Well gang;
We are more than half way throught the course now. It's been terrific so far! I have a few ideas for our next trial.
Catherine the Great
We'll do first come, first served. These are the positions for the next classroom trial.
Leave a blog entry claiming it and its yours. As usual this will be a 50 point assignment. Each position is available to each class. Those not selected will be assigned.
Catherine the Great
Peter III
Empress Elizabeth
Ivan Ivanovich Betskoy
Alexander Bezborodko
Gavrila Derzhavin
Count Grigory Orlov
Grigory Potyomkin
Voltaire
Denis Diderot
Judge
Defense Chair 1
Defense Chair 2
Prosecution Chair 1
Prosecution Chair 2
Reporter (press)
Catherine the Great ruled Russia from 1762- 1796. In that time Russia embraced European policies. Catherine's fierce enforcement of repressive serfdom and the limits she placed on the growth of the middle class make her a contrversial character.
The trials will be on the 18th and 19th of December.
Peace Out
Cub Scout.
P.S. Here is a website to get you started. You can link to it on the Helpful Resources listed on this page.
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/catherinegreat/p/catherinegreat.htm
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
New Extra Credit
Hey Gang!
We have finished our first two units and aren't we learning? Gotta admit AP is alot of work. I hope you are enjoying the class. I'm having the time of my life. How about some easy extra credit...
Let's tackle Yali's question. 10 points for the first one to tell me what Yali's question is. Then I'll give you 5 points each for every intelligent response (up to 20 points). Have fun!
We have finished our first two units and aren't we learning? Gotta admit AP is alot of work. I hope you are enjoying the class. I'm having the time of my life. How about some easy extra credit...
Let's tackle Yali's question. 10 points for the first one to tell me what Yali's question is. Then I'll give you 5 points each for every intelligent response (up to 20 points). Have fun!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Cortney's Article
GENGHIS KAHN- INNOCENT?
Last Friday, a jury made the final decision for notorious conqueror and ruler Genghis Kahn. The verdict: Innocent. “He’s a monster!” says the last emperor of Khwarizmi, Jalal Ad-Dinmingu. And yet… this ‘monster’ has just had his record cleared of all criminal acts!
The court room was alive with witnesses who told of the great crimes of Genghis Kahn. People whose faces were nearly crimson from anger, and people who looked as if they would burst into tears at any moment. With a resentful look upon his face, Jalal stated, “because of him [Genghis Kahn], my dad had to leave…and he died.”
Genghis Kahn’s crimes happened mainly during 1206-1227, while he ruled of the Mongols. He and his brutish men were nomadic until they conquered China. Then, they settled there to rule over their newfound territory. Genghis Kahn was widely speculated to be a man who craved power, which was proven when he conquered many of the lands around China to enlarge his empire. The great man obviously must have developed a greatly overstuffed head, because he did some terrible things and according to him, never felt any regret.
I believe that this jury was much too lenient on him. So what if he influenced history? Doesn’t anyone care about the lives he ruined while he did it?!
Take, for example, the unnamed Persian general who so kindly spoke to me after the trial. He stated, with a very firm voice, “There is nothing in my mind that makes me thing Genghis Kahn is a good person. He’s a brutal warrior and he’s unfair. He is…” A that point the man paused to gather his thoughts and then spoke with a renewed strength: “he has done so much to our troops. He has murdered, he has raped our women, and I don’t think this is right!” Now, what kind of perfectly innocent 9as defined by the court) ruler would act in such a manner? An evil one, I say.
Of course, there were a few people who felt as the jury did, and believed Genghis Kahn was innocent. People like his favorite wife, Borle. “He sacrificed many things to have a good empire!” says Borle, confidently. “I supported him 100%!” But, you see, isn’t a wife almost required to support her husband in everything he does? Not to mention the wife of a ruler. Even if she had any reservations, she obviously wouldn’t speak them in public for fear of Genghis Kahn’s wrath! His crimes definitely outweighed the minor good he did for his Mongols!
I predict that in five years or less, Genghis Kahn will have already returned to his killing and raping sprees and will have tried to conquer nearby countries. His lack of regret for his actions is appalling. His defense did not seem to take note of this. When asked if they truly believed in his innocence, personally, one of the lawyers, a sharp-dressed one, stated, “His intentions were good!”- A meek defense, but yet, still a hint at his innocence, according to his lawyers.
The prosecution did not approach me with any opinion, and as I approached them, a strange tone coming from a loudspeaker nearby compelled me to leave the room and eat lunch (some kind of magic?).
Illegal Courtroom Magic aside, Genghis Kahn’s newfound clean record may prompt him to dirty it up again! Already his conquests have affected our life! What do you suppose could happen if he were to carry on like this for 50 years?! Mass chaos, an empire governed by a ruthless tyrant, murder and rape abundant… What kind of lives would we lead?!
Genghis Kahn innocent? Feh. Tomorrow, we’ll look up in the sky and see a wild boar soaring overhead. Better go buy yourself a lottery ticket.
- Cortney Chapman
Last Friday, a jury made the final decision for notorious conqueror and ruler Genghis Kahn. The verdict: Innocent. “He’s a monster!” says the last emperor of Khwarizmi, Jalal Ad-Dinmingu. And yet… this ‘monster’ has just had his record cleared of all criminal acts!
The court room was alive with witnesses who told of the great crimes of Genghis Kahn. People whose faces were nearly crimson from anger, and people who looked as if they would burst into tears at any moment. With a resentful look upon his face, Jalal stated, “because of him [Genghis Kahn], my dad had to leave…and he died.”
Genghis Kahn’s crimes happened mainly during 1206-1227, while he ruled of the Mongols. He and his brutish men were nomadic until they conquered China. Then, they settled there to rule over their newfound territory. Genghis Kahn was widely speculated to be a man who craved power, which was proven when he conquered many of the lands around China to enlarge his empire. The great man obviously must have developed a greatly overstuffed head, because he did some terrible things and according to him, never felt any regret.
I believe that this jury was much too lenient on him. So what if he influenced history? Doesn’t anyone care about the lives he ruined while he did it?!
Take, for example, the unnamed Persian general who so kindly spoke to me after the trial. He stated, with a very firm voice, “There is nothing in my mind that makes me thing Genghis Kahn is a good person. He’s a brutal warrior and he’s unfair. He is…” A that point the man paused to gather his thoughts and then spoke with a renewed strength: “he has done so much to our troops. He has murdered, he has raped our women, and I don’t think this is right!” Now, what kind of perfectly innocent 9as defined by the court) ruler would act in such a manner? An evil one, I say.
Of course, there were a few people who felt as the jury did, and believed Genghis Kahn was innocent. People like his favorite wife, Borle. “He sacrificed many things to have a good empire!” says Borle, confidently. “I supported him 100%!” But, you see, isn’t a wife almost required to support her husband in everything he does? Not to mention the wife of a ruler. Even if she had any reservations, she obviously wouldn’t speak them in public for fear of Genghis Kahn’s wrath! His crimes definitely outweighed the minor good he did for his Mongols!
I predict that in five years or less, Genghis Kahn will have already returned to his killing and raping sprees and will have tried to conquer nearby countries. His lack of regret for his actions is appalling. His defense did not seem to take note of this. When asked if they truly believed in his innocence, personally, one of the lawyers, a sharp-dressed one, stated, “His intentions were good!”- A meek defense, but yet, still a hint at his innocence, according to his lawyers.
The prosecution did not approach me with any opinion, and as I approached them, a strange tone coming from a loudspeaker nearby compelled me to leave the room and eat lunch (some kind of magic?).
Illegal Courtroom Magic aside, Genghis Kahn’s newfound clean record may prompt him to dirty it up again! Already his conquests have affected our life! What do you suppose could happen if he were to carry on like this for 50 years?! Mass chaos, an empire governed by a ruthless tyrant, murder and rape abundant… What kind of lives would we lead?!
Genghis Kahn innocent? Feh. Tomorrow, we’ll look up in the sky and see a wild boar soaring overhead. Better go buy yourself a lottery ticket.
- Cortney Chapman
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Genghis Kahn goes on trial!
The Trial of Genghis Kahn is set. We can use this blog to continue/ expand the discussion. The Machiavellian treatise of "The ends justifies the means." may apply here. Does the overall development of trade networks and positive cultural exchange fostered by the 'Pax Mongolia' outweigh the obvious violations of human rights in Genghis Kahn's day? For that matter, were there such rights in the thirteenth century? Are we amiss in using today's standards to judge this great Mongol leader.
As always, intelligent responses will earn extra credit.
Peace,
Mr. Parker
As always, intelligent responses will earn extra credit.
Peace,
Mr. Parker
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Term Two Field Trip
Well we are one quarter through our year and it's time to plan our field trip. Where do you want to go? Why?
All serious suggestions will be considered. Be creative!
All serious suggestions will be considered. Be creative!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Unit 2 Civilizations.
Hey Gang;
With Unit One behind us, we are moving on to the years 600- 1450. Of all the great civilizations; the Maya, Islam, the Mongols, Byzantium, the Gupta, the Songhai, to name a few, which had the greatest impact on history (and modern society) or which did you find most interesting? I'll give you five points (EC) for each cogent argument about a specific civilization.
By the way, there are several more lectures available and several on the way. Let me know what you think about them!
Peace Out.
Mr. Parker
With Unit One behind us, we are moving on to the years 600- 1450. Of all the great civilizations; the Maya, Islam, the Mongols, Byzantium, the Gupta, the Songhai, to name a few, which had the greatest impact on history (and modern society) or which did you find most interesting? I'll give you five points (EC) for each cogent argument about a specific civilization.
By the way, there are several more lectures available and several on the way. Let me know what you think about them!
Peace Out.
Mr. Parker
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Lectures Online!
Hey AP students,
At long last I have figured out a way to archive my lectures. My first lecture is up and by the end of this week they will all be available. Look under lectures in the column to the right. Enjoy!
At long last I have figured out a way to archive my lectures. My first lecture is up and by the end of this week they will all be available. Look under lectures in the column to the right. Enjoy!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Which invention/ concept changed history more?
Hello all and thank you for visiting.
We know enough now to compare and speculate, so here's a question to ponder:
Which was a more important significant contribution,; the chief contribution to civilization by the Lydians or that of the Phoenicians? Think of which would be more difficult to live without.
I'll give 10 (ten)extra credit points for the first to identify both of those contributions, and 5(five) points for any intelligent responses. (You can respond more than once.) We'll go until September 24th on this. Have fun.
We know enough now to compare and speculate, so here's a question to ponder:
Which was a more important significant contribution,; the chief contribution to civilization by the Lydians or that of the Phoenicians? Think of which would be more difficult to live without.
I'll give 10 (ten)extra credit points for the first to identify both of those contributions, and 5(five) points for any intelligent responses. (You can respond more than once.) We'll go until September 24th on this. Have fun.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Was Alexander the Great good or bad?
Well it's getting close to crunch time and I hope that you are all ready for the unit test. We have a long way to go and I am pleased by the way the year has begun. Let's start a discussion about Alexander the Great.
We are going to have a mock trial. I will randomly assign you a role but there are big time points available if you familiarize yourself with the accomplishments and controversies surrounding Alexander's Eastern campaign.
The first person to respond intelligently gets 10 extra credit points. Any first time responder will receive 5 EC points.
We are going to have a mock trial. I will randomly assign you a role but there are big time points available if you familiarize yourself with the accomplishments and controversies surrounding Alexander's Eastern campaign.
The first person to respond intelligently gets 10 extra credit points. Any first time responder will receive 5 EC points.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Extra Credit Points
Alright! Thanks for responding and here are the extra credit points:
Eujean gets 25 EC points!
He pointed out similaities between Gilgamesh and The Great Flood, evil serpents, demons, immortality, Ishtar and Aphrodite.
Rebecca gets 10 points for the similarities between gods messing with men and 1/2 gods.
Karen gets 10 EC points for Herculean quests and polytheism.
Way to go! I'll leave the offer out there but I'll reduce the points to two (2) Extra Credit points per original similarity between Gilgamesh and any other religion.
Eujean gets 25 EC points!
He pointed out similaities between Gilgamesh and The Great Flood, evil serpents, demons, immortality, Ishtar and Aphrodite.
Rebecca gets 10 points for the similarities between gods messing with men and 1/2 gods.
Karen gets 10 EC points for Herculean quests and polytheism.
Way to go! I'll leave the offer out there but I'll reduce the points to two (2) Extra Credit points per original similarity between Gilgamesh and any other religion.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Gilgamesh Special Offer
Well we are off to a great start in class.
I'd like to hear what you think about Gilgamesh. Each time I read it, (this is the third time for me) I am struck with the universiality of religions. So I'm offering 5 (five) extra credit points for each similarity/ comparison to a religion (any religion) which you can discuss.
So let's hear from you AP people!
The offer stands until 8/27.
I'd like to hear what you think about Gilgamesh. Each time I read it, (this is the third time for me) I am struck with the universiality of religions. So I'm offering 5 (five) extra credit points for each similarity/ comparison to a religion (any religion) which you can discuss.
So let's hear from you AP people!
The offer stands until 8/27.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Syllabus Feedback
Thanks for finding this blog and welcome. I'm hoping that we can use this blog as a forum to further the intellectual exploration we enjoy in the course.
So let's start by giving me some feedback on the syllabus.
What do you think of the pace and substance of AP World History? Is there something specifically that you would like to see covered? Is there any advice you can give to your classmates? What are your individual goals for this course and beyond?
So let's start by giving me some feedback on the syllabus.
What do you think of the pace and substance of AP World History? Is there something specifically that you would like to see covered? Is there any advice you can give to your classmates? What are your individual goals for this course and beyond?
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