Homework 3, Due August 31

If you missed any part of the documentary “Guns, Germs, and Steel” that we watched in class, please go to the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyRa5P6xVo8 to catch up.  Your homework this week will be graded as a test grade (worth one-half the value of a typical test) so please give your best effort! 

Having heard Dr. Jarod Diamond's explanation of how some civilizations, especially those in the Middle East, were blessed with all the things necessary to progress faster than others, how would you answer the following questions?

1) Do you believe Dr. Diamond's explanation or do you believe something else explains the disparities between cultures?  What was the strongest part of his argument?  What was the weakest?

2)  What are the resources societies need today to advance at a rapid pace?  Because of global trade and the easy access to information, shouldn't all societies be able to advance at similar rates?  Or are some societies doomed to fall behind others?

3)  How does Dr. Diamond's information about the Middle East help to explain God's plan for humanity after the flood?  Do you see proof of God's blessings in the lives of Biblical characters such as Abraham?

Remember, at least 250 words, responses to at least two other essays (responses totalling 150 words - due Sunday night, September 2).  You will be graded for the quality of your analysis, the clarity and quality of your writing, and the extent to which you answer the questions you have been asked.  Good luck!

Homework 2, Due Aug 24, 2012

This week we will be studying some of the most important ancient empires of the western world, including the Old Babylonian Empire and the Jewish Empire. Your assignment is to research one of the following great leaders: Hammurabi, Cyrus the Great, Darius I, or Solomon. Here are some questions to consider as you read the articles and write your essay:

What were the great accomplishments of the leader's reign?

What were the obstacles he faced?

How do you think the commoners he ruled felt about him? Why?

If it were possible for your selected leader to be a modern president, would he be good at the job? Why do you think he would/wouldn't?

Incorporate your answers to these questions in an essay format. You should start at www.worldbookonline.com (user id:  scs; password: cougars) but you may have to do some additional reading to find all you are looking for. The requirements for this assignment are exactly as those of Homework 1; you must submit a 250 word essay (don't forget to cite your sources!) and you must respond to at least two essays by other students (responses are due Sunday, August 26, and must total at least 150 words). Keep up the good work!

Homework 1, Due Aug 17, 2012

Good job last week on our "warm-up exercise." This week's history assignment provides another opportunity for us to learn the process that we will employ throughout the school year. This week's question should take us a little more in-depth: If you could choose to visit any culture in history, which would it be? Why are you especially interested in that time period and culture? Visit www.worldbookonline.com and log in (your ID is "scs"; the passwork is "cougars") and find an article about your chosen culture. Report back on your findings, and be sure to cite the article correctly in your essay.

Remember, your essay must be at least 250 words in length (which isn't very long, after all) and you must read the essays of others and respond to at least two of them (a total of 150 words in response). See me before or after school if you need help setting up a Google ID to leave comments on the blog!

New School Year!

Hello and welcome to Western Civilizations! This is going to be a fun year as we study the history of humanity from creation to the modern day. Your homework assignments will begin in earnest next week; this week's assignment is just for practice. Post a comment that identifies your favorite era in world history then reply to someone else's comment with feedback about their choice (a good example: Great topic! I look forward to learning more about that fascinating time in history! A less sarcastic example: Ugh! Gag me with a spoon!). Ok, for this brief little bit of nonsense you will receive a whole history homework grade - enjoy it while it lasts, they get slightly more involved from here on!