Medieval Christianity and the Separation of Church and State

On Tues. 31st, Jan. and Wed. 1st, Feb. We discussed the role dispute between governmental power and religious power in medieval life. We then looked at how the dispute between government and religion continues today. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed.

1) Read Chapter 10 Section 2 only pages 342-344 and fill in your note sheet. If there are notes you can not find, you may copy from a friend.

Notes: Medieval Christianity Chapter 10 Section 2

2) You will need to read two articles on the issue of Separation of Church and State. One article is for the separation and the other article is against the separation. Fill in the assignment sheet as you are reading and be able to articulate both viewpoints. You will be asked to formalize your position and be able to argue your positions using details from both sides of the argument.

Article #1: FOR SEPARATION - Separation of Church and State: A First Amendment Primer
(Note: You can print this article out.)

Article #2: AGAINST SEPARATION - When did the US government pass a law dictating the separation of church and state? Where can this law be found?

Assignment: Debating the Separation of Church and State

Thanks.

The Rise of Cities in Europe During the Middle Ages

On Fri. 27th, Jan. and Mon. 30th, Jan. we discussed the growth of cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, peasant life, and the revival of trade. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed:

1) Read Chapter 10 Sec 1 of your text and complete the notes and assignment. If there are notes you can not find, you may copy from a friend.

Notes: Peasants, Trade and Cities Chap 10 Sec 1

Assignment: The Revival of Trade and Growth of Cities

2) You will also need to create a summary response for what you learned today. Take a blank piece of paper and int he center draw a small box. In the box write the words "The Growth of Cities in the Middle Ages". Either above the box or to the left side write out at least 6 causes that resulted in the growth of cities. In other words, what were 6 things that happened that caused cities to grow during the Middle Ages? Then either below the box or to the right side, list at list 6 effects of having growing cities in the Middle Ages. In other words, what happened as a result of growing cities?

You will turn in your assignment and summary response upon your return.

Thanks.

January Current Events

On Wed. 25th, Jan. and Thurs. 26th, Jan. we held our current event discussion for January. The main topic of our discussion was the State of the Union address given by President Obama Tuesday evening. We discussed the major issues brought up, such as economy, immigration, and education, and the plans and vision of the president. We also discussed the role of Congress in passing legislation.

If you were absent, you will need to turn in your current event forms for January and a minimum 3/4 page response to the following article. You should address what you think of the speech, what issues seemed most important to you, and your feelings on the current divide between Republicans and Democrats.

Article: Current Event January

Thanks.

Middle Ages Trade Simulation

On Mon. 23rd, Jan. and Tues. 24th, Jan. we spent the class period simulating trade and city building in preparation for our unit. Students formed into groups which represented cities and were given a limited stack of resources. In order to build the city, they needed to trade resources with other cities. These themes bring us into guilds, trade networks, and the rise of cities in Europe during the Middle Ages.

If you were absent, unfortunately you will not be able to participate in our simulation; however, you can make up the points by completing an alternate assignment. Write a 1 page report on 'Medieval Guilds'. In your paper, describe what guilds are, who was parts of guilds, and what guilds did during the Middle Ages. By completing this report, you will acquire some more in depth knowledge and make up for the participation that you missed.

Thanks.

Review and Test: Africa Civilizations

On Wed. 18th, Jan & Thurs. 19th, Jan. we reviewed for our quiz on Africa and then took the quiz that same day. Because this quiz needed to be completed before the end of the semester and we did not have a formal review ahead of time, it was given as an open note quiz.

If you were absent, you will need to schedule a time to take the quiz. Make sure you bring your notes as you may use them and will be turning them in for points.

You may also download a copy of the review crossword (which again is available only for a limited time online) or pick one up from me on your return.

Review Crossword: African Civilizations

Thanks.

European Imperialism in Africa

On Fri. 13th, Jan & Tues. 17th, Jan we discussed the activities of European powers in Africa and the results of these things. We discussed imperialism and why countries engage in imperialistic activities.

If you were absent you will need to do the following:

1) Read Chapter 21 Section 2 of your text and complete the note sheet. If you can not find some notes, you may copy from a friend. Then complete the assignment.

Notes: Empire Building in Africa

Assignment: You will need to pick up on your return, sorry, but I could not get it uploaded.

Thanks.

Class Presentations & Book Reports

On Wed. 11th, Jan. & Thursday 12th, Jan. we enjoyed presentations on book reports given by several students in each class. If you were absent on this day, you must turn in your hard copy of the book report and send an electronic copy to:

troy.ball@herrimanhigh.org

Otherwise there is nothing to make up.

Thanks.

African Culture and Society

On Mon. 9th, Jan. & Tue. 10th, Jan. we discussed African culture and society. We took notes on these elements and then we listened to American music that has been influenced by African themes and rhythms. The purpose of today was to gain a greater understanding of Africa's culture and to show that we as modern Americans are in fact connected to this great continent.

If you were absent you will need to complete the following in order to make up what you missed:

#1) Read Chapter 7 Section of your textbook. As you read fill in the notes sheet as much as possible. You may copy any missing notes from a friend.

Notes: African Society and Culture

#2) You will need to write a 1-2 page typed paper on African Influences on American music. In your paper you should address the following:

- What is syncopation and how does it relate to African music?
- What is call and response and how does it relate to African music?
- What is timbre and how does it relate to African music?
- What are some genres of music that have been heavily influenced by traditional African music themes: ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, Motown, etc.?
- How are these genres and musical elements evident in today's American popular music styles?


Thanks.

Early African Kingdoms

On Thurs. 5th, Jan. and Fri. 6th, Jan. we spent the day looking at the early African kingdoms. We focused on government, achievements, and some of their cultural traits.

If you were absent you will need to read pages 238-239 and fill in the notes as much as possible. You may copy from a friend any of the notes you are unable to find. Then you will need to complete the jigsaw packet on your own. Unfortunately, you will need to complete the entire packet on your own.

Notes: Emerging African Civilizations Chap 7 Sec 1

Assignment: Jigsaw Activity - Kingdom and States of Africa

Thanks.

History of Africa

On Tues. 3rd, Jan. & Wed. 4th, Jan. we began our exploration on the civilizations and history of Africa. We took notes on the geographic characteristics of Africa and watched a video on Great Zimbabwe.

If you were absent, you will need to do the following:

1) Read Chapter 7 Section 1 on the geography and climate of Africa. You can then fill in as much of the notesheet as possible. You can copy from a friend any of the notes you are unable to discover by reading the section.

2) Write a one page report on Great Zimbabwe and the civilization that built it.

Notes: Physical Geography of Africa

Thanks.