Homework 7, Due Friday October 1, 2010

Perhaps the most important contribution of ancient Greece to modern western culture is the concept of government "by the people." Throughout history in many cultures the ability to govern has belonged to powerful minorities that maintained their position by dominating society with overwhelming power. This concept led to abuses and inequalities that could usually only be corrected by revolution and violence. The Athenians imagined a new power structure - one that can best be described as an "employee government". Government officials are "hired" by the citizens and can be "fired" just as easily.

The practice of democracy in Greece was not exactly like the democracies of today. Because the citizens of a city-state like Athens lived in a relatively small geographic region it was possible for the decision makers to meet in a public forum to discuss the pressing concerns of the day. Imagine if you will what it would be like if all the decisions concerning taxes, war, and building projects for Pulaski County were made in public votes held at the Center for Rural Development. Can you imagine the community involvement and the passionate advocacy that would take place? By comparison, in the modern US democratic system the citizens are so spread out that it is impossible for a meeting, and often people feel that decisions made in government only barely affect them. That's why we choose representatives to speak for us in Frankfort and Washington, D.C.

This week's assignment is to visit the following British Broadcasting Company website and read about government in ancient Greece:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greekdemocracy_01.shtml

Answer the questions: Should democracy be updated to better serve US citizens? With the invention of the internet, should the process be changed, and, if so, how?

Your work this past week was especially good - keep it up! Have a good week.

Homework 6, Due September 24, 2010

This week we will continue our study of ancient Greece. The assignment will take us away from ancient history, however, and cover current events in Greece, giving us the opportunity to become familiar with modern news sources. You should remember that the media, while providing our primary source of information about the world around us, is made up of people just like any of the rest of us - usually having beliefs and causes we'd like others to follow as well. You should read every article with the question in mind: "What is the author's argument (point) and should I agree?" For instance, research has shown that members of the modern US media tend to be somewhat more liberal than the rest of the US population, and often those liberal beliefs are subtly reflected in their writing. Rember, there is no law against having an opinion, and the media is under no obligation to refrain from trying to influence you. It is up to you to read carefully and apply the lessons of critical thinking before you form your own opinions.

Go to the link http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html and read the recent Time Magazine article dealing with current events in Greece. After reading the article search the web for other quality news sources that discuss these events. In your essay, summarize the events of the article and state your opinion as to why these events are happening. Answer the question: Could this happen in the US? Why or why not?

Some of you have fallen behind in your homework. Remember that this will have a detrimental impact on your grade! For those of you who have stayed on top of your assignments, congratulations on your efforts and learning to manage your time successfully. Have a good week!

Homework 5, Due September 17, 2010

After reading your essays this past week I am proud of the work you all are doing. Your comments have been good also, especially considering that the subject matter has not been controversial (which would be easier to generate differing opinions about the issues). So, keep up the good work!

This week's assignment will focus on Egypt and the Middle East in the modern era. Here are a list of significant events, people, and issues from the last 100 years. Choose ONE to research and report for your essay. Remember that your essay need only be 200 words (no less), and your responses must total at least 150 words.

Six-Day War
Intifada
First Gulf War
Anwar El Sadat
Yitzhak Rabin
Yasser Arafat
Golda Meir
Camp David Accords
Oslo Accords

Research your topic and then report your findings. Answer the question "Why is this person/event/issue significant to world history?" Remember to cite your sources (you may use the web sites we've explored in previous assignments or search for information elsewhere, but be careful about websites you visit! I look forward to reading your work!

Homework 4, Due September 10, 2010

For this week’s assignment we are going to get more practice doing basic research. Go to www.worldbookonline.com and sign in. Your log in id is “scs” (no quotes, no punctuation) and the password is “cougars”. Enter the World Book Student site and search for articles related to the history of Egypt. There are few requirements as to the topic – find something that interests you. You will need to reference an article and a related table, map, or special report in your essay. Be sure to fully cite your references (don’t just name the website, but list the website, article name and author, and date you read it).

Some of you have been writing essays that are nearly a thousand words long. Congratulations overachievers! However, you are overworking me – so stop. The minimum is 200 words and your essay should be at least that long if you want credit. However, feel free to put a sock in it after getting your point across. That will be greatly appreciated!