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