Merry Christmas!

Although it's been said many times, many ways... Merry Christmas to all my students!

I have the greatest job in the world, thanks to you guys.

Have fun with your family and friends this Christmas break, and enjoy your fellow student Juan singing the Ave Maria at our recent assembly.

See you next year!

Some of you definitely have a future in advertising.

There were some excellent presentations in class today.  Lots of good research, some terrific PowerPoints (plus a Prezi!), and some fired-up speakers (I'm talking to you, Ben).

We are just two class days, a weekend, and three exam days away from Christmas vacation.  You can make it!

For your information - the exam schedule:

Monday, December 17
     English, Social Studies
Tuesday, December 18
     Math, World Languages
Wednesday, December 19
     Religion, Science

Projects due in class tomorrow

Tomorrow you are going to present your projects, and you are going to help me with the grading.  I will ask you to keep these factors in mind as you honestly assess your classmates’ projects:

·                     Did they do a good job convincing you to buy their product?

·                     Did they give a professional presentation to the class?

·                     Were there facts and figures to back up their advertising claims?

·                     Did they produce an effective "magazine ad" advertising their product?

·                     Did they do thorough research in making their project?

·                     Did they have a proper Works Cited list?

·                     Was their report largely mistake-free (spelling, facts, etc.)?

·                     Did they apply what they learned about Economics to their report?

fun facts about your project

You need to know these things about your project:

• it is worth 100 points
• it is the main method of assessment for our Economic Geography unit
• it is to be completely ready to present at the start of class Wednesday
• it should reflect concepts learned during the video and class discussions
• it will be graded by me, but with some peer-review input from you
• its first slide should include the title and the names of the entire group
• its last slide should be your Works Cited list
• your Works Cited list should include articles you researched 
• your Works Cited list should not include images you used
• one slide will be a full-page "magazine ad" advertising your product

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

More info on your project

Let's make sure we're all "on the same page" regarding this project.  All sections will work on this project together in class on Monday.  All sections will present their projects in class on Wednesday.  Thus, you will have had Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (in class), and Tuesday to work on this assignment.  Therefore, it should be fantastic.  When you created this Google presentation in class on Friday, all group members provided their Gmail addresses so you could collaborate and contribute to the project over the weekend.  If you decide to only work on this project during class, it will probably not be as fantastic.  The assignment is worth 100 points, so it is worth giving it your best shot.

Please email me at rschick@johncarroll.org if you have questions.

project time

You work for a marketing company and you have been assigned the task of convincing people to buy things that are made in America.  There’s a catch!  Another team in the office has been given the task of convincing people to buy cheaper goods made outside of the United States.  May the most convincing team win.

Each team is responsible for coming up with an original slogan. You need to then come up with the statistics that back up your group's main ideas.

The team needs to create a PowerPoint to be used in advertisements promoting the team's ideas.  Your job is to be persuasive.

Each team needs to have at least one person do some shopping research.  Your presentation should include the price comparison of at least three products: at least one must be made in the USA and a similar product made outside the USA.  Is there any difference in price, quality, material, etc.?

JOBS:
1. Chief Researcher
2. Researcher / Presentation Creator
3. Researcher / Poster/Newspaper Ad Designer
4. Product Researcher

nice work

All three classes has excellent discussions today.  As we watch People's Republic of Capitalism, we need to understand such terms as capitalism, communism, free enterprise, and free market.  This should make it more meaningful as we follow the events in the video.

Post your definitions on tonight's blog.  If you are able to add to your definitions with information you got in today's discussion, that would be even better.

What?!? Jobs coming BACK to the US?

It's true - at least for General Electric.  You can read about it here, in an excellent article in The Atlantic magazine.

But beware: this is an article written for adults, and it may force you to actually think.  Good luck!

(Also, the second installment of People's Republic of Capitalism can be found here.)

The People's Republic of Capitalism

Some questions to consider:

How would you explain the interdependence of the Chinese and American economies?

When you buy something - especially at a big-box retailer - do you read the label to find the country of origin?  Would that influence your purchasing decision?

Some of the experts interviewed see US - Chinese interdependence as a "win-win" situation, because investing brings good returns and outsourcing helps keep some US plants open.  Do you agree or disagree, and why?

BTW, I have posted the video here (and under my links) in case you missed any due to Stemming or being sick, or if you would just like to review your favorite parts.

quiz grades are posted

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Grades have been posted for the last quiz.  62 of you took it, and 42 of you got an A - including 23 perfect scores!  Well done!

Average scores, by section:
Section 1 - 92%
Section 2 - 89%
Section 3 - 93%

Check PowerSchool to see how you did.

essay guidelines and a rubric

Yesterday I posted a description of this assignment.

Here you can find the rubric, and also to the right in my Links sidebar.

Here are some guidelines for writing 500-word essays, which you may find helpful on this and other essay assignments.

Good luck, and be sure to write an excellent paper!

some essay details

As we discussed in class, your essay (worth 200 points) is due at the start of class on Monday.  You are writing about the relationship between the United States and any two of the countries we have been covering in class.  This is not a major research paper per se, but you are expected to do some research, and provide a Works Cited at the end of the essay.   The use of EasyBib (using the MLA format) will help make your bibliography easy to do.  There are a number of excellent websites that will help you in researching these countries and leaders, including the World Factbook, the New York Times, the BBC, and even Al Jazeera (particularly for coverage of news in the Middle East).

I've said it a number of times in class, but it bears repeating: you will hand me a printed copy of this paper at the beginning of Monday's class.  Late penalties apply if you do not do so.  Good luck, and write a great paper!

Paper time

We've identified many of the nations that are very important to the United States.

We discussed the leaders of these countries, and how they came into their leadership roles.

We've traced the origins of these countries, and when they achieved their independence.

We've even located these countries on a map!

Now it's time to pull it all together.  In a 500-word paper that you will turn in at the beginning of class Monday, you will pick two of the nations we have been covering, and discuss their relationship with the United States.  Be sure to discuss the role of their leaders in this relationship.

As we discussed in class, in the interest of fostering collaboration, you have the option of working on this paper solo or with one other person.

Also keep in mind that the last quiz on this Political Geography unit will be given Monday,  Nov. 19.

I will post more specific information soon, including formatting, citations, and a rubric.

Political Geography research

Our next discussion of Political Geography will revolve around the origins of the countries we have been studying.  We will be covering terms such as state, nation, colonialism, imperialism, etc.  To prepare for this, we will be spending some class time researching the early origins of these nations. The CIA Factbook and Wikipedia are good resources.  We will approach our research using these questions:

When did (this country) achieve independence?

What was their history before they became independent?

Were they ever the subjects of another country?

Where can this country be found on a world or regional map?

More details in class.  Examples below.  Feel free to use the examples I have provided as a template for doing your research on Afghanistan, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Iran, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

United States

Declared independence on July 4, 1776

From the 1500s through the 1700s, they were settled and colonized by the Spanish, British, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and other European nations.  The original thirteen colonies were held by Great Britain until the Revolutionary War, after which they became the first thirteen states.  There are now 50 states in the United States.  The United States is considered the last true superpower, with the world's largest military and the world's largest economy.

Israel

Israel became an independent state on May 14, 1948

Following World War Two, the newly-formed United Nations drafted a treaty dividing up some of Palestine's land.  They established an independent Arab state and an independent Jewish state.  Many Jews emigrated to the new nation of Israel post WWII.  Creation of this new Jewish state was not universally accepted by Arabs, even though Israel was officially admitted to the UN on May 11, 1949.  There is still controversy surrounding Israel's very existence in the Middle East.

China

China's official date of independence is October 1, 1949.

China is one of the world's oldest civilizations.  As long ago as 221 BC, China was unified as a nation during the Qin dynasty.  They formed a republic on January 1, 1912.  The current Communist government, officially called the People's Republic of China, was formed in 1949.  

good conversations

We have had pretty good discussions over the background of our world leaders.  And, I have had some excellent conversations with many of your parents tonight, here at Parent-Teacher conferences.

Two things to keep in mind for tomorrow:  we are on a one-hour late bell, and you never know when the next pop quiz will appear.

election results are in...

...and Barack Obama has been re-elected as President of the United States.

So, as we discussed in class today, find two facts about Obama that relate to his leadership abilities.  Give him the same treatment you gave to the other world leaders we have been studying.  Post these facts to your blog.

learning about the leaders

Tonight's assignment:  take each world leader listed on my Friday blog, and find two important facts about them that have to do with their leadership qualities or style.  The purpose is to learn about their effectiveness as the leaders of these important nations.  These might have to do with their personal background, their education, their professional experience, their belief system, or any other aspects of their lives that you think shaped them as leaders.  This will count as your blog posting for today.

As I said in class, you do not have to research Barack Obama for this assignment tonight.  Late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning we will all find out if he or Mitt Romney will be the POTUS* for the next four years.  Then we will add the last name to the list.

Lastly, it would be a good idea to start looking at a world map with an eye toward identifying the locations of all these countries.

* POTUS = President of the United States

world leaders

"I am President-Elect Enrique Peña Nieto.  Although I won the most recent Mexican national elections, held in July 2012, I will not be sworn in until December 1, just four weeks away."

"I am the king of Saudi Arabia, as well as it's Prime Minister.  I am known as Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.  I ascended to the throne on August 1, 2005.  I have had 13 wives, and I have fathered at least 35 children.  I am worth about 21 billion dollars."

"I'm Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany since 2005.  Forbes Magazine recently ranked me the fourth most powerful person in the world.  Maybe the fact that I am the de facto leader of the European Union has something to do with that."

"We're Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu, and President Shimon Peres.  We run the nation of Israel, and we have been in power since 2007 and 2009, respectively."  

"I am Hu Jintao.  I am the President of the People's Republic of China, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China.  Since I assumed office in 2002, China's steady economic growth has established my country as a major world power."





"I am Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran since 2005.  I worry the United States - and a lot of other countries, especially Israel - because I am actively supporting Iran's nuclear program.  I always claim that we are just building plants for nuclear energy, by many others suspect I am trying to build a nuclear bomb."


"I am Hamad Karzai, and I have been President of Afghanistan since December 7, 2004.  I replaced a regime that had been run by the Taliban.  If you don't think I have a dangerous job, consider that I have survived at least four assassination attempts since taking office."

"I am François Hollande, and on May 6 of this year I won the French presidential election, defeating Nicolas Sarkozy and three other candidates, and I was sworn in nine days later.  I am also the head of the French Socialist party."

"I am Pranab Mukherjee, and I have been President of India since July of this year, when I won my election by trouncing my opponent, winning 70 percent of the vote.  I used to teach a political science course in an Indian college, and I have also written five books."  

"I am Hugo Chavez, I have been President of Venezuela since 1999, I am unashamed to be leading my country in a Socialist direction, and I am one of the most controversial leaders in the world.  I have recently been treated for colon cancer, and although I have declared myself to be cured, some of my opponents claim I said that just to help my re-election campaign."  

"I'm David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since my election in May of 2010.  I am the leader of the Conservative Party, and a graduate of the prestigious Oxford University, with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics."

"I am Queen Elizabeth II of England.  I have been Queen for over 60 years.  I have been in power for longer than everybody else on this list combined.  Long live the Queen!" 

"I am Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil.  I am the first woman to ever be elected President of my country, and I have been in office since 2011.  I am also the first economist to be elected President of Brazil."    

"I am Barack Obama, President of the United States, and I approve this blog." 

next: Political Geography

After you have finished the test, here is an assignment to ease you into our unit on Political Geography.

Take the countries listed below, and identify the type of government they have, along with their leader's name, their title, and a photo of said leader.  Post this very useful information to your blog.  This assignment is due at the start of your class on Monday.

Let me demonstrate:

United States

Constitution-based federal republic

President Barack Obama







Now you do the same for the following countries:

• Mexico
• China
• India
• Afghanistan
• Iran
• Israel
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Brazil
• Venezuela
• Saudi Arabia

As always, the CIA Factbook will be one of many valuable resources you may use to complete this 60-point assignment.  Do this well, and you will be off to a great start for the second quarter.  See you Monday!

test outline

Five questions on the elements of Culture.
Ten questions on the "discovery" of America.
Twenty-five questions on religion.
Forty total questions, worth 100 points.

Good luck!

important announcement

Due to recent developments, the test on Cultural Geography originally scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday Oct. 24) has been rescheduled for Friday, October 26.  This test score will still count as a first quarter grade, and I will be entering it with Wednesday's date in PowerSchool.  Everything stays the same, except you get two more days to prepare!

schedule for the rest of Q1

Here is our schedule for the next several days.

Friday (today): finish the presentation on five key religions (Sections 2 and 3).  Please note that you now have access to my answers for the religion assignment (check links).

Monday: Professional Day - no classes for students.

Tuesday: finish the presentation on five of the key religions (Section 1).

Wednesday: test on culture and religion.

Thursday: make-up day for anyone who misses the test on Wednesday.  Thursday is also the last day of the first quarter.

PSATs - in your rearview mirror

It's nice to have those tests out of the way, isn't it?

Back to Human Geo:  if you are one of the people who is having trouble with their blog, you have to come to see me to straighten things out.  I am around every day after school, but you need to let me know when you want to meet.  It won't take long, but it is important that you make the effort to get down to the TV Studio to meet with me.

Religions - five of 'em

Religion is one of the most important elements of culture.  We continued our discussion of five of the most important ones.

Good luck on the PSATs tomorrow!

learned behavior, baby, learned behavior...

"Culture is the integrated system of learned behavior patterns which are characteristic of the members of a society and which are not the result of biological inheritance...

...culture is not genetically predetermined; it is noninstinctive...

...it is wholly the result of social invention and is transmitted and maintained through communication and learning."

- wise words from noted anthropologist E. Adamson Hoebel.

Classwork for a Friday

As we continue to discuss cultural geography, we turn our attention to religion.

In class today, you will do a mini-research project.  Take these five key religions - Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism - and answer these questions about each one.

• When and where was this religion founded?
• Is it monotheistic or polytheistic?
• If they have a holy book, what is it?
• How many followers does this religion claim?
• Who is the central figure of this religion?
• What is the geographical concentration of this religion?

Take your answers and write them in paragraph form in your blog.  This assignment is worth 30 points, and if you don't finish it in class, it is due by midnight Saturday night.

Hope to see you Monday.

Cultural Geography

I liked the class discussions we have going as we investigate cultural geography.  Hope you're taking good notes, which should then translate into good blogs!

more good work

Click here for a good report on Vikings by Ellie, Avery, Carly, Austin, Ben, Austin, Andy, and Olivia, and go here for some good work about Native Americans by Austin, Madison, Madisen, Parker, Darian, Melisa, Savannah, Taylor, and Michael.

We also liked this report on Columbus by Will, Alice, Michael, Lexie, Matt, Danielle, Maria, and the newst member of Section 2, Michael.  Sean, Mary Kate, Morgan, Cole and Kishan delivered this report on Columbus.

great work from Section 1

Wanna see a couple excellent presentations from today's class?  I've got one on the Vikings right here, (thanks to Holly, Kristin, Nadia, Maria, Grace, and Doori) and another one on Native Americans, right here (nice work, Damon, Liam, Patrick, Alex, Xavier, Maddie and Eryn).

Our unit on Culture is well underway!

questions for tonight's homework

1. When did your group first arrive in the Americas?
2. In what present-day place did they first arrive?
3. How did they get here?
4. Were there other cultures of people present in the Americas when they arrived?
5. Did they fight to conquer the Americas?
6. Were they sent by order of someone else to find new land?
7. Did they stay in the Americas for any length of time?
8. Did they respect (take care of) the land?

on to the next unit

Friday we took our test on God Grew Tired of Us.  Scores will be posted soon.  I'm hoping that your ability to use your blog on the test inspires you to put some real effort into your daily postings.

I hope to have word for you on Monday about what charitable organization we will be supporting.  Thanks for all your input!

The next unit will be Cultural Geography.  Be ready in class Monday with your notebook, a pen or pencil, and an open, inquisitive mind!

test tomorrow

If you paid close attention to the movie, and you took good notes, you will be fine for tomorrow's test on God Grew Tired of Us.  If you need to review the film, note that a link to the entire film is listed to the right.

progress through collaboration

Great work today.  We have identified numerous organizations for us to choose from.  Soon we will select one that we can get behind, to help us with our goal of assisting the people of sub-Saharan Africa.

Isn't it reassuring, by the way, that so many organizations exist, all with the desire to help others?   Let's find the one that is going to work best for us.

Reminder:  on Friday we are going to test on God Grew Tired of Us.  It's a 100-pointer, fill in the blank.

not your finest hour

To be frank, today's Section 1 class was disappointing.  I realize not everybody in the class demonstrated unacceptable behavior during our research exercise, but too many of you showed a real lack of maturity.  I'm willing to forgive and forget, and I'd like to think that you were just in a bizarre mood - or maybe it was the full moon.

But let me be clear - it had better not happen again.

philanthropic inclinations

Today all three sections finished watching God Grew Tired of Us.  If you missed some of the film, or if you just want to see certain parts of it again, click here or click the link to the right.

Many of you expressed interest in doing something about this situation.  In addition to your regular blog, I encourage you (as we discussed in class) to find a channel for your actions.  There are lots of charities, groups, and organizations that are working to improve life in Sudan and other parts of the sub-Saharan world.  Tomorrow in class we will investigate some possibilities.

John Carroll's motto for this year is "Go make a difference."  Here's your chance!

"Good movie!"

I'm getting good feedback from you guys regarding God Grew Tired of Us.  The story of Daniel, John, and Panther is a pretty compelling one.  I'm hoping it breathes some life into migration rates and push forces.

I'm taking my TV Production classes on a field trip tomorrow, so I won't be in class with Section 1.  But you will be in good hands with Ms. Stathes, who will show you the next part of the movie and possibly facilitate a discussion.  Sections 2 and 3: I'll see you in class!

more test review, more movie

Sections 2 and 3 took their turn at reviewing the last test, followed by another look at God Grew Tired of Us.  Section 1 got deeper into the film, and had a fine discussion at the end of class, for which I thank you.  A class that has insights like yours makes my job truly enjoyable.

test review, and more of the film

Today Section 1 reviewed last week's test.  I wouldn't be surprised if you saw some of these questions again...on the final exam (which is in about 13 weeks).  We also caught a few more minutes of God Grew Tired of Us.  The other sections will do the same tomorrow.

What's next?

Today we took a test on population terms and concepts.  Now we transition to a real-world situation that involves population and migration: the recent civil wars in Sudan.  We will be watching God Grew Tired of Us, an award-winning film about three of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

If you didn't know what a push factor was before, you sure will by the time we finish.

news you can use

As mid-quarters approach, here are some things you should know to ensure a good Human Geo grade on your MQR.

There are only a couple people who are still having blog trouble.  Everyone else should be sure to post missing blogs immediately.

If you have any zeroes in PowerSchool, you should post the missing assignments to your blog by midnight Sunday.

Monday's test will be all objective questions.  This will enable me to grade it in time for MQRs.  I suggest you take some time to study this weekend to give yourself the best chance possible to show me what you've learned. 

Let me know if you have any questions or problems.

first test of the quarter

On Monday we will test on what we have covered since the beginning of the year.  Expect a handful of questions about A Message to Garcia, ancient Greece, and the Did You Know 3.0 video.

Expect a greater number of questions about population statistics, the student reports given in class, and the CIA Factbook.

Like most tests in Human Geography, the test is worth 100 points.

Have a great weekend!

change in plans

To allow enough time to properly view all your presentations, I am postponing the test until Monday.

Google presentation

Now it's Section 2 and 3's turn to work in small groups  The idea is that you will teach each other about some of the world's most important nations, and how they relate to our studies of population.  These graded, 50 pt. presentations will be done through Google Docs, and the collaboration continues at home tonight to complete the work done in class today. 

Section 1 started on their presentations today, and actually did a great job of showing how these terms relate to each other, and how they can be used to describe and analyze any nation on earth.

To prepare for Friday's test, you should concentrate on the population terms we have been studying.  I would also look back at the notes you took on A Message to Garcia, on Socrates and the Greeks, and the Did You Know 3.0 video.

our first project

Section 1 kicks off our first class project of the year.  Working in small groups, we will teach each other about some of the world's most important nations, and how they relate to our studies of population.  These graded, 50 pt. presentations will be done through Google Docs, and the collaboration continues at home tonight to complete the work done in class today.

This exercise will help you prepare for the test we have scheduled for this Friday.


And remember:

Thoughts become words,
words become actions,
actions become habits,
habits become character,
and character becomes destiny.

helpful background information

The issues surrounding population are pretty complex.  In order to understand them, we need to build a solid foundation.  We need to be able to define certain terms and concepts.  That was the purpose behind today's discussion, and the PowerPoint that came with it (the link to this PowerPoint has been posted).

Essential terms include:

• life expectancy
• crude birth rate (CBR)
• crude death rate (CDR)
• developing nations
• developed nations
• rate of natural increase (RNI)
• net migration rate (NMR)
• immigration
• emigration
• push forces
• pull forces
• total fertility rate (TFR)

nice to hear from you!

All three sections had terrific discussions today!  I guess it helps when the subject is as interesting as "Did You Know 3.0," but you guys really stepped up.  I find class a lot more engaging when you get more involved, and I'll bet you do too.  Don't forget to get your Friday blogs in before Saturday night ends.





Blogger.com update:  Of the 42 blogs that went down yesterday, all but seven are up and running again.  I am working with the tech crew at Google to get service restored to Grace, Damon, and Pat in Section 1, Alice, Richard, and Carly in Section 2, and Mary G in Section 3.  Stay tuned to my blog for further updates.

Have a great weekend, and thanks again for all the enthusiasm!

the Blogger Blues

Many of you are unable to access your blogs at this time.  I am in contact with the Blogger tech people, and hope to have this problem resolved soon.  In the meantime, if you can't post to your blog, you need to write your blog assignment in a Word document, or any other word processing software.  Save it until we get this all straightened out, and then you can post it to your blog.  There will be no late penalties for late postings, but there will be penalties if you don't post after I give you the go-ahead.

If this problem is not affecting you, and you are able to access your blog, post to it as usual.

Reminder: tonight's assignment is to watch the "Did You Know 3.0" video, choose two of the factoids that really caught your attention, and explain what relevance they have for you.

Thanks for your patience while we sort this all out.

oh, 21st century...

When I think about some of the questions we discussed in class today, 

and when I consider some of the facts presented in "Did You Know 3.0" 

(which Section 1 watched today, and the other sections will see tomorrow), 

I think this is a great time to be alive.  

At the very least, it is an interesting moment in history.  

Your blogs tonight will focus on our class discussion; 

Section 1 will also include personal reactions to two of the statements in the video. 

the wonders of the Factbook, and an historic day

Today's class (only Section 1 met today) proved that a handful of questions and answers from the CIA Factbook - coupled with a very sad anniversary - can really jump-start a far-reaching conversation.

I'm looking forward to reading your blogs after this class.

working with the CIA

The CIA World Factbook is an extremely useful website - but you knew that already, based on our incredibly informative and exciting class today.  To get you familiar with this site, here is your homework assignment for tonight.

Go to the link "Questions for the CIA Factbook," which I have posted on my blog.  Using only the CIA Factbook as a resource, answer those 25 questions on your blog.  In addition, I want you to pick out the two questions that you find most compelling, interesting, or important to you as an American, or to you as a young person.  Briefly tell me in your posting why you chose each question.

Note taking, research, and the Prairie State

It being Thursday, only Sections 2 and 3 met today.  Section 2 worked on note-taking skills and learned why Nebraska is actually far flatter than a pancake.  I received a good report from Section 3's sub that you all worked hard and stayed focused in class, and for that I thank you.

As usual, your homework is to blog about today's class.  I would also recommend that everyone take one more look at your summer reading book tonight, so you can come in tomorrow and have some great discussions in your small groups.  Also, keep in mind that there is a graded assignment given tomorrow based on your book, so be ready!

See you next week!

research and note taking

Class discussions are focusing on two skills essential for academic success: research methods and note-taking.

Section 1 met yesterday and covered evaluation of websites; Sections 2 and 3 covered that today.

Today Section 1 performed a note-taking exercise, which Section 2 will do with me tomorrow.

Tomorrow Section 3 will work with a sub while I am out of the building.  Students will click on the "Evaluating websites" link, and look closely at the nine numbered websites.  Decide whether each one is appropriate for use as a primary source for a research paper, and whether it would be useful in a general research context.  Explain your answers and post them to your blog.  If you do not complete this in class, finish it for homework.

Read this carefully.

It's Friday.  In class we finished our discussions on excellence.  By analyzing Elbert Hubbard's essay A Message to Garcia, and examining Socrates and the ancient Greeks, we complete our introductory unit.

Now comes the assessment (the graded part).

Your five blogs - one for last Thursday, August 23, and one for each class we held this week - are due before midnight, September 2. (That's 12:00 AM, as Saturday changes to Sunday.)

The first blog is worth 10 points, the next four are worth two points each.

In the next part of your assessment, you will write three essays, worth 25 points each, to be posted to your blog before midnight, Tuesday, September 4.

Essay #1:  Give your original definition of arete, and describe how Socrates and the ancient Greeks demonstrated this quality.

Essay #2:  Imagine that Elbert Hubbard and Socrates have time-travelled to the present.  Describe what they would think or say about life in America in the year 2012.

Essay #3:  Assuming that you think that excellence is a good thing, write out a five-point action plan that describes how you are going to approach your career at the John Carroll School over the next four years.

Since you have a long weekend to work on these essays, I expect them to be thoughtful and well-written, containing a minimum of spelling and grammatical errors.  You may post the three essays all at once or separately.  Late postings will be subject to a late penalty.

If anything about these assignments is unclear to you, please stop by to see me after school today in Room 121, or email me at rschick@johncarroll.org with your questions. 

I am looking forward to reading these, as I expect you will all do excellent work!

Hubbard, Socrates, and excellence

While Section 1 had the day off today, Section 2 heard A Message to Garcia and Section 3 plunged headlong into ancient Greece.

We will all get back on track tomorrow, then be rewarded with a three-day weekend.  Make sure you are caught up on your blogs, define the Greek terms if you haven't already done so, and get ready for one more day of Human Geo tomorrow.

a slight diversion

I had planned to continue our discussion of A Message to Garcia, ancient Greece, and the concept of excellence.  But circumstances dictated that we use class time to get everyone up to speed regarding JC email, blogs, and other technological concerns. 

To prepare for the rest of the week, the following homework assignment for tonight still stands.

Research the following, as they relate to ancient Greece:  In addition to your blog about today's class, include definitions or descriptions of these terms.

• arête
• polis
• Socrates
• the death of Socrates
• the Socratic method
• the date 508 BC
• agora
• what the ancient Greeks meant if they called you an idiot

Also, please note that I have provided a link to A Message to Garcia in my link list.

A Message to Garcia

Section 1 had a very good class, relating A Message to Garcia to our situation - preparing for the world of college and beyond.

(If you want to get a jump on tomorrow, we'll be tying Hubbard's essay together with the world of ancient Greece.  Important concepts:  arête, the polis, Socrates, his death, and the Socratic Method, the date 508 BC, the agora, and what the ancient Greeks meant if they called you an idiot.  Feel free to include your thoughts on this in tonight's blog.)

Progress on your blogs

Take a look at the link lists to the right.  If you see your name listed, you have successfully set up your blog and sent the URL to me.  If you don't see your name listed, you still have work to do.

Once you see your name listed, you do not need to email me every time you post a blog.  I will see them when I grade the blogs on Sundays.

Thanks for your kind attention during class today as we covered the "nuts and bolts" of late policies, the syllabus, and other arcane details.  Tomorrow we begin class in earnest - with Elbert Hubbard.

Welcome!

In today's very brief class, we met for the first time.  You learned about the existence of this blog, as well as its importance.  As short as the class was, there was still time to give you a homework assignment.  Please do the following by next Monday:

• Add this blog to your Favorites.
• Create a Gmail account, and use it to set up your class blog through blogger.com .
• After you have created your blog, send the URL to rschick@johncarroll.org .
• Write your first blog post.  In at least 150-200 words, describe the experience of your first day at John Carroll.   Take your time; write well; proofread; rewrite as necessary.  Impress me with this first (graded) example of your writing talent.
• Buy a Compostion book.  They are available at Target for 50 cents.  
• Carefully read the class syllabus, which can be found under "Links that don't stink" just to the right of this post.
• I recommend you set up Google Chrome as your default browser.

Day One.

In teaching Human Geography to the brilliant students of The John Carroll School, one has to begin somewhere.  I choose to begin with the creation of this blog.  

This blog is available to students, parents, and fans and followers worldwide.  It will serve as a diary of what we learn from each other, and what we discover together.  It will cover what we did in class on a particular day, what homework might be assigned, and anything else pertaining to our class.  It will be a resource for research, a collection of cultures, a treasure trove of trivia, perhaps even an entry to enlightenment.

We can only hope.