A Power Week

CWI/Comparative Government/20th Century America

This was a powerful and memorable week for us as you presented your World War II projects, watched an episode from “Band of Brothers” and heard about the war from three of our local veterans and their spouses.

As many of you said in your reflections, doing the project with a partner gave you the opportunity to work on a topic of your choice and to act as a team. In addition to learning new content and presentation skills it was also an opportunity to practice working in a group. Often out in the real world of work you will be asked to be part of a team and having the skills to organize, delegate, and follow through for your group will make you a strong team player. It was great fun to watch each of the presentations and to hear your enthusiasm for your topic. Congratulations!

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg must be applauded for their production, “Band of Brothers,” a series of 8 episodes based on Stephen Ambrose’s book. The quality of the production is directly related to their intent to portray D-Day and beyond as it happened, not to romanticize or glorify it with Hollywood pizzazz. The interviews with the actual men of Easy Company reflected the enormity of what they accomplished.

Our unit concluded with our three World War II speakers. They gave us an insider’s look at some of the crucial events in the South Pacific Theater and spoke from the heart about the destruction they witnessed and their insistence that this type of war never happen again. Your thank you notes clearly reflect the impact these men had on your understanding of the events and more importantly your appreciation for their service. I was most impressed with your notes. Once all of the classes complete the notes, I will be sending them on to our speakers. Job well done!

We resumed our current events this week and your next one is due March 30. This gives you plenty of time to select a quality article and to write your summary and reflection. You do not need a computer for this assignment but if you want to use one, this lead time gives you the opportunity. Keep in mind that Middletown Public Library has a large bank of computers and printers and there is no charge for their use.

AP European History

This week we got to delve into the world of art by critiquing paintings from 1870 through 1920. In addition to looking at the paintings from an art perspective we also looked at how these works mirrored what was happening in the world. During this period great upheavals were occurring in the world of science, technology and philosophy. These seismic changes are reflected in art that moved from a classical, almost photographic depiction of the human body to cubism, where the human form becomes a series of sharp shapes and angles. In every field of endeavor, there was a move to reexamine traditional ways of viewing and understanding.

Our Age of Anxiety test is on Monday. The title seems appropriate at a time when many of us are awaiting the results of applications for college admission and financial awards. It is an exciting but difficult time that will soon pass.

World History

We continue with our study of World War I this week. Please keep working on your packets and bring them to class so we can review some of the key concepts. This week we had the opportunity to look at propaganda posters and ask questions about the purpose of these posters. Understanding how others may want to manipulate your view and thinking is an important skill to acquire so that you can stay true to your core beliefs.

Next week we will start watching “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a classic based on the book by Eric Marie Remarque.

Our next current event will be due March 27.