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March 31, 2006
Lesson #41 - Finishing the Congress
This is it. The last day of class where we'll be doing any "new' material. Monday will be yours to use to prepare for your final exams.
We'll wrap up as much of the Congress as possible today. Remember, we'll have a brief multiple choice (maybe some true/false) quiz on Monday on the stuff since break. This will be 10-15 points, and it should not require much additional preparation. I might read those two "overview" sheets, and I'd think a little about the topics we've done in the congress.
Remember to consult the Regional Studies - Final Exam blog entry to help in your preparation.
I've decided to cancel the final... EARLY APRIL FOOL!!!
(Don't forget to set your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night...)
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2006
Lesson #40 - More Modern Russia and China "Congress"
This might be the shortest blog entry EVER!!! We'll continue with our "congress" in 2nd Hour. 4th Hour will have the first half of the block to do Final Exam preparation, and then we'll pick up with the congress when I get back.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2006
Lesson #39 - Modern Russia and China Student Congress
Here's a list of your remaining assignments for this quarter:
Wednesday, March 29th Current Events are due- (20 points)
Wed./Fri., March 30/31 Student Congress participation- (10 points)
Monday, April 3rd Modern Russia/China multiple choice quiz- (15-20 points)
Modern Russia and China Student Congress: We'll use a simulated congress to "debate" some of the current issues facing Russia and China. Here are the seven resolutions we will begin debating today. We'll determine the "order of the day," meaning the order in which we will talk about these. You do that by voting.
Vladimir Putin has provided effective leadership for Russia.
The United States should place economic sanctions on Russia until it grants independence to Chechnya.
The United States should increase financial assistance to help secure Russia’s stockpile of nuclear weapons.
China’s economic growth should be considered a threat to the United States.
The United States should place economic sanctions on China until it grants the people of Tibet more rights.
The people of Taiwan should declare themselves an independent nation-state.
China should not have been selected to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
2nd Hour:
Speaker #1: Provides a “background” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #2: Provides an “affirmative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #3: Provides a “negative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
4th Hour:
Speaker #1: Provides an “affirmative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #2: Provides a “negative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
After these scheduled speeches (and questioning), other students may speak. It is expected that each class member will deliver at least one additional speech during the 2+ days that we do our congress.
REMEMBER, the Regional Studies Final Exam is scheduled for Tuesday. Consult the blog entry for all the questions and instructions.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 28, 2006
Lesson #38 - China - "Why Geography Matters"
Today, we'll be looking at the Why Geography Matters chapter on China - "Red Star Rising - China's Geopolitical Gauntlet." Those of you who read the chapter will help lead the conversation and teaching. The "China" half of the class will each earn up to ten points today. I'll put "5" in the gradebook, but you can earn up to 10. You can also get less than 5...
I'll give you all a handout that tracks some of the main points and ideas in the chapter. (Of course, half of you haven't even seen the chapter.) You can add any notes to that that you'd like.
Once we've talked about the chapter, the rest of the time will be yours. Remember that I should be getting your group's resolution sometime today, and your Current Events #3 batch is due on Wednesday.
REMEMBER, there's a blog entry with all the information for the Regional Studies: Final Exam.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2006
Lesson #37 - Russia - "Why Geography Matters"
Today, we'll be looking at the Why Geography Matters chapter on Russia - "Russia - Trouble on the Eastern Front." Those of you who read the chapter will help lead the conversation and teaching. The "Russia" half of the class will each earn up to ten points today. I'll put "5" in the gradebook, but you can earn up to 10. You can also get less than 5... (The same offer goes tomorrow on the China chapter.)
I'll give you all a handout that tracks some of the main points and ideas in the chapter. (Of course, half of you haven't even seen the chapter.) You can add any notes to that that you'd like.
Once we've talked about the chapter, the rest of the time will be yours. Remember that I should be getting your group's resolution sometime today, and your Current Events #3 batch is due on Wednesday.
REMEMBER, there's a blog entry with all the information for the Regional Studies: Final Exam.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2006
Lesson #36 - Modern China - Overview
INTERESTING ARTICLE: Wikipedia study 'fatally flawed'
Not a whole lot new to say today. We're basically going to do the same thing today with China that we did with Russia yesterday. I have a handout that gives you an overview of the situation in China today. after we talk about that, the rest of the time is yours to work.
Monday - Your group's resolution is due.
We'll talk about the Russia chapter from "Why Geography Matters"
Tuesday - We'll talk about the China chapter from ""Why Geography Matters"
Wednesday - Current Events #3 are due.
We'll begin the Modern Russia/China Student Congress
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2006
Lesson #35 - Modern Russia - Overview
Yesterday's blog entry has all the information for the student congress and a list of remaining assignments. Don't forget to consult that if you have any questions.
Our plan for today is to split the time between doing an overview of some of the issues facing Russia today and giving you some work time.
I have a handout for you that summarizes many of the key issues/questions that Russia is dealing with now and into the foreseeable future. There also some links below that we will make use of in class today.
The Dismantling of Russia Democracy - The Atlantic
BBC News: Timeline - Chechnya
These articles are all found on a great Russia site, Russia Profile.org
Russia Profile’s Weekly Experts’ Panel: Russia Looking to 2006
Russia Profile Weekly Experts Panel: A New Cold Spell in Russia-U.S. Relations?
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2006
Lesson #34 - Student Congress Set-Up
2nd Hour: Let's look back at yesterday's blog entry to see what we "missed."
Today's main task will be to set up the Modern Russia and China Student Congress that will be held later next week. You'll be able to work during the remaining time.
Here's a list of your remaining assignments for this quarter:
Monday, March 27th Student Congress resolution due- (10 points)
Mon./Tues., March 28/29 “Why Geography Matters” chapter discussions- (10 points)
Wednesday, March 29th Current Events are due- (20 points)
Wed./Fri., March 30/31 Student Congress participation- (10 points)
Monday, April 3rd Modern Russia/China quiz- (20 points)
Modern Russia and China Student Congress: We'll use a simulated congress to "debate" some of the current issues facing Russia and China. Here are the seven resolutions we will consider.
Vladimir Putin has provided effective leadership for Russia.
The United States should place economic sanctions on Russia until it grants independence to Chechnya.
The United States should increase financial assistance to help secure Russia’s stockpile of nuclear weapons.
China’s economic growth should be considered a threat to the United States.
The United States should place economic sanctions on China until it grants the people of Tibet more rights.
The people of Taiwan should declare themselves an independent nation-state.
China should not have been selected to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
You'll need to do two things once your groups "gets" their resolution. First, you'll need to provide a written resolution that contains at least 4 clear and effective "whereas" clauses. (You'll be emailed a copy of the template.) Second, your group will begin the debate on your resolution by delivering the first speeches.
2nd Hour: We’ll have 6 groups of 3 and one group of 2.
Speaker #1: Provides a “background” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #2: Provides an “affirmative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #3: Provides a “negative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
4th Hour: We’ll work in 7 pairs.
Speaker #1: Provides an “affirmative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
Speaker #2: Provides a “negative” speech of 2 to 3 minutes.
After these scheduled speeches (and questioning), other students may speak. It is expected that each class member will deliver at least one additional speech.
Remember, the "Why Geography Matters" discussions will take place Monday (Russia) and Tuesday (China). Each person with that chapter can receive up to 10 points for their contributions that day.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2006
Lesson #33 - "Why Geography Matters" - Russia and China
Today will be an "abbreviated" lesson since most of 2nd hour will be spent at the presentation by the local author organized by Ms. Horton.
One of the things you will each due these last two weeks is read a chapter from the book, Why Geography Matters: Three Challenges Facing America, by Harm de Blij. Mr. de Blij is Distinguished Professor of Economics at Michigan State University, and he was Geography Editor on "Good Morning America" for seven years.
Each of you will read one of these chapters:
Red Star Rising: China's Geopolitical Gauntlet
Russia: Trouble on the Eastern Front
We'll take next Monday and Tuesday to go through these chapters. We'll make Monday "Russia Day" and Tuesday "China Day." Basically, the half of the class that read the chapter will lead the discussion for that period. You can decide whether to divide it into sections amongst yourselves or whatever. Each person will recieve up to 10 points for their contributions on the day for their chapter.
REMINDER: Current Events #3 will be due next Wednesday, March 29th. I'll email you the template one final time if you need it again...
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 20, 2006
Lesson #32 - Modern Russia and China - Introduction
Welcome back. We've got eleven class periods left, and we'll be turning our attention to current (and future) Russia and China.
First, I'll hand back a bunch of work, and we can go over that. (Your essays are not done yet, and it will be a couple days before they are all corrected.)
Second, we can talk about any news stories over break that are of interest. In particular, I am curious about your thoughts given that this weekend marked the third anniversary of the United States-led invasion of Iraq. Here's a poll from this month's issue of The Atlantic that is kind of interesting. (Please don't look until we try asking the class the same questions.)
Third, we can talk a bit more about the Regional Studies Final Exam and what you can be doing to prepare for that.
Fourth, we'll brainstorm a bit about the current situations in Russia and China. We'll also talk a bit more about what's coming up in the next couple weeks. I'm thinking that we will focus on Russia this week and China next week.
ASSIGNMENT: You'll have a third (and final) batch of Current Events due next Wednesday, March 29th.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2006
Lesson #31 - 20th Century Russia and China Exam
Today is pretty straight forward. In class, you must complete three things: the Russia VIPs quiz, the identifications and the multiple choice.
You may have you identification notes out throughout the test, but that is all. Please put your name on them and turn them in as well.
Remember, your "take home" essay is due by 3:30 PM. You can either send it to me as an email attachment or print it out and turn it in.
Be cooperative for the substitute teacher and have a great break.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 02, 2006
Final Exam Information
Remember, this is only for your information. You do not need to actually do anything with this over break if you choose not to. However, I thought some of you might appreciate the chance to get a head start on your preparations.
You will write on two essay questions. Question #1 will be drawn at random at the time of the test. You may select Question #2 from the choices listed below. You may prepare and outline your answers (or take notes) on the sheets that will be provided for each question. That is all that you will be allowed to use on the final exam. Do not expect to be allowed to use your other notes and handouts here.
You can download a Final Exam - Note Sheet that you may bring to the finals. You may bring TWO sheets for the essays. You may use three of the columns for questions 1A, 1B, and 1C. You may use the fourth column for the #2 question that you get to choose. You may NOT go beyond this format. LIMIT YOUR NOTES TO NO MORE THAN 50 WORDS PER "BOX".
ONE of these questions will be selected at random at the time of the exam.
1A. History is made up of the stories of countless individuals. Some of those individuals have had a tremendous impact upon both their time and the future. For each of the four regions we studied, explain and defend your choice for the "most influential person" in that region's history. Which of these figures do you believe was the most influential?
1B. Long-term trends and gradual developments heavily determine the history of a region. At the same time, particular events can have a decisive impact. For each of the four regions we studied, explain and defend your choice for the "most important event" in that region's history. Which of these events do you believe was the most influential?
1C. As we have begun a new century, there is reason for both optimism and concern in many areas of the world. Key issues and trends face all of the areas we studied. For each of the four regions we studies, explain and defend your choice for the most important challenge that region faces. (It may be a particular conflict, a particular location, an outside influence, etc.) Which of these challenges do you believe will be the most difficult to overcome?
You may choose ONE of these questions to write on for the final exam. In each case, it is expected that you will draw on examples from all four of the regions. You will be expected to include a brief introduction and conclusion.
2A. Religion has been, and continues to be, a dominant influence around the world. Explain at least one time when religion had a major influence on the history of each of the four regions we have studied.
2B. Geography affects societies in many ways. For each of the regions we have studied, identify and explain at least one way that geography has been a major factor in the history or current situation in the region.
2C. Discrimination has occurred for various reasons in societies around the world for generations. For each of the four regions we have studied, explain the way in which some type of discrimination harmed the stability or progress of that region.
2D. Societies around the world have long expressed their values and ideas through a variety of forms of artistic and cultural expressions. For each of the four regions we studied, identify and explain the importance of at least one form of this expression that you believe was significant to that region.
2E. Military conflict is often a decisive event in the history of a region. For each of the four regions we studied, identify and explain the significance of your choice as the most important military conflict to have occurred in that region.
2F. Government's treatment of the people has been a recurring theme in our studies. For each of the four regions we studied, identify and explain the significance of one time where you believe a government has violated the rights of its people.
Posted by mvergin at 08:15 AM | Comments (0)
Lesson #30 - Tiananmen Square and Its Aftermath
We'll spend a bit of time talking about the events at Tiananmen Square and what happened in the aftermath in 1989.
I've relinked the news story from yesterday's blog and the BBC archives... BBC on This Day - June 4, 1989. Massacre in Tiananmen Square
Here is a collection of documents about Tiananmen Square released from the National Security Archives of the United States government. They make for interesting browsing.
Most of our class time, however, will be dedicated to review and test preparation. Remember that everything you need for information about the test is found on the separate blog entry: 20th Century Russia and China - Exam Information.
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 01, 2006
Lesson #29 - From Mao to Deng to Tiananmen Square
We're done with our look at the Soviet Union for this unit. The next two days will be spent considering China. We'll try to understand why things turn out differently there.
Today, we'll attempt to get up to the 1989 events at Tiananmen Square.
Mao's Rule over China: You'll received a copy of the Mao Zedong chapter from our textbook and were asked to complete the Mao study guide. Let's go through this and see if we can make sense of it.
I'll show you some pictures from my book, The Chinese Century. It might help your understanding of the events.
We'll take a closer look at the Cultural Revolution. The Morning Sun website has a lot of very interesting exhibits and activities related to this important and complex period. We'll spend a little time here.
Read this for tomorrow. It's an excerpt from Britain's coverage of the events we will talk about: BBC on This Day - June 4, 1989. Massacre in Tiananmen Square
Posted by mvergin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)