This week I have decided to use the assignment I previously gave as a bonus opportunity. Last week's response rate was improved, but still some class members are failing to complete the assignment at all or on time. Remember how important the homework component is to your grade!
This assignment continues our study of the Civil War, focusing on the events of the war and individuals who participated from the state of Kentucky. Several significant battles were fought in the commonwealth, and soldiers from Kentucky fought on both sides of the war.
Although we typically say that Kentucky was a slave state that did not secede, in truth, there was an attempt (unsuccessful) at secession, that would have made Kentucky a member of the Conferedate States of America. Near Somerset the Battle of Mill Springs was important in securing Union control of the Ohio Valley, and the Battle of Perryville was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. You already know that both Civil War presidents (Lincoln and Davis) were born in Kentucky, and some families had members to fight on opposite sides (such as the Breckinridges - dad and one son were Union generals, another son was a Confederate general).
General Grant first commanded in Kentucky, as did Gen. William T. Sherman (who had a nervous breakdown while overseeing Louisville, and was sent home to recuperate when he imagined that the Confederates were teaming with Native Americans (none of whom lived anywhere near Kentucky) for a massive attack. He was the laughing-stock of the country when he requested 20,000 soldiers to protect Louisville against Indians!
These are just a few of the amazing Civil War stories and individuals related to Kentucky that played a major role in the war. Your assignment this week is to research a Civil War person or event related to our state and post an essay revealing your findings. Unlike previous weeks I am not giving you a specific web site, so please cite your references. Did your family play a role in Kentucky Civil War history? That would be a great story to share!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Homework 2, Due October 28, 2011
Congratulations to the Lady Cougars JV Volleyball team for being state runners-up! Your hard work and dedication have paid off with a successful season. This week's assignment is a little different - an opportunity to explore the national political frontier. As we study US history we have spent a great deal of time discussing the men who have served as president and the impact they have had. In just over a year the US will hold the next presidential election and the campaign to win your support and confidence is well under way.
While many people will run for president you are likely to hear of only two names that will be on the ballot - the Democratic and Republican party nominees. Because the Democrats have a candidate that is already president (called an incumbent candidate) they have been raising money and making plans to re-elect President Barack Obama. The Republicans, on the other hand, are preparing for a long set of "primary elections" and "caucuses" (which will begin in January in Iowa and New Hampshire) in which they will chose a candidate to oppose President Obama in November 2012. There are very few differences between "primaries" and "caucuses" - they are basically elections in which only Republicans may participate because the winner becomes the representative of the Republican party. Of course, any Democrat could have chosen to challenge President Obama in Democratic "primaries" but no one has because it is very unlikely that he or she could win.
In the early days of American democracy candidates did not campaign - no tours, speeches, commercials, baby-kissing (a strange political custom), etc. Nowadays running for president is basically a two-year commitment - one that will end in failure for most candidates. They are constantly in front of the cameras and travelling through the states that have early primaries in order to gain support. In recent years the use of the internet by presidential candidates has revolutionized the process. Candidates raise money and share their ideas in order to give voters an opportunity to know them better.
Your research assignment this week focuses on the candidates' websites. I want you to chose two candidates and visit their websites and report back on your findings. Answer these questions: What did you learn about the lives of the candidates? Why do they want to be president? What are their plans for America? You do not have to make any statement about your own sentiments or support/opposition to a candidate but you may do so IF you can do it in a mature and knowledgeable manner. (Failure to communicate respectfully can result in disciplinary action and a loss of credit on this assignment).
While this assignment is meant to encourage you to study candidates in order to make informed decisions it is also an opportunity for you to practice respectful dialogue. It is important to remember how valuable the opinions of others are and to state your own opinions in such a way that people will be inclined to listen to you rather than reject what you have to say. Remember that for full credit you must write 200 words and leave responses totaling at least 150 words regarding the essays of at least two other students.
Follow the link http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/ to a website that lists all the candidates (Republicans, Democrats, other parties and independents) and links to their official websites.
While many people will run for president you are likely to hear of only two names that will be on the ballot - the Democratic and Republican party nominees. Because the Democrats have a candidate that is already president (called an incumbent candidate) they have been raising money and making plans to re-elect President Barack Obama. The Republicans, on the other hand, are preparing for a long set of "primary elections" and "caucuses" (which will begin in January in Iowa and New Hampshire) in which they will chose a candidate to oppose President Obama in November 2012. There are very few differences between "primaries" and "caucuses" - they are basically elections in which only Republicans may participate because the winner becomes the representative of the Republican party. Of course, any Democrat could have chosen to challenge President Obama in Democratic "primaries" but no one has because it is very unlikely that he or she could win.
In the early days of American democracy candidates did not campaign - no tours, speeches, commercials, baby-kissing (a strange political custom), etc. Nowadays running for president is basically a two-year commitment - one that will end in failure for most candidates. They are constantly in front of the cameras and travelling through the states that have early primaries in order to gain support. In recent years the use of the internet by presidential candidates has revolutionized the process. Candidates raise money and share their ideas in order to give voters an opportunity to know them better.
Your research assignment this week focuses on the candidates' websites. I want you to chose two candidates and visit their websites and report back on your findings. Answer these questions: What did you learn about the lives of the candidates? Why do they want to be president? What are their plans for America? You do not have to make any statement about your own sentiments or support/opposition to a candidate but you may do so IF you can do it in a mature and knowledgeable manner. (Failure to communicate respectfully can result in disciplinary action and a loss of credit on this assignment).
While this assignment is meant to encourage you to study candidates in order to make informed decisions it is also an opportunity for you to practice respectful dialogue. It is important to remember how valuable the opinions of others are and to state your own opinions in such a way that people will be inclined to listen to you rather than reject what you have to say. Remember that for full credit you must write 200 words and leave responses totaling at least 150 words regarding the essays of at least two other students.
Follow the link http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/ to a website that lists all the candidates (Republicans, Democrats, other parties and independents) and links to their official websites.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Homework 1, Due October 21, 2011
First, mega-congratulations to the SCS soccer team for the state championship! Now the homework. We've researched the Civil War for several weeks now, and your essays have been excellent. The period of study we're entering now is as essential as any other when it comes to understanding America, yet, being sandwiched between the Civil War and the exciting 20th century, it is often overlooked. Think about it: in a period of 36 years (about as long as your history teacher has been alive) three presidents were assassinated. Can you imagine picking up the pieces after the Civil War? How difficult would it be to put a nation back together after the death and destruction, especially given the untimely death of Lincoln less than a week after the war ended? Still, America, now occupying the land from sea to shining sea, was ready for new challenges.
Blacks were not only set free from slavery, but given citizenship and the right to vote (the men were, anyway). It would take another 100 years before the descendants of the former slaves would be guaranteed their civil rights, however, as hatred, bitterness, and racism gripped the southern culture.
One might think that Americans would be so sick of war that they would have avoided it regardless of the cost, but, of course, that is never the case. No sooner was the Civil War over when Americans turned their attention to the Native Americans who were occupying land in the west that now appeared much more valuable than before. And the US entered the "Age of Imperialism" when we attacked Spain for reasons that now seem a little hard to explain. (When the US Navy defeated the Spanish forces in Manila and seized the Philipines, a surprised President McKinley only had the vaguest notion of where the Philipines are located!).
The first task at hand was Reconstruction. For your assigment this week, please consider the two philosophies concerning the question of the southern states. Presidents Lincoln and Johnson favored restoring rights and property (except slaves, of course) to former Confederates who were willing to take an oath of allegiance to the US. Others (mostly radical northern Republicans who despised Johnson) thought of the southern states as conquored enemies who ought to be used to the North's benefit. Choose one of the following topics and write an essay about it, viewing the issue through both sides of the philosophical divide. Here's the list: The Civil War Amendments (13th-15th), "Carpetbaggers", the founding of Arlington National Cemetery, the Freedman's Bureau, and the Reconstruction Act of 1867. Minimum 200 words, at least 2 responses (total of 150 words). Include your sources.
Here's something for looking ahead. As you know, this class focuses on the history of our country from the Civil War to the present. We should get through the chronological history in plenty of time to focus on some topical history near the end of the school year. I anticipate units on Kentucky history, the Civil Rights movement, and the history of Christianity in America. Good stuff!
Blacks were not only set free from slavery, but given citizenship and the right to vote (the men were, anyway). It would take another 100 years before the descendants of the former slaves would be guaranteed their civil rights, however, as hatred, bitterness, and racism gripped the southern culture.
One might think that Americans would be so sick of war that they would have avoided it regardless of the cost, but, of course, that is never the case. No sooner was the Civil War over when Americans turned their attention to the Native Americans who were occupying land in the west that now appeared much more valuable than before. And the US entered the "Age of Imperialism" when we attacked Spain for reasons that now seem a little hard to explain. (When the US Navy defeated the Spanish forces in Manila and seized the Philipines, a surprised President McKinley only had the vaguest notion of where the Philipines are located!).
The first task at hand was Reconstruction. For your assigment this week, please consider the two philosophies concerning the question of the southern states. Presidents Lincoln and Johnson favored restoring rights and property (except slaves, of course) to former Confederates who were willing to take an oath of allegiance to the US. Others (mostly radical northern Republicans who despised Johnson) thought of the southern states as conquored enemies who ought to be used to the North's benefit. Choose one of the following topics and write an essay about it, viewing the issue through both sides of the philosophical divide. Here's the list: The Civil War Amendments (13th-15th), "Carpetbaggers", the founding of Arlington National Cemetery, the Freedman's Bureau, and the Reconstruction Act of 1867. Minimum 200 words, at least 2 responses (total of 150 words). Include your sources.
Here's something for looking ahead. As you know, this class focuses on the history of our country from the Civil War to the present. We should get through the chronological history in plenty of time to focus on some topical history near the end of the school year. I anticipate units on Kentucky history, the Civil Rights movement, and the history of Christianity in America. Good stuff!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Make-up opportunity, due October 14, 2011
The quality of homework posts this year has been worth celebrating, and you are to be commended for it. However, the rate of participation is notably lower than the last couple of years, and that spells disaster for some students. How you choose to spend your time is your own affair, but there are consequences for failing to fulfill your obligations. Because it is still early in the year and you have time to correct your errors (those of you who have grown lax) I am giving you this opportunity to make up an assignment. Because no comments are going to be recorded, your essay must be 400 words in length, but it will completely expunge your lowest homework grade of the quarter.
This assignment continues our study of the Civil War, focusing on the events of the war and individuals who participated from the state of Kentucky. Several significant battles were fought in the commonwealth, and soldiers from Kentucky fought on both sides of the war.
Although we typically say that Kentucky was a slave state that did not secede, in truth, there was an attempt (unsuccessful) at secession, that would have made Kentucky a member of the Conferedate States of America. Near Somerset the Battle of Mill Springs was important in securing Union control of the Ohio Valley, and the Battle of Perryville was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. You already know that both Civil War presidents (Lincoln and Davis) were born in Kentucky, and some families had members to fight on opposite sides (such as the Breckinridges - dad and one son were Union generals, another son was a Confederate general).
General Grant first commanded in Kentucky, as did Gen. William T. Sherman (who had a nervous breakdown while overseeing Louisville, and was sent home to recuperate when he imagined that the Confederates were teaming with Native Americans (none of whom lived anywhere near Kentucky) for a massive attack. He was the laughing-stock of the country when he requested 20,000 soldiers to protect Louisville against Indians!
These are just a few of the amazing Civil War stories and individuals related to Kentucky that played a major role in the war. Your assignment this week is to research a Civil War person or event related to our state and post an essay revealing your findings. Unlike previous weeks I am not giving you a specific web site, so please cite your references. Did your family play a role in Kentucky Civil War history? That would be a great story to share.
This assignment continues our study of the Civil War, focusing on the events of the war and individuals who participated from the state of Kentucky. Several significant battles were fought in the commonwealth, and soldiers from Kentucky fought on both sides of the war.
Although we typically say that Kentucky was a slave state that did not secede, in truth, there was an attempt (unsuccessful) at secession, that would have made Kentucky a member of the Conferedate States of America. Near Somerset the Battle of Mill Springs was important in securing Union control of the Ohio Valley, and the Battle of Perryville was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. You already know that both Civil War presidents (Lincoln and Davis) were born in Kentucky, and some families had members to fight on opposite sides (such as the Breckinridges - dad and one son were Union generals, another son was a Confederate general).
General Grant first commanded in Kentucky, as did Gen. William T. Sherman (who had a nervous breakdown while overseeing Louisville, and was sent home to recuperate when he imagined that the Confederates were teaming with Native Americans (none of whom lived anywhere near Kentucky) for a massive attack. He was the laughing-stock of the country when he requested 20,000 soldiers to protect Louisville against Indians!
These are just a few of the amazing Civil War stories and individuals related to Kentucky that played a major role in the war. Your assignment this week is to research a Civil War person or event related to our state and post an essay revealing your findings. Unlike previous weeks I am not giving you a specific web site, so please cite your references. Did your family play a role in Kentucky Civil War history? That would be a great story to share.
Homework 8, Due October 14, 2011
This is our second Civil War related assignment, and I hope you are enjoying learning about this significant event in American history. I am, as usual, very pleased with the quality of this past week's essays, and you deserve kudos for the very excellent work you have done as a class! I am disappointed that some students have chosen to forego the homework experience, but I assure you that there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in short order as the first grading period comes to an end.
That being said, let me address a couple of issues that affect only a few students but need to be restated for everyone to hear. First, a relatively minor issue, is remembering to write gramatically. While you are not likely to lose points for style and quality of prose, plz dnt use IM and txt language - there's a place and time for that...not here, and not now! The other issue is of great importance to me, and one that I will spend some class time emphasizing. That is avoiding plaigerism. You absolutely cannot use someone else's words and claim them as your own! When you use someone's ideas (not a crime) you must cite the reference (give credit where credit is due). Word of warning to everyone, bad things happen to students who cut corners!
Now, on to our Civil War topic - Abraham Lincoln. During class we will discuss some of the numerous setbacks in Lincoln's life: business failures, political disasters, bungled military experiences, and even a complete nervous breakdown. It would be unfair to the man NOT to mention these things, for they are the obstacles he overcame to become what many believe to be the greatest of all American presidents. His words live on, and for nearly one hundred fifty years we Americans have pondered his place in history.
Lincoln was known to be very friendly, to tell funny stories and laugh loudly with friends. Even during the Civil War he took time to return letters written from children. (Taking the advice of one small girl, he grew a beard when she suggested it would make his face look better). He was a loving father who loved to spend time with his children, reading to them daily and referring to them by nicknames.
While Lincoln was often disatisfied with his commanding generals (except Grant) he was revered by the soldiers in the Union army and visited them as often as possible. One sergeant shouted at Lincoln, calling him a rather unpleasant name ("fool" being the part that can be repeated) when Lincoln peeped over a wall of defense so he could get a better view of the rebels on the enemy lines. Lincoln recognized his mistake, and the sergeant got away with it!
As you all know by now, Lincoln was born in Kentucky but left as a young boy when his family moved to Indiana. Here are some things you might be interested in: Lincoln was named after his grandfather, a Kentucky pioneer that was killed in an Indian attack. Lincoln's grandparents' marriage certificate is still on file in Springfield, KY. Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville was just that - his family moved to a small farm now located on Highway 31E south of Bardstown, where he formed his first memories. As a small child the Lincolns relocated to Indiana, where he grew up before moving to Illinois as a young adult to begin his career.
Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was from Lexington, and her family home still stands today. Her family was wealthy and prominent and close friends with Henry Clay.
Lincoln was the first Republican president, and his burial place in Springfield, IL, is visited by politicians every year. In fact, for generations, Republican candidates have rubbed the huge nose of the statue of Lincoln there for good luck! In this latest election, then-Senator Barak Obama chose Lincoln's burial place to announce his candidacy for the presidency. That's proof of how Lincoln has become a symbol of the best of America!
I would like you to do some research of your own on the life, speeches, and impact of President Lincoln. Please visit the website http://www.besthistorysites.net/USHistory_CivilWar.shtml#lincoln and scroll down to the references that focus on Lincoln. This is a good starting point, but you may use other references as well (remember to cite!).
Here's your question: Shakespeare wrote in his play Twelfth Night "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." Most would agree that Lincoln falls into the category being a "great" leader. In your opinion, what was great about Lincoln? Share your findings in a 200 word essay, and be sure to post at least two replies concerning the essays of your classmates (150 word total).
That being said, let me address a couple of issues that affect only a few students but need to be restated for everyone to hear. First, a relatively minor issue, is remembering to write gramatically. While you are not likely to lose points for style and quality of prose, plz dnt use IM and txt language - there's a place and time for that...not here, and not now! The other issue is of great importance to me, and one that I will spend some class time emphasizing. That is avoiding plaigerism. You absolutely cannot use someone else's words and claim them as your own! When you use someone's ideas (not a crime) you must cite the reference (give credit where credit is due). Word of warning to everyone, bad things happen to students who cut corners!
Now, on to our Civil War topic - Abraham Lincoln. During class we will discuss some of the numerous setbacks in Lincoln's life: business failures, political disasters, bungled military experiences, and even a complete nervous breakdown. It would be unfair to the man NOT to mention these things, for they are the obstacles he overcame to become what many believe to be the greatest of all American presidents. His words live on, and for nearly one hundred fifty years we Americans have pondered his place in history.
Lincoln was known to be very friendly, to tell funny stories and laugh loudly with friends. Even during the Civil War he took time to return letters written from children. (Taking the advice of one small girl, he grew a beard when she suggested it would make his face look better). He was a loving father who loved to spend time with his children, reading to them daily and referring to them by nicknames.
While Lincoln was often disatisfied with his commanding generals (except Grant) he was revered by the soldiers in the Union army and visited them as often as possible. One sergeant shouted at Lincoln, calling him a rather unpleasant name ("fool" being the part that can be repeated) when Lincoln peeped over a wall of defense so he could get a better view of the rebels on the enemy lines. Lincoln recognized his mistake, and the sergeant got away with it!
As you all know by now, Lincoln was born in Kentucky but left as a young boy when his family moved to Indiana. Here are some things you might be interested in: Lincoln was named after his grandfather, a Kentucky pioneer that was killed in an Indian attack. Lincoln's grandparents' marriage certificate is still on file in Springfield, KY. Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville was just that - his family moved to a small farm now located on Highway 31E south of Bardstown, where he formed his first memories. As a small child the Lincolns relocated to Indiana, where he grew up before moving to Illinois as a young adult to begin his career.
Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was from Lexington, and her family home still stands today. Her family was wealthy and prominent and close friends with Henry Clay.
Lincoln was the first Republican president, and his burial place in Springfield, IL, is visited by politicians every year. In fact, for generations, Republican candidates have rubbed the huge nose of the statue of Lincoln there for good luck! In this latest election, then-Senator Barak Obama chose Lincoln's burial place to announce his candidacy for the presidency. That's proof of how Lincoln has become a symbol of the best of America!
I would like you to do some research of your own on the life, speeches, and impact of President Lincoln. Please visit the website http://www.besthistorysites.net/USHistory_CivilWar.shtml#lincoln and scroll down to the references that focus on Lincoln. This is a good starting point, but you may use other references as well (remember to cite!).
Here's your question: Shakespeare wrote in his play Twelfth Night "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." Most would agree that Lincoln falls into the category being a "great" leader. In your opinion, what was great about Lincoln? Share your findings in a 200 word essay, and be sure to post at least two replies concerning the essays of your classmates (150 word total).
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