Essay assignments for the next six weeks

Students, for the following six weeks, you do not have to do current events. However, you do have to do an essay a week which is due on Friday by 12:00 midnight. All of you should have a hard copy but you did not get one, just get it from me in class. You have 36 essay topics so pick one to due a week. Each essay is worth 100 points so if you fail to do these essays, it will hurt your grade. You will be graded on content and word choice. I am not going to set a length limit. I will leave that up to you. Just make sure that you answer the prompt with examples and details.

Thank you to all of my students for a great year!

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It has been an amazing year!  I can not believe it is over. I am definitely going to miss all of you because you have reminded me of why I went into teaching!  You guys are such a talented group of kids.  I admire your tenacity in class, your involvement in our school and your commitment to your future. I am proud of all of you for hanging in there and not give up.  Thanks for making me laugh and for bringing a smile to my face everyday.  I would like to take a moment to reflect on this year.  Do not be disappointed if I do not name each of you individually.  Just keep an eye out for the good news card in the mail!

1.  Thank you first period for letting me start the day with such a motivated group of students.  You guys always manage to be ahead of every other class.  Your quickness and attention is much appreciated by me.  It has been a pleasure to begin my day with you guys! 

2. Second period:  one minute you guys make me mad for talking so much and then the next minute I can not help but smile and laugh with you. Our class discussions has always been exciting because of the different opinions and beliefs we have in class.

3. Third period:  there are so many opinionated individuals in this class not that I’m complaining.  You guys know I love it when you all try to beat each other in our debates. I appreciate your candidness. Some of you did a wonderful job with the video project.

4. Fourth period:  you guys drive me crazy, but I love all of you! I have enjoyed watching you all grow as a student.  Our lively class discussion always leaves me intellectually stimulated.  There is never a dull moment in class!

5. Fifth:  it has been nice to end my day with you all.  You guys always keep me on my toes with your comments, reflections, and interpretations during our class discussion.  Sometimes, our class discussion became heated but that only shows how passionate you guys are about your opinions and beliefs. Fernando and Sarah, it is going to be weird not having you guys rushing through the door to see who is going greet me first.  You might have to make a recording for me!:)

I have many fond memories of all of you.  I hope you guys learn something besides history this year. 

In honor of our military women and men

A local artist from Yuma

On this Memorial Day,  I would like to thank my students and friends as well as all military personnel who is serving our country.  There are no words to describe my gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice our military men and women have made to ensure that we continue to enjoy our freedom. As we spend Monday with our friends and family, let us not forget our brave men and women. Also, let us not forget what it means to be an American.  I think Lee Greenwood says it best in his lyric ” Proud to be an American.”

 If tomorrow all the things were gone,

I’d worked for all my life.

And I had to start again,

With just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,

To be livin’ here today.

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,

and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

Next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,

To the hills of Tennessee.

Across the plains of Texas,

From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,

And New York to L.A.

Well there’s pride in every American heart,

And it’s time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

Next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

Next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=38nx3mjXJMk

Extra Credit

One topic we studied and discussed in class is the evolution of education.  We talked about how education has changed over the years; from the beginning of the colonial period to modern time. We have seen education at is most primitive in American history to its most advanced state of our time.  Many of you made interesting points about how we can improve the education system in general and how it can be mprove in our own school. 

What do you think we need to change about our education system? What suggestions or ideas do you have or would like to make to help improve our school?

World War II Trivia

Students, test your WWII knowledge!  Take this quiz and let me know how you did! Just copy and paste this link at the address button. http://www.usefultrivia.com/war_trivia/world_war_ii_trivia_index.html

Extra Credit: Changing Role of Women in Society

This week we discussed the changing role of women in our society today from the twenties to the modern time. We talked about the progress women have made politically, socially, and economically. To a certain extent we have come to a consensus that American women has been actively involve in changing their role in society throughout history. Some argued that women can do the same job as a man. In other words some of you believe that a woman is as as capable as a man. However, some of you have also caution that we still have a long ways to go when it comes to the way women are viewed in society.

Do you think this presidential election epitomizes the struggle for women’s rights and recognition in our society? Is Hillary Clinton a good example of the strides women have made in their attempt to break down social and political barriers? Is she a good example of a strong woman? Why or Why not? Do you think she is as good as a man when it comes to politics? If she is able to win the democratic nomination, will she be able to beat McCain? If she becomes the first woman president in the United States, what will this prove?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080423/pl_politico/9812

Make- up work due Friday! NO EXCEPTIONS!

Students, you all know how I feel about late work and missing assignments.  If you are there that day, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t do the work unless you do not understand it. Since this is an AP class, I have not seen that at all! If you have any articles missing you have to read Newsweek or  watch the news and write a summary and your opinion of the topic.  Each response must be at least a page long to be consider worth grading.  For each article you are missing, you have to do two articles to make up for it.  So if you are missing three articles, then you have to do six.  If you are missing any DBQ you have to do two DBQ to make up for one.  Just look in the back of your book for the DBQs.  If you are missing any quizzes see me.  Just because you do the make-up work does not mean I will give you full credit because it is not fair to others who are responsible.  It is upon my discretion how many points I think your work is worth!

Howard Zinn’s view on War Extra Credit! Due by Friday!

war-quotes.doc

Howard Zinn is the author of Just War.  He is one of the most respected historian on U.S. History.  His candid and uncensored view on history is not accepted by some while others applaud his courage and no holds bar on history.  Watch the clip and tell me what do you think of his view on war.

Democracy in Bhutan

This past week we had an interesting and enlightening discussion of foreign policy and our government’s goal of spreading democracy around the globe. Many of you made some insightful comments about whether our foreign policy is accepted by the international community as well as if we should spread democracy. Some of you concur that it is part of our responsibility as a world leader to ensure that those who do want democracy should have it and we should help them set it up in their own countries. However, some of you feel that we need to focus on our domestic affairs instead of global. Whatever your opinions or thoughts on this issue, this debate will continue on for years to come even when you are adults!:)Tonight I read this interesting article about how this 65 year old woman from Bhutan walked 380 miles just so she can participate in the country’s first democractic election. It’s shameful to me that some of us can’t even hop in our car to go to the next polling station and yet this little grandma and her grandson walks that far to cast her ballot! It goes to show you that some people are willing to do what it takes to be part of a democractic society.

More information about battles during WWI.