Homework 7, Due March 1, 2013

Let's turn our attention this week to current US politics and what the budget negotiations in Washington, D.C. mean for us. If the Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Democrats in the Senate (and President Obama) fail to agree on a budget for the second half of this year, automatic spending cuts and tax increases will go into effect. This process is known as "sequestration" and is very new.  Previously in such situations the government would "shut down."  This has actually happended several times, one of which was very politically important. To read about the last time this happened I'd like you to read an article from the Christian Science Monitor .

Looking back to 1995, the Republican Party had just won massive victories in the midterm elections, taking control of the House of Representatives and the Senate while the Democrats controlled the White House(sounds familiar, right?). Like today, the two sides immediately clashed over spending. The Republicans wanted to cut spending by reducing government programs in order to reduce the deficit (government debt) and lower taxes. Democrats argued that the government spending was necessary and that people would suffer if the programs were eliminated. The Republicans were led by Newt Gingrich who was Speaker of the House of Representatives and Bob Dole, the minority leader of the Senate. Of course, Bill Clinton was President

A very short, clear summary of the events can be found  here while a transcript of a PBS newscast during the dramatic negotiations cab be found here . The newscast is rather long, but if you read some of it you'll get a sense of the tension surrounding the political fight in Washington.

Answer the following questions: How important is compromise in the political system? If we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? What is your opinion of the current budget battle? Are there differences between now and 1995? (Need I remind you that rude or disrespectful posts will be deleted, meaning that you will receive no credit for the assignment?).

The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as all those that preceded it. Have a good week!

Homework 6, Due February 22, 2013

As we’ve been studying the French Revolution and the individuals who played key roles in its beginning and its outcome, it is important to remember that it is ideas which are the great force that moves the course of history. God’s Word sets forth truth, yet humanity seems bent on finding its own way. For generations an idea proclaimed to be truth will create a political, social, and economic status quo, only to have another idea, usually its opposite, sweep it away.

Take recent theories on parenting, for instance. The generation that survived the Great Depression raised their children strictly, insisting on hard work, stern discipline, and thrift. The children came through World War II and experienced a fantastic economy in their early adulthood. The result is that they raised their children in a manner that was completely opposite to their own Spartan childhoods – they raised the Baby Boomer generation, which gave us the hippie movement and Jerry Garcia.

In like manner, the Enlightenment was a rejection of the conservatism and religious effects of the Reformation. Your assignment this week is to read about the Enlightenment and its chief pupil, Napoleon Bonaparte. Read an essay about the Enlightenment then read an essay about the life of Napoleon . After reading them both and answer these questions: How did the Enlightenment gain such popularity with Europeans? How did the ideas of the Enlightenment shape Napoleon? How much impact does the Enlightenment have on today’s society? (Give examples).

Remember the requirements of these assignments and make every effort to complete your work on time.

Homework 5, Due February 15, 2013

This month has been designated "Black History Month" and in this week's assignment we will investigate some of the interesting facts about African-Americans in US history. When I was in school (not too long ago, I'd like to point out), especially in younger grades, the history of black Americans was largely overlooked in many textbooks. For instance, slavery was hardly mentioned in chapters dealing with life in the early years of the US. Today historians are quick to point out that in order to understand the past we must learn about the lives of all parts of historical society - the rich and poor, the notable individuals as well as those who lived in obscurity. This assignment is meant to give you an opportunity to research some of the important contributions made by African-Americans and help you better understand the complicated history of the US.

Start by going to the link African-American History Month . Under the tab labelled "National Archives" choose a lesson to read and review. Summarize your findings IN YOUR OWN WORDS and explain what can be understood about the history of the US from those documents.

I hope you enjoy this assignment. The documents are made available by the US government's Library of Congress. Remember to meet the requirements of all history assignments.

Homework 4, Due February 8, 2013

As I sit here watching the refs decide the outcome of the Super Bowl, it occurs to me that it might be fun for you to do some research about the history of sports franchises in the US. So here's your assignment: research and report the history of a current day professional sports team of your choice. When was the team founded? What major changes have taken place since the team's inception? What have been the highlights of the franchise's history, and who stands out as the biggest star/stars? Hmm, and two bonus points on the next test if you let me know privately which major league baseball team used to take spring training in Kentucky!

Some of today's teams have been around for more than one hundred years but have seen notable changes. For instance, did you know that the Atlanta Braves were once called the Boston Beaneaters? Or that the New York Yankees were once known as the Baltimore Orioles? Or that the LA Dodgers were originally known as the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers? (That name actually makes sense, though, unlike another name they used for nearly a decade - the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, which I guess you could think of as "the unsuccessful dodgers"...).

A good place to start researching Major Leage Baseball teams would be Baseball Almanac . If you aren't interested in baseball, how about football? Did you know that the oldest professional football team is the Arizona Cardinals - who began in 1898 as the Racine Street Cardinals? They also won the first National Football League championship in 1925 - against the Pottsville Maroons. You can start looking for information at the link NFL Team History . Professional basketball hasn't been around as long but you can start looking for information at NBA History .

In addition to discussing the team's history, please share your opinion about why people are such sports fans. Are you a sports fan? Why or why not? Happy hunting! Remember that you must meet all homework requirements - and that NO POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR PLAGIARIZED WORK!