October 29 - November 2, 2012

In honor of the state championships won in soccer and jv/varsity volleyball, and the upcoming state championship in cross country and national championships to be won this week, I think this is a good week to take a break from the regular homework grind.  This will stand in the place of a homework pass previously mentioned in regard to the volleyball state tournament.  Instead, if you'd like to write an essay about the Reformation and post it this week, it will take the place of any future assignment this quarter that you choose.  Remember, it was on October 31, Reformation Day, that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the cathedral in Wittenburg, Germany.  Your essay can be about Luther or any other reformer; it must be 250 words but requires no responses to anyone else's essay.  God bless!

Homework 2, Due October 26, 2012

Because I'll be participating in the Jr/Sr Retreat this weekend I need to post this assignment a little early.  Last week's homework assignment was very well done by so many of you! Congratulations on your research and on taking a stand. Remember, there's no reason why politics should intimidate you; it's your RIGHT to have an opinion and to express it freely. If someone else wants to get angry and act childishly that shouldn't convince you to not participate! By backing down you give up your right to participate in the democratic process.

This week's assignment will focus on a less-controversial subject, though. When you think of Ancient Rome it is likely that you picture the incredible architecture and artwork that continues to exist and inspire us today. Your assignment is to follow one of the following links and choose a Roman piece of artwork or architecture to share with us. What was the initial purpose of your topic? Does it exist today? What is special/unusual about it? Why did you choose this specific example?

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/
http://www.roman-colosseum.info/roman-architecture/index.htm

Take time to choose your selection carefully and share what you've learned!

Homework 1, Due October 19, 2012

As we continue our discussion of the history of Rome I want you to consider the enormous amount of dedication and sacrifice it must have taken for the democratic system to have been adopted - and then notice how quickly the Romans lost it with the dawn of the age of emperors. The right to choose our representatives in government is sacred and includes an incredible responsibility. Voters absolutely must make an honest effort to understand the issues and carefully consider the longterm effects of the proposed plans in order to make a reasonable choice. For example, polls conducted this week on college campuses in states where key elections are being held found that many of the students were unaware of the positions of the candidates - on issues the students said they cared about! (I suppose we can all be thankful that the youth voter turnout is consistently low).

This week's assignment is an exercise in democracy. I want you to visit the site http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Elections/fullpage?id=17012629 to view an analysis of the upcoming election. Then I want you to choose any election on the ABC News site and report back on it. Who is the incumbent, who is the challenger (include the party affiliation) and who does ABC News think will win? Then find a news story about the campaign and share what you learn (cite your source). Finally, tell us who you think should be elected (or good/bad points about both candidates if you wish to keep your politics a secret).

Remember that the minimum requirement is 250 words - you don't have to write a book! Your responses to your classmates have been good; keep up the good work!