Wednesday, April 29, 2009

American Government 4/28

In Class - 3rd Period - Continue class discussion on terrorism in the world. Turn in article write-ups (3), articles, and solid thesis statement. 4th Period - Discuss political cartoon project and current events.

Homework - Political Cartoon Project due date has been moved to Monday, May 4. You will present on this day and turn in your project.

NOTE - Extra Credit Opportunity - Watch the following documentary: http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/gitmo.php Then write a half page summary and a half page reaction to this documentary for extra credit. I will accept this through Monday, May 4.

World History 4/28

In Class - RELAX! TESTING IS OVER!

Homework - None

American Government 4/27

In Class - 3rd Period - Discuss Political Cartoon Project. 4th Period - Continue and finish class discussion regarding terrorism in the world. Turn in article write-ups (3), with your articles, and a solid thesis statement.

Homework - Work on Political Cartoon Project due Friday, May 1.

World History 4/27

In Class - Turn in CST Review

Homework - None

Monday, April 27, 2009

American Government 4/24

In Class - Class discussion on terrorism and US government role in torture methods. Participation is mandatory for points. No participation=no points. Hang onto your write-ups and thesis. You will turn these in on Monday as we will continue this discussion.

Homework - Political Cartoon Project due Friday, May 1.

World History 4/24

In Class - Kick back day. We have all had a long week of testing. Let's relax.

Homework - Work on your review. Due next Monday, April 27.

American Government 4/23

In Class - Continue to work on write-ups on your articles. Also, you will develop a thesis statement based on the articles you have read including what we have talked about in class. In your thesis, be sure to provide an argument and tell me what you are going to prove.

Homework - Prepare for class discussion and finish the write-ups/thesis statement for tomorrow.

World History 4/23

In Class - Continue to review for the CST. Hand out second part of review (3 pages). Complete these questions to turn in for next week.

Homework - Review for CST.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

American Government 4/22

In Class - Check homework (bringing three articles to class). Use these articles to answer the following questions: 1) Who is the intended audience of the article? 2) Summarize (Short 2-3 sentences) the article. 3) What is the significance of the article in its relationship to the study of global terrorism? Why is this significant? This is due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

Homework - Prepare for a discussion on Friday on global terrorism and the role of our federal government.

Articles to check out:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/21/obama.memos/index.html - Bush-era interrogation may have worked, Obama official says
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/22/us.torture.karpinski/index.html?iref=mpstoryview - Abu Ghraib head finds vindication in newly released memos

This is the documentary regarding Guantanamo Bay. If you have some time, watch it. It is very interesting.http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/gitmo.php

This was interesting. You might want to check this out. Deals with unpublished photos of the MLK assassination. Not on topic, but interesting nonetheless.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/21/slideshow.mlk.life/index.html

World History 4/22

In Class - Work on review sheet for CST (24 questions). Use the book to find the answers. We will discuss these in class tomorrow.

Homework - CST Review questions. Due tomorrow.

NOTE - Extra credit available for tutoring on Thursday and Friday for CST Review!

American Government 4/21

In Class - Continue with discussion on terrorism. Watch short news clips of former President Bush's speeches concerning the conflict in Iraq.

Homework - From Monday's post (4/20). Pick three articles and bring them to class for Wednesday.

NOTE - Political Cartoon project due on Friday, May 1.

World History 4/21

In Class - Discuss Political Cartoons in connection with the Cold War. Turn in Homework (Chapter 14, Section 5 Notes and Standard Check Questions; Chapter 15, Section 1 Notes and Standard Check Questions).

Homework - None

NOTE - Double the extra credit for those who show up for tutoring on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in preparation for the History portion of the CST.

Monday, April 20, 2009

American Government 4/20

In Class - Continue discussion on terrorism.

Homework - Class discussion on Friday. Check out the articles/videos from Friday's (4/17 post). For tomorrow, do some research online, and print out at least three articles to bring to class on the topics of the Iraq War, global terrorism, Guantanamo Bay (torture), or any other topic relating to these. You will need these articles for class tomorrow.

Articles to check out:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/20/obama.cia/index.html - Obama defends leak of CIA memos concerning torture
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/20/cia.waterboarding/index.html - Memo: Two al Qaeda leaders waterboarded 266 times
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/19/cia.torture.chief/index.html - Ex-CIA chief: Obama risks national security
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/16/torture.cia.immunity/index.html?iref=newssearch - Rights groups criticize CIA immunity on interrogations
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/03/19/iraq.anniversary/index.html - 6 years later, progress and doubts are legacy of Iraq war
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/20/racism.conference/index.html?iref=mpstoryview - Envoys walk out of U.N. anti-racism conference
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1892721,00.html - Waterboarding: A Mental as Well as Physical Trauma
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/guantanamo/ - Photo essay inside Guantanamo Bay
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1071284,00.html?imw=Y&loomia_si=t0:a16:g2:r2:c0.0418466:b24004366&xid=Loomia - Inside the Interrogation of Detainee 063
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1892352,00.html - Why Obama Needs to Reveal Even More on Torture
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30312789/ - No license, but Blackwater is still in Iraq
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30312699#30315025 - Video on CIA torture memos
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30312699#30313160 - Video: Obama remarks on CIA
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30312699#29796304 - Video: Bush's views on the Iraq War

World History 4/20

In Class - Discuss World War II Test. Introduction to the Cold War (few notes). Hang onto homework from Friday (Chapter 14, Section 5 Notes and Standard Check Questions).

Homework - Chapter 15, Section 1 Notes and Standard Check Questions. Also, if you haven't finished the homework from Friday, this is due tomorrow as well (see above).

NOTE - If you haven't taken the test from last Friday over World War II, I will see you for tutoring in the morning. Furthermore, if you received a low score on your test, tomorrow morning for tutoring, there will be an opportunity for test corrections. This is extra credit on your test score. Show up, for tomorrow is the only day for this.

Friday, April 17, 2009

American Government 4/17

In Class - Continue discussion regarding terrorism in the world. Specifically, discuss the implications of the memos released by the Obama Administration regarding the Bush Administration's authority over the Justice Department to approve torture at Guantanamo Bay and other military prisons.

Homework - Read the following articles and watch the videos listed below. Come ready to discuss this topic next week. Also, political cartoon project is due on Friday, May 1.

Articles to check out:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30269402#30269402 - video
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30248999#30248999 - video
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30254996#30254996 - Keith Olberman Special Commentary - 4th period you saw this in class; third period, check this out!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30254996#30254981 - video
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/documents/dojinterrogationmemo20020801.pdf - these are the actual memos released by the Obama administration
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30254996#30254958
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38894-2004Jun13.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/17/torture-methods-interrogation-george-bush-approved - different interrogation techniques in detail

World History 4/17

In Class - Test over World War II. Notebook due before you leave today.

Homework - Read Chapter 14, Section 5. Take Notes (Cornell Method) and complete the standard check questions for the section.

American Government 4/16

In Class - Turn in Homework from yesterday (page reaction regarding Jackie Robinson's impact on civil rights in the United States).

Homework - None

World History 4/16

In Class - Baseball review game for test over World War II tomorrow.

Homework - Study for test and notebook is tomorrow as well.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

American Government 4/15

In Class - Discuss the significance of Jackie Robinson to American History (it is Jackie Robinson Day). Hand out articles: "Where Have We Gone Wrong, Mr. Robinson" and "A Hard Out." Use these articles along with the one below to write a page reaction to this question:

What was the significance of Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier in major league baseball in terms of civil rights and also African-American's outlook of life in the United States?

3rd Article:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,798173,00.html

Homework - Page write up using the articles as a basis for your response. Due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

World History 4/15

In Class - Test and Notebook have been postponed to Friday. Work day in class: complete review sheet and any missing assignments for the notebook. If you need something copied, let me know, and I will get this to you tomorrow. Tomorrow we will review in class.

Homework - Notebook and Study for Friday's test.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

American Government 4/14

In Class - 3rd Period - Begin documentary on Osama bin Laden. 4th Period - Class discussion on world events.

Homework - None.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK - TOPIC: TERRORISM - IN YOUR OPINION, SINCE 9/11 AND THE INVASION OF IRAQ IN MARCH OF 2003, IS THE UNITED STATES A SAFER PLACE AND HAVE WE ACHIEVED THE OBJECTIVES SET FORTH BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION IN IRAQ?

Articles to Check Out:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1890817,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1888705,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1819903,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1862456,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1531267,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1644877,00.html

World History 4/14

In Class - NOTE - The test over World War II has been postponed probably until Friday. The review session in 1st period this morning sparked this decision. Work Day: Notebook and Review Sheet.

Homework - Complete review sheet for notebook. Notebook due tomorrow at the beginning of class! 965 points

American Government 4/13

In Class - Continue discussion of similarities between Iraq and Vietnam. 3rd Period - Interview of General Ray Odierno. Watch and discuss implications of troop withdrawal by 2011. 4th Period - Begin documentary on Osama bin Laden: how has terrorism in the world connected to the modern day struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Homework - Political Cartoon Project due on Friday, May 1.

World History 4/13

In Class - Hand back the rest of papers. Holocaust Video. Short Discussion over the video.

Homework - 1/2 page reaction to the video. Notebook due on Wednesday (965 Points). Test over World War II on Wednesday.

Monday, April 6, 2009

World History 4/6-4/10

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT - Rent a copy of "Letters From Iwo Jima" (2006, Directed by Clint Eastwood, Starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara.)

Summary of Movie: The island of Iwo Jima stands between the American military force and the home islands of Japan. Therefore the Imperial Japanese Army is desperate to prevent it from falling into American hands and providing a launching point for an invasion of Japan. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi is given command of the forces on the island and sets out to prepare for the imminent attack. General Kuribayashi, however, does not favor the rigid traditional approach recommended by his subordinates, and resentment and resistance fester among his staff. In the lower echelons, a young soldier, Saigo, a poor baker in civilian life, strives with his friends to survive the harsh regime of the Japanese army itself, all the while knowing that a fierce battle looms. When the American invasion begins, both Kuribayashi and Saigo find strength, honor, courage, and horrors beyond imagination.

The Assignment: 1) Watch the movie (*THE MOVIE IS RATED R FOR GRAPHIC SCENES OF WAR VIOLENCE, SO YOU MAY NEED TO GET PARENTAL APPROVAL FIRST). 2) Write a detailed analysis of three different scenes throughout the movie. Identify the plot of the scene, the setting, and then use the film to write a 3/4 to 1 page detailed analysis. Include what you know and perhaps do a little research on the subject online. 3) Write a movie review about this film. What is good (in your opinion), was it historically accurate, did it portray Iwo Jima as a turning point in the War in the Pacific between the United States and Japan? This movie review should be at least 3/4 of a page in length.

Due Date: The written work of this extra credit is due on Tuesday, April 14. No exceptions, no late work accepted. Have fun and enjoy.

American Government 4/3

In Class - Continue discussion of Vietnam and Iraq.

Homework - Question of the Week (see posting from 3/23) due by 11:59 tonight.

Homework over break - Work on Political Cartoon project, which is due on Friday, May 1. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!

World History 4/3

In Class - Hand back all graded papers. Hand out both notebook order sheet and World War II Review Sheet. Notebook is due on Wednesday, April 15. Test is tentatively going to be on Tuesday, April 14. Review sheet must be completed by Tuesday and will go in your notebook. Political cartoons must be completed and also go in your notebook.

Homework over the break - Notebook and World War II Review Sheet.

NOTE - I will be in my classroom from 8-2:30 on Tuesday through Friday. If you need a copy of a handout or simply need to complete an assignment, email me thepalos@hotmail.com and let me know. I have baseball practice and games all week, so check with me if I will be in my room.

American Government 4/2

In Class - Mini class discussion over similarities of Iraq and Vietnam. Turn in talking points from articles (from yesterday's class).

Homework - None

World History 4/2

In Class - Hand out notes: Battle of the Pacific. Discuss PPT. Significant battles: Coral Sea, Midway, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, dropping of the Atomic Bomb.

Homework - Finish Political Cartoons from packet. Due tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

American Government 4/1

In Class - Read and write down talking points from the four articles concerning Vietnam and the possible relationship(s) to the current conflict in Iraq. These talking points will be turned in tomorrow after our brief discussion in class.

Homework - Finish talking points from the articles. Didn't finish in class (shame on you), but the articles are listed below.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595236,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,43778,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1655516,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1005814,00.html

World History 4/1

In Class - Discuss and work on political cartoons from packet. Focus on brainstorming about what you see in the cartoons. Write down all relevant information and be as specific as possible. After you have taken notes, turn those notes into paragraphs explaining the significance of the political cartoons in relationship to World War II. (*NOTE - Paragraph=6-8 sentences). This will be due on Friday.

Homework - Work on political cartoons from World War II era.

American Government 3/31

In Class - Hand out political cartoon project and discuss requirements (due on May 1). Continue and finish documentary.

Homework - 1/2 to 3/4 page reaction to the documentary focusing on your thoughts and the role of government during the Vietnam Era.

World History 3/31

In Class - Class notes: Overview of Military Operations in Europe. Turn in Chapter 13, Section 3 and 4 Quiz (this will be graded in class and returned to you). Discuss significance of the D-Day invasion.

Homework - None at this point, but start working on the political cartoons from the packet.