halftime report

(I don't know if any of you are even reading this blog anymore, but I'm posting this anyway...)

I've graded the OBJECTIVE part of the test, and have some preliminary results.

Remember, this is for the SCANTRON part of the test only, which is 50% of your exam grade. I will grade your essays this weekend.

Average score (all sections): 77.8%

A - 2 (Congratulations Summer and Kailey!)
B - 28
C - 12
D - 10
F - 8

How the test breaks down

Egypt: questions 1 - 10
Greece: 11 - 31
Rome: 32 - 56
Middle Ages: 56 - 74
Martin Luther: 75 - 89
Renaissance: 90 - 100

Reminder: 50% of your exam grade comes from the 100 objective questions; 50% comes from the three essay responses.

Prepare wisely!

thank you

What a fantastic ending to a terrific year! Many many thanks to everyone who brought in food or toasters. This has been my favorite year of all at John Carroll, and you freshies are a big reason for that. You have a couple more days before our test, so if you have questions, email me or hunt me down in school. And don't forget about the last assignment - I'm really looking forward to your feedback.

If any of you got some good photos of us nailing our 95 Theses to Mr. Barker's door, or if you got good shots of today's feast, please email them to me at rschick@johncarroll.org . Thanks again!

the last assignment, our last class

All classes will meet today, and this will be your best opportunity to ask questions about the exam, to clear up any possible discrepancies about your grade, and to enjoy our last class together.

Also, please note the directions for the final assignment, repeated from yesterday's blog:

In your final blog posting, tell me about this class. What worked for you and what didn't work; what you liked or didn't like; what I can do to improve the class. I hope this class was a learning experience for you, and I want to continue to improve the course, and improve myself as a teacher, so I definitely welcome your honest and candid feedback. Please tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. Thanks for taking the time to do this last assignment.

This homework assignment is due Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 PM.

Also note the addition of "essay questions" to the Semester Exam Docs.

visitors to our blog

Has anybody noticed that in addition to the 1600+ visits to this blog (mostly you guys, of course), we have also had visitors from Canada, Pakistan, France, Italy, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates? Click on the ClustrMap and check it out.

We're so global...

the end is near

Tonight I will finalize your 4th quarter grades. If you see anything that does not look right to you, EMAIL ME TONIGHT, or see me in class tomorrow.

Taylor, two words: maple syrup.

You will have one final homework assignment, due Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 PM. Here it is.

In your final blog posting, tell me about this class. What worked for you and what didn't work; what you liked or didn't like; what I can do to improve the class. I hope this class was a learning experience for you, and I want to continue to improve the course, and improve myself as a teacher, so I definitely welcome your honest and candid feedback. Please tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. Thanks for taking the time to do this last assignment.

I enjoyed the time we spent together this year, and I hope you did, too. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you in TV Production class next year, and hopefully even more of you will take TV in your junior of senior year.

Good luck on exams, and have a great summer!

update

As you may have noticed, I have added a few items to the Semester Exam Docs list. As you remember, I had a computer crash that wiped out a lot of the tests you took from me this semester, so I have posted some tests from years past (better than nothing!). You may notice that we did not go over all the material on these tests; however, most of it should look familiar to you. (If NONE of it looks familiar, then you are in trouble!) Combined with the fantastic notes you took this semester, these tests should help you out quite a bit.


Reminder... The test will cover:

Egypt
Greece
Rome
Middle Ages
Reformation/Martin Luther
Renaissance

100 objective questions; 3 essay questions.

exam info

We're just a few days away from exams. Here is a little info that will hopefully prepare you for your Western Civ test.

There is a new item to the left, just above the Countdown to Exams. It's called Semester Exam Docs. There, you will find documents and links (tests, notes, etc.) that should be useful. I will be posting these over the weekend. This will be a little more complicated than I would like, since the Great Computer Crash of last month, but I will do my best.

You will be allowed to use one page of notes (standard size paper, meaning 8.5 X 11 inches; one side only; either printed or hand-written) during the exam. You may not reproduce entire tests on this page. I will check this sheet during the exam, and you will turn the sheet in with your exam.

You will not be allowed to use your computer during the exam.

The exam will be around 100 objective questions, worth 50% of the exam grade, and three essay responses, worth 50%.

We will discuss this more in class on Friday, so let me know if you have questions.

Awards Assemblies and Renaissance Patronage

I want to thank you for how you conducted yourselves at the awards assembly today. I appreciate how hard it it to sit in those bleachers for a long time, and today's assembly was pretty long! Plus, it seemed to be all about the seniors, which may have had limited appeal for many of you. I'm sure you'll be more interested when you guys are seniors - and you have more comfortable seats!

I see a couple of lessons here. *climbs on soapbox* Throughout your lives, you are going to be required to do things that bore you to tears. Tedious seminars, endless banquets, long speeches - don't think these things end when you finish high school (or college). But one mark of maturity is the ability to hang in there. To show respect to the speakers by paying attention. To resist the urge to over-fidget - or worse, clown around - during presentations. Today's assembly featured government officials, reps from the armed forces, as well as private individuals, many of whom were being darn generous with scholarships and other monetary rewards. (I mean, $1000 for an essay on patriotism? That's VERY benevolent!) Some were even donating funds in honor of loved ones who had passed away. It may not be easy for them to appear before us, so it's fantastic when you show our visitors John Carroll students at their best.

Did anyone catch the parallels between these benefactors and the patrons we are studying in Western Civ? The Medicis supported artists by providing paints, brushes, and blocks of marble; the people you saw today are donating money to students who improved their grades, who were excellent student-athletes, or who performed community service. They are patrons who support your efforts.

And in just three short years, we will be hearing many of your names called, accepting awards, scholarships, and accolades. I can't wait.

Construction Worker Paints Mona Lisa with Nail Gun

It's on the Internet, so it must be true.

Michelangelo painting God

This week will be spent studying the Renaissance (which WILL appear on the semester exam), and next week we will review for the big test.

Martin Luther test results

57 took the test.

35 As, 14 Bs, 3 Cs, 4 Ds, 2 Fs.

Average score: 90.0.

Sierra F, Rodney E, and Joey N will make up the test Tuesday.


I hope you're all enjoying this spectacular three-day weekend!

Remember to take a moment to
consider WHY we commemorate Memorial Day...
and thank a veteran.

oh, well...

We gave it a good try, didn't we?

No section got all As, so I'll have to take care of my own haircut.

Or not...

finishing up the year

The Renaissance is a period when humanity finally seemed to be getting back on track. After several centuries of stagnation, it's like we were "reborn" (which is what the word renaissance means). Throughout Europe, a cultural revolution took place, especially in painting, sculpture, architecture, and literature.

Your assignment - due Tuesday - is to find examples of the fantastic work done in each of these fields. Post four pictures, and brief descriptions of the pictures, of Renaissance painting, sculpture, architecture, and literature.

It's sad that we have to go through the Renaissance so quickly (stupid February snow!), but we will do the best we can covering one of the coolest time periods in human history. Enjoy your three day weekend!


EXAMPLE of how to do this assignment:

This painting is called "Birth of Venus," painted around 1482 by an Italian artist named Botticelli. Venus is the most beautiful of the goddesses, and the painting was meant to arouse feelings of physical love as well as intellectual love in whoever saw it.






Michelangelo's Pietà is is a beautiful sculpture that shows Mary cradling the body of Jesus after he has been taken down from the cross. Due to recent discoveries in anatomy, as well as Michelangelo's sweet sculpting skills, this is a very realistic-looking work. He carved this statue in Rome, in 1499, when he was only 24 years old. Not bad.






St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is a great example of Roman architecture, as it places great emphasis on proportion and symmetry, and uses columns that recall the great buildings of ancient Rome. It can hold 60,000 people, and is even more beautiful on the inside.








The obvious choice is to include William Shakespeare here, since The Bard is easily the dominant figure of Renaissance literature. But I'm going with John Donne, famous for writing these words after hearing church bells ringing for a funeral:

"... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde;
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee."

The picture of John Donne shows what he expected to look like when he rose from his grave at the Apocalypse.

lightning storm!

There is a tremendous lightning storm raging outside my home as I type this. I'm starting to appreciate how Martin Luther must have felt when he almost got struck. And I'm safe inside!

Martin Luther test tomorrow

When you take this test tomorrow, it should look pretty familiar, because it will be comprised of questions YOU wrote. I've been impressed with your contributions!

I've posted a doc called "Student-Generated Test Questions: Martin Luther". Use it to study for tomorrow's test.

Good luck tomorrow!

It's your test, YOU write it

All sections will take the test on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation this Friday. As we discussed in class, you will also have the opportunity to write the questions that will appear on the test.

Five point assignment: write at least five test questions and post them on your blog. Due before midnight tonight for Section 03; due before midnight tomorrow for Sections 01 and 05.

Test is Friday for all sections - worth 100 points. If everyone in your section gets an A on this test, you may participate in Mr. Schick's summer haircut. How much motivation do you need?

I like Mondays

What is it about Mondays and Section 03? Other than the best 74 minutes of my day, that is...

We started our collection of theses, JC style, to be compiled by Nate (thank you very much). We also watched Martin Luther nail his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door, as the conflict between Luther and the Catholic Church intensifies 1517 style.

Ninety-Five Theses - JC Style

Today in class Sections 01 and 05 did a little Martin Luther and a little 95 Theses.

Lauren volunteered to be the scribe for 05, while Beth will write down all the suggestions for 01. (If anyone from 03 wants to volunteer, just send me an email.)

Have a great three-day weekend!

OUR Ninety-Five Theses

Your post for tonight should include the notes you took on Martin Luther in class today, PLUS your first five suggestions for ways to improve John Carroll. These are the "theses" we are going to collect, print up, and "nail" (or tape) to the principal's door.

Your theses are due before midnight tonight.

today in class

01 & 05 reviewed their Middle Ages tests.

03 continued watching the video on Martin Luther.

Start posting suggestions for our Ninety-Five Theses for John Carroll project.

Section 03 and Dum-Dums

If it's possible to have way too much fun reviewing a test, Section 03 can do it. Thanks for making class so entertaining today.

We are beginning study of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Click on the links for some introductory reading. We will continue with the video tomorrow.

Also, be thinking about (and posting) ideas for our Ninety-Five Theses for JC.

Thanks again. You make school a pleasure.

coming soon to a classroom near you: The Reformation

Today we tested on the Middle Ages. Next week we begin on one of the most significant events of the latter Middle Ages - the Protestant Reformation. If you want to get a preview of what we are going to be studying, you can click here , and read the introductory paragraphs.

Have a good weekend, and we'll see you next week!

PowerPoints are your friends

Use all three to help you prepare for tomorrow. By special request, I have embedded one of them below.

Good luck!

test tomorrow!

reviewing for Friday's test

Today we spent class time prepping for Friday's test on the Middle Ages.

"But Mr. Schick," you ask. "I need to study at home, too. What should I concentrate on?"

Good question. I would recommend concentrating on the Germanic tribes that replaced the Roman Empire, the rise of Charlemagne, and the oxymoronically named "Holy Wars" known as the Crusades. Fortunately for you, these very subjects are covered in the three PowerPoints I have posted under Researching History.

Spend some time with these, and your notes from class, and Friday's test will be a breeze.

another Middle Ages PowerPoint

In addition to the PowerPoint you are doing tonight on the life and career of Charlemagne, and the one I already posted on Germanic Tribes, I have now posted a link to a PPt on the Crusades. As always, you can find it in the list of links to the left.

This is invaluable material to help prepare you for Friday's test on the Middle Ages.

Between the PPts you're writing and the ones I'm supplying, I think we're writing a pretty good textbook on our own.

See you tomorrow.

classwork/homework for today

Students: go to my blog and review the PowerPoint called Germanic Tribes Unite Under Charlemagne.

Then make your own PowerPoint, 6 to 10 slides long, on Charlemagne's life, his government, his achievements, and what happened to his empire after his death. Include pictures and maps where you can. Don't just copy whole paragraphs onto your slides! Those make for terrible PowerPoints, and don't help you learn. Summarize in a few bullet points what you read. Include your sources on the last slide. I'll check these tomorrow in class.

Reminder: test on the Middle Ages (Germanic kingdoms, the rise of the Church, rulers of European kingdoms, Charlemagne, etc.) this Friday.

Thank you, and be good to your subs.

the art of the essay

In class today - essay critiquing, and a very brief intro to the Middle Ages.

Don't forget to post.

Middle-Aged? No, Middle Ages

In class, Sections 01 and 05 reviewed the test on Rome from last Friday. They also joined Section 03 in taking a non-binding pre-chapter quiz on the Middle Ages. The real deal will be next Friday, May 14.

03 did some chillaxin.

Tonight's HW for 01 & 05:

Read the first few sections in the entry on the Middle Ages on Wikipedia (found here).

That would include the intro, Etymology and Periodization, and Origins: The later Roman Empire.

In your blog posting tonight, in addition to any other notes you might take, answer these questions:

• Some historians divide history into three periods. What are these periods?
• When were the Middle Ages?
• What kind of art was popular at this time?
• What event signifies the beginning of the Middle Ages?
• What event signifies the end of the Middle Ages?
• Who was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire?

moving on...

...from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages.

(It's Monday, so only Section 03 meets today.)

First, an in-class review of Friday's test.

Then, a brief intro to the Middle Ages.

Tonight's HW involves some reading and some writing.

Read the first few sections in the entry on the Middle Ages on Wikipedia (found here).

That would include the intro, Etymology and Periodization, and Origins: The later Roman Empire.

In your blog posting tonight, in addition to any other notes you might take, answer these questions:

• Some historians divide history into three periods. What are these periods?
• When were the Middle Ages?
• What kind of art was popular at this time?
• What event signifies the beginning of the Middle Ages?
• What event signifies the end of the Middle Ages?
• Who was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire?

ancient Rome in our rear-view mirror

After you post a brief commentary on today's test, you can take the rest of the weekend off.

I recommend coming out to the Country Fair and Music Festival right here at JC! Hear some music, run in a 5K race, visit me at the dunk tank (and try your luck if you need some EC) from 3 to 4 Saturday - or just hang with friends. Hope to see you there!

Don't forget, our friends Henry and Jay could use your vote every day until May 7. http://memelabs.com/pbs/?play=14277 Thanks!

test tomorrow on ancient Rome

Tomorrow is a two-hour early dismissal bell, so the test will not take long. It will be an objective test taken on Scantron, so come ready to go, pencil in hand.

A few students have asked me to review the fall of Rome. A brief summary can be found here and in the links to the left.

Feast your eyes on this! The magazine Section 01 worked on is finished! Click here to see YOUR magazine! Be sure to select fullscreen, then click through the pages to see your work. Not only is it more material to help you study for tomorrow's test, it's also just a great read on ancient Rome.

And YOU wrote it!

test review continues

You folks are doing a nice job presenting your magazine articles. It looks like many of you are taking excellent notes, which will help prepare you for Friday's objective test.

A mini-guide to our magazine (test review) can be found here.

wrapping up Rome

Starting today, and for the next few days, we will spend class time reviewing for Friday's test on Rome. The material we will use to review will be your magazine articles.

Friday's test will be objective, and it will cover everything from Remus and Romulus all the way up to the fall of Rome.

Magazine assignment update

Yesterday I posted instructions for the Magazine assignment. Please let me know - by email or by commenting on this post - if you have any questions.

In your blog post for today, please remind me what your topic is for this assignment.

Feel free to continue to support our friends Henry and Jay. http://memelabs.com/pbs/?play=14277 They thank you very much.

Have a great weekend!

instructions for section 05

I will not be in class today, as I will be attending Quill and Scroll induction ceremonies.

You should watch the last three sections of the BBC video on the fall of Rome.

With the remaining time, work in groups on your magazine project. Full instructions are on yesterday's posting.

Please work well and be productive. The assignment is due Tuesday, so it is your last chance to work together and get feedback from your friends.

Thanks!

magazine

So now that everybody is working on the magazine assignment, here are the guidelines.

• use Microsoft Publisher
• start with Blank Page Sizes, then choose Letter (Portrait) 8.5 X 11"
• your finished article will be one full page, including images
• all writing must be original
• give yourself a byline (Diocletian's Savage Rule by Chris Jones)
• use at least two sources (no Wikipedia)
• cite your sources in their own text box
• only use images found in Wikimedia Commons
• save, save, save your work
• when you're completely finished, choose Publish as PDF or XPS, then Save as Type: PDF
• after you've published, attach it to an email, and send it to me at rschick@johncarroll.org
• email must be received by me before 8AM, Tuesday, April 27
  

Please see me with any questions. See me or email me if you were absent and did not get a topic.

Also...

Many thanks for supporting Henry and Jay in the PBS Video Contest. Two days ago they were in fifth place, over 25o votes behind. Now they're in third, only 23 votes behind! You can vote once a day, every day, up to and including this Sunday, right here:

http://memelabs.com/pbs/?play=14277

Rome - The Magazine

Section 01 and 05 watched and took notes on parts 2 and 3 of the BBC video on the fall of Rome.

Reminder: if you miss class for any reason - sports, illness, doctor's appointments, ANYthing - it is YOUR responsibility to view the material on your own. The links are available on YouTube and are linked to the left.

Section 03 broke up into groups and began choosing topics for their magazine articles on ancient Rome. You will write your articles in Microsoft Publisher. If you want to get started tonight and tomorrow, that would be a good idea. Let me know if you have any questions.

Many thanks to those of you who voted for Henry and Jay's PBS video. You are really helping out!

voting for Henry & Jay

Two JC alums have entered a video contest for PBS. Please vote for Henry and Jay at the link below.

http://memelabs.com/pbs/?play=14277

You can vote once a day, every day, up to and including Sunday. Thanks!

Rome continues to fall...

Sections 01 and 05 are starting the video series on the Fall of Rome, while Section 03 has just finished.

Please post your class notes to your blog.

the fall of Rome

Section 03 gets off to a great start this week as we discuss how NASCAR resembles the chariot races in the Circus Maximus, and prove that most of our class would have felt right at home in ancient Rome.

Homework: post your notes from class, and watch (and post notes on) Part 3 of The Fall of Rome (linked to the left).

Start to consider whether the US is following in the same unfortunate steps as ancient Rome.

Live Feed of an Eagle's Nest

So it's not exactly Western Civ. But it's still cool. Just something to enjoy on your day off.

Video chat rooms at Ustream

weekend assignment

Today in class most of us finished watching the story of Constantine. If you didn't get to see the last part, the link is at the left. If you missed any of this series, go back and watch over the weekend.

Your written assignment is to look at the situation before Constantine came along, when Diocletian was in charge. There are links posted about the Diocletian Persecution and the Circus Maximus. By researching these, and posting a couple hundred words, you should have an excellent idea of how Christians were treated (or MIStreated) under Diocletian, and how amazingly revolutionary the Edict of Milan really was.

Please have this posted before 8AM Monday (4/19).

Have a great weekend!

Constantine Time

Constantine has been busy.

First, a meteorite OR a vision OR an apparition of Christ OR words and a cross in the sky (seen at right) OR a dream appears to him. Then, he defeats Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 (pictured at left). The empire is divided in two, with Licinius ruling the east and Constantine the west. His half-sister Constantia marries Licinius in the city of Milan in 313. While they are there, Lincinius and Constantine sign the famously important Edict of Milan, which proclaims tolerance of all religions (especially Constantine's new favorite, Christianity) throughout the Roman Empires. This marked the official end of some very nasty persecution of Christians.

Busy times for Constantine.

Constantine and the PPt/Prezi

Section 03 explored the phenomenon of Constantine's conversion.

Sections 01 and 05 reviewed the test on Greece, and began watching the BBC video on Constantine.

All sections: your assignment on Julius Caesar is due tomorrow.

The assignment: Combine your class notes with the notes I have supplied, and make a Prezi or a PowerPoint on the life of Julius Caesar. It's worth 20 points. My notes can be found at the left (click The Life and Times of Julius Caesar), and the Prezi website can be found at Prezi.com .

Back from Break

Section 03 reviewed the test on Greece that we took before we went on break.

After a little Roman review, we also began studying Constantine by watching the BBC video. The link can be found to the left.

We also laughed.

It's good to be back!

Easter vacation is here!

Although it doesn't look too good for Caesar in this picture (he's about to be stabbed to death in the Senate), we have a nice break coming our way. Here are some notes for the next eleven days.

By popular demand, I have posted my recording of Rome (by Chi Cago) to the left. Feel free to play it any time you need a laugh, if you want to "study" ancient Rome, or if you're having a dance party over the break and you need some fly beats.

I promised no homework over the break. However, on April 14 (our third day back) there will be an assignment due. So, IF you would like to get a jump on this over the break, feel free.

The assignment: Combine your class notes with the notes I have supplied, and make a Prezi or a PowerPoint on the life of Julius Caesar. It's worth 20 points. My notes can be found at the left (or by clicking here), and the Prezi website can be found here. (In my opinion, Prezi is much more fun. With this much time off, it's a good opportunity to take your time and learn how to make a Prezi. Impress your other teachers with your awesome skills.) This is due Wednesday, April 14. We come back to school April 12.

Since we don't have class over the break, you don't need to post to your blog over the break.

I hope you have an incredible vacation that allows you to rest, enjoy some beautiful weather, hang out with your friends and family, and come back rejuvenated. Happy Easter!

more Caesar

Today we watched most of the BBC episode on Julius Caesar. We will finish up tomorrow. Keep in mind that you can watch this anytime (except for Part 3 and Part 6, which are unavailable).

I have also posted some notes, called The Life and Times of Julius Caesar, which can be found to the left. Feel free to use these with your own notes. These notes include the Battle at Alesia in 52 BC, where Caesar defeated Vercingetorix, which is the picture on the right. (Nice mustache, Vercingetorix!)

Julius Caesar

Section 03 started on the Julius Caesar portion of the BBC video series. Sections 01 and 05 begin watching tomorrow. You can click on the link to the left to watch it yourself.

Please note that two of the six chapters are missing.

Reminder: your opinion paper on Tiberius Gracchus must be posted to your blog before 8:00 am tomorrow.

Late penalties will be assessed if it not posted by then.

writing assignment

Tiberius Gracchus was a defender of the rights of Rome's plebeians. Yet, even after becoming tribune of the people, he had great difficulty achieving his goals. If you could give Tiberius Gracchus some advice, what would you tell him?

Many Romans were talented speakers, and they were very good at leading others. In a formal paper of 400-500 words, persuade Tiberius Gracchus to follow your lead. Or, you may choose to defend his actions if you think he had the most effective plan.

A strong paper will show your understanding of the conflicts between plebeians and patricians, the political structure of the republic, and the relationship between Tiberius and the Senators.

Post your essay to your blog before 8:00 AM, Tuesday, March 30. It's worth 100 points.

Just grab some land!

All three sections should finish Revolution,
part of the BBC series Rise and Fall of an Empire,
in class Friday.

If you missed class and did not see
part of this video,
it is available on YouTube.
The link is on the left.
It is in six 10-minute parts.

There will be a writing assignment related to this video for you to do over the weekend.
Details will be posted tomorrow.

BBC - Rome / Revolution

All three classes are watching the BBC docudrama on the rise and fall of Rome, and taking notes as we watch.

Keep in mind that since the series is available on YouTube, and the link is listed on this blog, you can review this material at home. You can even activate the CC button, and you will be able to follow along even better by using closed captioning.

Here is how far each section has gone so far.

Section 01: beginning of part 3.

Section 03: 5:00 into part 5.

Section 05: just finished part 2.

Don't forget to post your notes after every class.

Here is Tiberius Gracchus

as portrayed in the movie,

and as carved by the ancient Romans.

let it rain...

Section 03 began watching BBC/Rome today - good stuff!

Sections 01 and 05 heard and discussed
"Rome" by Chi Cago
(lyrics posted under
"Researching History" to the left).

01 and 05 can make flashcards on
the terms we covered in class today:

Romulus & Remus
Etruscans
Tiber River
Tarquin the Proud
tyrant (original meaning)/tyranny
patrician
plebeian
consul

republic

ancient view of the world

Rome - the Early Years

Ancient legend has it that Rome was founded by... well... two feral children. Twins, to be exact, named Romulus and Remus (pictured here). Here is their story.

Isn't this a great way to begin our studies of Rome?

Here are the terms and concepts we discussed in class today (wouldn't these make great digital flashcards?):

Romulus

Remus

Etruscans

Tiber River

Tarquin the Proud

tyrant (original meaning)/tyranny

patrician

plebeian

consul

republic

What to blog about tonight?

For tonight's posting, you could give me some feedback on the test you just took. Was it fair? Did you do well? Did you write good essays?

Next week we begin looking at ancient Rome. Buckle up.

potential essay questions for Friday

Tomorrow's 100-point test will consist of 20 multiple choice questions, worth two points each, and three essay questions, worth 20 points each. You will need a pencil for the objective part of the test, and pen and paper for the essays. You will not need your computer in class tomorrow, so don't even bring it. This is not an open book or open note test.

The following are general subjects of potential essay questions for this Friday’s test.

I recommend you review these subjects, and draw up brief outlines for each.

This is the first step to writing excellent essays tomorrow!

(Outlining will also help you study for the objective portion of the test.)

• Describe the events of the Peloponnesian War
• Give details on the lives and philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
• Describe the most significant events of the Persian War
• Describe the elements of early Greek theatre
• Describe the high points and the low points of the age of Pericles
  
• Describe the transition from faith in the Greek gods to belief in reason and logic
• Describe how the Greek concept of hubris brought about the downfall of Pericles

Socrates and Mr. Schick say...

Socrates: The unexamined life is not worth living.

Me: The unprepared student will struggle on Friday's test.

We will continue to prepare for Friday's test by using your flashcards to review the material on ancient Greece.

slight change in schedule

All sections will take a quiz on Ancient Greece this Friday, March 19.

We will review tomorrow and Thursday in class.

science, logic, reason

Now Section 03 knows why Socrates is my hero.

Tomorrow Sections 01 and 05 will find out.

Don't forget: all 20 digital flashcards are due tomorrow, Tuesday, March 16.

They are worth 20 points.

They will also help you immensely on the quiz.

Also, tomorrow is an E Day (Friday schedule).

digital flashcards due date

Your twenty flashcards, described in Friday's blog, are due this Tuesday, February 16.

They are worth 20 points.

They will also help you immensely on the quiz.

last of the flashcards

I missed you yesterday, but we had a great Senior retreat!

Please make four more flashcards this weekend - this will bring your total to twenty. I would suggest the following subjects:

age of Pericles
Athenian democracy
Peloponnesian War
Athena Parthenos (statue of Athena in the Parthenon)
Solon
Hellenistic civilization

Previously suggested subjects include:

Cleisthenes
Pheidippides
Themistocles
Darius
Xerxes
aristocracy
democracy
hoplite
trireme
Athens
Sparta
Marathon
Persian Empire
Pericles
Parthenon
Aspasia
Battle of Salamis
Age of Pericles
Delian League
Alexander the Great
Bucephalus
Gaugamela
Darius III
scythed chariot

See you next week.

40,000 Greeks vs. over 100,000 Persians? No problem.

How important was Alexander's victory at Gaugamela? It changed the course of history. This decisive battle helped bring about the end of the mighty Persian Empire, and propelled Alexander's Greeks to yet another in a string of military victories.

Tonight, make flashcards for Alexander the Great, Bucephalus, Gaugamela, Darius III, and scythed chariot.

Check the blog again Thursday evening, as I will update when I return from Senior Retreat.

Digi Flash & Ancient Greeks

Want a sneak peek at tomorrow's JCTV News? Watch and rate...



Sections 01 & 05 polished their Digital Flashcards, while Section 03 got back into watching The Greeks: Crucible of Change.

Tomorrow and Thursday: more DVD viewing, notetaking, and Digital Flashcard making.

Friday: no class

Next Monday and Tuesday: finish the DVD and class discussion

Next Wednesday: Test on the Ancient Greeks

Don't forget to blog!

DigiFlash

Now EVERYONE in section 03 knows how to make digital flashcards and post them to their blog. Tonight, post five more flashcards (see Saturday's blog for details) if you didn't get them done this weekend.

how to create and post digital flashcards

Just click here and watch a presentation on the mechanics of creating and posting digital flashcards.

If you prefer, here is the link: http://screencast.com/t/Mjg1NThhMjEt

There is more information on what to include in your digital flashcards, plus some examples, on Thursday's blog.

ASSIGNMENT:

Sections 01 & 05: post five more flashcards. You may choose from the following:

• Pericles
• Parthenon
• Aspasia
• Battle of Salamis
• Age of Pericles
• Delian League
• War between Athens and Sparta (began in 431 BC)

Section 03: make six flashcards. Choose from the following:

• Important figures such as Cleisthenes, Pheidippides, Themistocles, Darius, and Xerxes.
• Important concepts like aristocracy and democracy.
• Key terms including hoplite and the trireme.
• Key locations like Athens, Sparta, Marathon, and the Persian Empire, as they pertain to the 400s and 500s BC.

here it goes!

digital flashcards

What you see above are some examples of digital flashcards. Most of you have used traditional flashcards - an index card with a subject on one side and a description of the term on the other side. But as with many things digital, we are now able to greatly improve on this concept. We are not limited to words written on paper; we can include pictures, links, and video. In class today we looked at these examples and learned how to make our own flashcards using Google Docs. We also learned how to post these flashcards onto our blogs.

For homework tonight, make 6 more flashcards based on the video Crucible of Civilization:

Important figures such as Cleisthenes, Pheidippides, Themistocles, Darius, and Xerxes.

Important concepts like aristocracy and democracy.

Key terms including hoplite and the trireme.

Key locations like Athens, Sparta, Marathon, and the Persian Empire, as they pertain to the 400s and 500s BC.

Please refer to my flashcards for further guidance.

This assignment only pertains to Sections 01 and 05.

Section 03 will be introduced to digital flashcards tomorrow.

Crucible of Civilization

Today all three sections began watching a great PBS video on the Ancient Greeks. We're going to use this to tie in all of the information YOU provided to your classes when you did your Webquests.

We began in 508 BC: the first time in recorded history that people turned on their rulers and seized power for themselves.

• Important figures (so far) are Cleisthenes, Pheidippides, Themistocles, Darius, and Xerxes.
• Important concepts are aristocracy and, of course, democracy.
• Key terms include hoplites and the trireme.
• Key locations would be Athens, Sparta, Marathon, and the Persian Empire (pictured above).

We left off just as a Persian army rumored at 2,000,000 was bearing down on Athens.

What's next?!

Find out tomorrow in class...

more presentations

Section 03 has nearly finished their webquests. I expect that everyone in every section will have presented by the end of class tomorrow.

Socrates was ugly

I hope you enjoyed your snow day. As we discussed in class, here is your weekend assignment.

As we study ancient Greece, you have been teaching each other about the Olympics, Greek gods and goddesses, the Parthenon and Greek architecture, Alexander the Great, Athens, Sparta, the oracle at Delphi, Olympia, and Greek theater. But we have not covered one of the most important contributions of the ancient Greeks: philosophy.

Your 25-point homework assignment for this weekend is to learn about the most famous and influential Greek philosophers: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. You may go to any websites you choose (such as Wikipedia or the websites listed on my blog) to research these men. Your research will enable you to complete these five tasks:

1. Define "philosophy." Don't just cut-and-paste a definition; define it so you understand it.
2. Create a timeline of these three men. (Remember my in-class tip: if you Google search something and type the word "history" after it - like "Plato history" - you will find a timeline in the search results.) Your timeline should include important dates beyond just their birth and death.
3. Write a brief biography of each man.
4. Post a picture of each man.
5. Describe in your own words the Socratic method.

For all sections: this assignment must be posted before 11:59 PM Sunday night, February 28.

Hopefully, by the time you finish, you will understand why it was so important that Socrates was so ugly... and so heroic.

Why I'm not a meteorologist

Boy, I got that one wrong! I figured there was a "95% chance" we would not be in school today due to snow. But I'm glad we did have class, because we got a chance to see more good presentations from sections 01 and 05.

All three classes should wrap up tomorrow.

However, should we not have class tomorrow (no predictions this time, thank you), please remember to check this blog for your assignment.

Maybe this snowstorm will just sideswipe us instead of hitting us head on...for once.

projects begin; more snow coming

Students began presenting their projects in all three sections today. Some excellent work was presented today!

Urgent notice: If we do not have school tomorrow - a very real possibility, given the forecast - I will be posting work for you to do on this blog. This will include doing some reading and posting some writing to your blog. This will be an assignment with a deadline. Check my blog early tomorrow for details.

completing your project

All three sections spent classtime working on your ancient Greece webquests. These projects are due tomorrow (Wed., Feb. 24).

To review what I talked about in class today:

• at the bottom of the Webquest page is the rubric, listing in the great detail the grading criteria for this assignment
• you are expected to provide a Works Cited, listing your sources for your research (feel free to let EasyBib assist you)
• the presentation to the class is part of the grade, so be sure to have that worked out before you get to class
• if your project is being done on the computer, make sure you have consolidated everyone's work onto one computer
• most importantly, remember that you are instructing the class on your subject - make your project informative, and teach us what you know!

Monday report

Section 03 is the only class that met today, and they spent all three mods working on their webquests. Reminder to all sections: you will require some time out of class to complete the webquests, which are due Wednesday. Make sure you can communicate with the members of your group, whether by email, phone, or FB.

Also, a very special welcome to DaHee "Summer" Chung, who has just joined us in Section 03. We hope you enjoy spending time with us in Western Civilization!

NOW what?!?

Unbelievably, school has been cancelled again, this time due to a break in our water main. (The JC Patriot has excellent coverage of this breaking story here.)

The webquest on ancient Greece that you are all working on is now due Wednesday, February 24. This is the due date for all sections.

The good news? You now have a three day weekend to work on this project. You can collaborate with each other as I described in my last couple blog postings, and have more down time with which to do a good job.

The bad news? Some of you will see this three-day weekend as an opportunity to skip all your school work. I don't recommend you do that, because I do not believe you can do a good job on this project (worth half of the unit's points) if you wait until Monday or Tuesday to start.

It's your project, it's your grade, it's your responsibility.

Questions or concerns? Use the comments below, or email me. See you next week!

webquest work

Today Section 01 began work on their Webquests, and Section 05 continued their "quest."

The plan here is that your independent study, covering festivals, the major city-states

of Greece, the Olympic Games, architecture, Alexander the Great, and Greek theatre,

along with the information I will present to you in class,

will give you a complete picture of what life was like in ancient Greece.

If you put a lot of effort into your reports, two things will happen.

You will get a good grade on your report.

Plus, you will play a vital part in instructing your classmates

about an important feature of Greek life, and as a result,

all of us will learn about ancient Greece.

A lot is riding on you. Rise to the occasion!

final Wednesday post

Sections 03 and 05 are now underway with their Webquest projects, and Section 01 begins tomorrow. As we discussed in class, these projects will be presented to the class starting next Tuesday. This gives you two more class sessions to work together. You will also have evenings and the weekend to collaborate. Email, Skype, and even the old-fashioned telephone are ways you can work together without being in the same room. As long as everyone has work they are responsible for, you will be able to do a great job on these projects.

Post #1 for Wednesday

Here is the first post of the day. Check again later for an update, as I will post again after school.

SECTION 01: You will take the quiz on ancient Egypt in class today.

Sammy - see me about make-up work.

Mike - see me about blog repair.

SECTION 03: The following students need to make up the quiz they missed:

JC, Taylor, Sierra, Brandon, and Rosie.

SECTION 05: The following students need to make up the quiz they missed:

Melissa, Rodney, Montell, Joey, and Matt.

And finally, here are the last of the snow pyramids, from Steph, Autumn, Jenna, and Avery, plus a cat-Sphinx from Avery. Thanks for all your hard work, everybody!

Back in school tomorrow? I think so.

UPDATE: We will be in school tomorrow,

Wednesday February 17, on a two-hour late bell.

Reminder to Section 01: You will be making up your quiz on ancient Egypt tomorrow (Wednesday). Obviously, you have had plenty of time to study for this! Look at my Prezi, and review your notes.

The other sections will get started on ancient Greece tomorrow.

It has been such a long time, I just hope you remember your locker combinations!

Today's snow pyramid is courtesy of Morgan. Enjoy.

Attention, please.

The last time we were in class - 10 days ago - I told you to check my blog for assignments in case we missed school due to the snow.

During that day's afternoon announcements, Mr. Scholl told the student body to check their teachers' websites for assignments.

The JC website also instructed students to check teacher websites.

Many of you have done just that, doing the assigned work and posting it to your blog. This assignment is due at midnight tonight (Mon., Feb. 15, 2010). Details can be found on last Tuesday's blog (Feb. 9).

Can you stand one more snow pyramid? Here you go...

Happy Valentine's Day

Well,

today's snow

pyramid is brought

to you by Fiona and Erin. We

now have six confirmed pyramids (plus

another under construction in Whiteford) in the area.

The extra credit points are piling up like snowdrifts. Keep up the good work!

Eighth day in a row with no school

Good job! Some of you have been checking this blog and doing the homework assignment (it can be found on my Tuesday blog).

Incredibly, some of you have been building snow pyramids for extra credit. Good for you! Harford County is starting to look like Egypt west of the Nile.

The picture on the left is of Lisa's snow pyramid. (Then again, it may be a scene from Paranormal Activity.) The picture on the right is of Pete's pyramid. Pete's pyramid appears to be wearing a golden scarf, but it actually is meant to be the cap at the peak of the pyramid. See Pete for more details.

Tsunami of Tsnow

Another day, another blizzard.

And another pyramid, thanks to Katlyn! Nice work!

So far, three students (all girls, by the way) have earned extra credit for consrtucting giant snow pyramids.

If you're getting cabin fever from being locked in the house, and you need something to do, you can always do your Western Civ homework! Check yesterday's posting for the assignment.

See you... one of these days!