So...

We are counting down VERY, VERY quickly to the AP exam.  You should be studying at least a little bit every day--this is not an exam that is cram-able.  We've been working on some big-picture kinds of things, and will continue to do so, but we'll also be moving on to hit writing again...you lucky things, you!  That's the plan for most of the coming week, so plan accordingly.  Do your best to be in class every day...

Your task this week is the following...pick a civilization...any civilization...and explain in rich, thorough, specific detail why that civilization is the absolute, beyond compare, most significant one EVER.  Because I know that you will do a spectacular job with this, I'll make the question a little more challenging.  You may not select any society that: a) is currently in existence, b) has been in existence in Europe/North America in the last 250 years, c) ends with an "n".  (OK--that last one's a joke...lighten up, folks!)  At bare minimum, your response should include at least 4 solid reasons why your civilization is the most significant...think about things like intellectual and scientific contributions, technological innovations, etc….and, of course, you still need a stellar response to someone else’s choice.

Have fun!!!
Parks 

OK, crew...

"Eat, sleep, WHAP" needs to be transformed into "Eat, sleep, REVIEW."  We are just about two weeks from exam day...and while we're reviewing in class, you HAVE to be doing some review on your own if you expect to have success on the exam.  A helpful tool (in addition to your study groups…) is the online material for your textbook--there are multiple choice quizzes, outlines, and essay questions for practice.  :)

So...we've addressed some of the most important leaders from this school year as well as significant world events.  What I'd like you to consider is this:  What commodity transfer in history had the most significant impact?  To answer this thoroughly, you need to consider the impact/consequences of that transfer on both the "giving" and "receiving" society.  Are there political repercussions?  Economic consequences?  Social effects?  Are these positive or negative?  The only things that you CAN'T consider as a commodity are any metal (gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, etc.) and humans.  Otherwise, animals, plants, whatnot are all fair game.  (Questions?  Ask.)  Be creative and be persuasive!

Happy writing!
Parks

Hey kids! 

So...you should be reviewing like your hair's on fire now!  :)  We don't have much time before the AP exam, but we are now starting in-class review.  I will tell you that the next couple of weeks are uber-serious...and I expect you to treat them as such.  If we can have a good two weeks of review, we can ALL go into test day a lot less tense!  It will help oodles if you are studying on your own--or with a group!  (I've been saying that you should use study groups all year, but...)  Much of what we do in class will be overview of periods or themes, but you guys can get into more substance working outside of class. 

Your blog responses last week were pretty good!  Kudos to those of you who were creative and thought outside the box--your responses tended to be the best.  This week, I'm going to ask again for you to think outside the box.  Here's the prompt:  Who was the best leader we've studied...and why?  Note the use of "best"--as in, not necessarily the most moral or the most effective.  I've intentionally left this open.  Also...the use of "leader"--not ruler, elected official, prophet, etc.--for the same reason.  Again, be creative (try for someone outside the last couple of centuries, for example…) and be persuasive! 

Have a great week! 

Parks 

Hey gang... 

So, we're almost ready to wrap up Unit Five...tests on 7 and 8 March, and then just one more unit til we review for the AP exam!  Woot!  I will have a shorter review calendar ready for you in the next week or so… 

This week's question is a "Unit Synthesis" kind of thing.  The major movements/trends/patterns that we see from 1750-1900 primarily revolve around revolution, industrialization, and imperialism.  Take a position...which of these three was the most significant in this time period and why do you think so?  You should back up your THESIS (beautifully written, of course) with at least three SPECIFIC pieces of evidence (preferably from different world regions), AND make substantial comments on someone else’s response… 

Don’t forget to be working on your extra credit!  J

Have a good week! 

Hey kiddos....

Your Unit 5 exam is coming soon soon SOON!  Make sure you are STUDYING!  (I know, I know...humor me.)  If you want to look at available review books, you can pop by before or after school to browse...  Also, if you haven't paid for your AP exam and plan to take the test, Mrs. Landrum will take your payment next week in her room.  Listen to the announcements for the dates and times. 

Your blog question this week....in which I presume that you will not make the same mistakes that you have made in the past, right??....  This chapter deals with Imperialism and its effects on both Imperial countries and the new colonial states. Depending on where you lived, you probably would have had a very different opinion on whether Imperialism is a good thing or a bad thing. I want you to consider this....if you had to live in one of the colonies discussed in Chapter 33, which one would you select....and why?  Describe the colony as thoroughly as you can, with all of its attractive details.  (NOTE:  I'm trying to get you to consider the ways in which these colonies were administered....so that's what you need to keep in mind.  Your critieria for selecting your colony should NOT NOT NOT include the weather or the scenery or party atmosphere or other similar characteristics, however pleasant those might be.)  Make sure to explain your response…and give thorough comments to others!  Back your assertions up with some good, solid, historical evidence, kidoodles! 

Have a good week, guys!

Parks