As our year draws to a close, the evening news seems to be providing a summary of many of the key events we have studied. On June 3, stories about the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square uprising reminded us of our January viewing of “Tank Man.” China has become a major player on the world stage and its economy is a power house, but the need for freedom and liberties for all is yet to be met. Today, June 6, we commemorate the landing of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy. President Obama and other world leaders are meeting on those shores to recall the courage and determination of all who fought there to free the people of Europe. And finally, President Obama’s speech in Cairo to the Muslim world reiterated America’s commitment that all people should be able to live in peace if we take the time to listen, respect and communicate with one another.
I hope that some of you had the opportunity to view the NBC special this week on the Obama White House. The two evening event, which will be repeated and is on the web (see above link), took us behind the scenes to meet key staff people and witness the fast-paced days of planning and deciding. It was indeed a whirlwind. It brought back great memories as I recalled walking some of those halls and meeting in some of the rooms in the Executive wing.
CWI/Comparative/Modern America
This week we impeached President Clinton and saw President Nixon resign. Our study of the impeachment process allowed you to discover the reasons why President Nixon left office but was never impeached, while President Clinton was impeached but remained in office.
As part of our study of President Nixon you prepared a timeline of key events in his life and did a political cartoon analysis. We started watching “All the President’s Men,” which was made only two years after President Nixon’s resignation. It is a very accurate account of those two years that The Washington Post spent tracking down the money, the trail of dirty tricks, and the link to the Oval Office. This movie, in addition to following the political scandal, shows you the amount of work good investigative journalists must do to get the story. You can see why some writers say the press is the fourth branch of government. The press acts as the eyes and ears of the people and reports back to the voters what is actually happening. Newspapers, freedom of the press and access to information are all cornerstones of our democracy.
Seniors: you have been given a study guide for the final exam. The guide, as well as your text, is due back the day of the exam. You are welcome to hand in the guide and text early if you so choose. I would recommend that you also use your portfolio as a study guide and of course go back and read the blog entries from second semester as a review. I am also available before or after school (except Tuesdays...faculty meetings) for extra help. I have enjoyed having you in class this year and wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.
AP European History
You have been given your take home final. It is due on or before June 10 along with your text book. We will finish “Barry Lyndon” on Monday and would like to start the next movie so we could finish that movie on Tuesday.
World History
Your current event on Japan is due on Monday. Make sure to bring the packet with you to class. We will move on to our study of China and will again be using current events to help us better understand this large, complex and powerful country.
I hope that some of you had the opportunity to view the NBC special this week on the Obama White House. The two evening event, which will be repeated and is on the web (see above link), took us behind the scenes to meet key staff people and witness the fast-paced days of planning and deciding. It was indeed a whirlwind. It brought back great memories as I recalled walking some of those halls and meeting in some of the rooms in the Executive wing.
CWI/Comparative/Modern America
This week we impeached President Clinton and saw President Nixon resign. Our study of the impeachment process allowed you to discover the reasons why President Nixon left office but was never impeached, while President Clinton was impeached but remained in office.
As part of our study of President Nixon you prepared a timeline of key events in his life and did a political cartoon analysis. We started watching “All the President’s Men,” which was made only two years after President Nixon’s resignation. It is a very accurate account of those two years that The Washington Post spent tracking down the money, the trail of dirty tricks, and the link to the Oval Office. This movie, in addition to following the political scandal, shows you the amount of work good investigative journalists must do to get the story. You can see why some writers say the press is the fourth branch of government. The press acts as the eyes and ears of the people and reports back to the voters what is actually happening. Newspapers, freedom of the press and access to information are all cornerstones of our democracy.
Seniors: you have been given a study guide for the final exam. The guide, as well as your text, is due back the day of the exam. You are welcome to hand in the guide and text early if you so choose. I would recommend that you also use your portfolio as a study guide and of course go back and read the blog entries from second semester as a review. I am also available before or after school (except Tuesdays...faculty meetings) for extra help. I have enjoyed having you in class this year and wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.
AP European History
You have been given your take home final. It is due on or before June 10 along with your text book. We will finish “Barry Lyndon” on Monday and would like to start the next movie so we could finish that movie on Tuesday.
World History
Your current event on Japan is due on Monday. Make sure to bring the packet with you to class. We will move on to our study of China and will again be using current events to help us better understand this large, complex and powerful country.
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