/discusses its way through the rest of Ch11, Section 1, and moves into Section 2. Be sure to read and pay attention. Also note things that compare/contrast to the American Revolution as students will have an essay to write comparing and contrasting these historical events.

Homework: SecRev11-2, due 1/13

1/10 - Impact of the Enlightenment (cont.)

Today we'll finish going through Chapter 10, Section 3. Students may download the lecture notes here: Ch10, Sec3b, PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: SecRev10-3, due 1/11
Read Ch11, Sec1, for 1/11 (very important!)

1/7 - Impact of the Enlightenment

Today we'll read/discuss our way through Chapter 10, Section 3, which is on the impact of the Enlightenment, especially "Enlightened absolutism." Here are some videos we'll also watch in class and discuss:

Ch10, Sec2 Spotlight Video: The Enlightenment
Ch10, Sec3 Spotlight Video: Impact of Enlightenment

Homework: SecRev10-3 due 1/11

1/6 - The Enlightenment

Today we'll focus on Ch10, Sec2, on the Enlightenment. Students may download the lecture notes here: Ch10, Sec2, PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: Reading Reflection on Ch10, Sec2, due 1/7
Read Ch10, Sec3, for tomorrow

1/5 - Scientific Revolution

Today we begin our way through Chapter 10. We'll focus on Section 1, which is on the Scientific Revolution. Students may download the lecture notes here: Ch10, Sec1, PowerPoint handouts.

Homework: SecRev10-1 due tomorrow, 1/6
Read Ch10, Sec2, for tomorrow 1/6

1/4 - Test on Ch9

Today we'll be taking a test on Chapter 9.

Homework: Read Ch10, Sec1, for 1/5

1/3 - Review of Chapter 9

Today we'll review material from Chapter 9 in preparation for our test on Tuesday (covering Chapter 9). Students should review the material on their own, and be prepared for the test Tuesday, 1/4.

Here are some videos we will watch to jog our memories about Ch9 content:
Ch9, Sec1 Spotlight Video Focuses on a new form of Tai Chi
Ch9, Sec2 Spotlight Video Focuses on the Forbidden City
Chinese Dynasties (history set to Madonna's "Vogue")
Ch9, Sec3 Spotlight Video Focuses on old home construction, interior design, and relationship with nature
Ch9, Sec4 Spotlight Video Focuses on the rarity of spices such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and (especially) cloves

Homework: Study for the Ch9 Test, 1/4