Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese advocate for democracy, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. He was recognized for “his long and nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.” The Chinese government and its supporters portrayed the decision as a “desecration” of the award and a move to impose Western values on the Chinese people. Liu is currently serving an 11 year prison term for circulating a petition on the internet in December 2008 that demanded civil liberties and judicial independence. Contemporary China will be a major unit of study towards the end of this semester, and it is not too soon to start reading about this country that has a major political, economic and strategic impact on the United States and the rest of the world.
As you may recall, last year President Obama was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the third sitting President to receive it. Many people were surprised when a President who had been in office less than a year received what many consider the most prestigious award for public service. The statement accompanying it said Obama was selected for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” In addition, the Committee cited the President’s efforts towards nuclear disarmament. We should all pause and think about the implications of this award as we try to move towards a more peaceful world and to consider how we as Americans relate to the people of other nations.
CWI
We have struggled this week with NECAP testing and shorter class periods. If you have been absent any time this past week, your tests will be rescheduled and you will have to arrange to make up your class work after school. Time is available any afternoon except Tuesdays but keep in mind you have five days to make up missed work due to an excused absence.
This week we discussed different types of governments. Knowing how a country governs itself will give you special insight into its relationship with the rest of the world. In addition, we talked about how the size, location and shape of a country affect its ability to trade and to protect itself. Think about the disadvantages a landlocked country may have as opposed to a country with ample sea ports.
We also tackled a difficult chapter on economic geography. The text was loaded with new vocabulary words to help describe economic systems and activities and to measure economic output. These vocabulary words will be useful when you analyze your current event on business.
We had a quiz as we ended these segments. The questions have been a mixture of identification based on the vocabulary and an open ended question which allows you to apply the information you have learned. Full credit will be earned for responses that are well thought out and respond to all parts of the question.
Africa
Most of the classes had the opportunity to watch a power point presentation on Africa. By listening to the music and watching the photos you were introduced to the beauty and variety of people and landscapes on this continent. We also did a reading from an excerpt from National Geographic. I have many back issues available to you in the classroom. Please take advantage of this added resource when you have a few minutes.
While we can make some generalizations about the continent as a while, it will be more useful to look at Africa region by region. Your text has a map that shows the different regions. Many classes received the map assignment so make sure you use both the political map and the regional map to draw your own. You will have a quiz on the political map and you will be able to use your own to answer the questions. A good map should mean a good quiz grade.
As part of our study of Africa, you will do a group power point project on one country. Some classes have already selected their groups and countries. Your next current event is due starting October 14 ( check the board for your class period due date). I recommend you do a current event on the country you have selected to give you a head start on the power point project.
Interterm reports
Our interterm reports are ready. Many of you had well organized portfolios with an up to date status of assignment sheet. You will be pleased that all of your work is in one location as it will give you a head start for studying for the mid term exam. As announced for the past 2 weeks, if you did not have a folder with an up to date sheet, you were below standard. Take the time to organize your work and keep the folder in the bin so you can earn full credit. If you are below standard, you still have four weeks to bring up your grade. What is your plan?
Email
Is your MHS account ready to go? You can check your account by going to the Middletown High School web page...use your password...go to mail...type in your name and then check “Charlie Checker” to see if becomes highlighted...if yes...you are ready.
You must have a school email account to do the next project.
Columbus Day Weekend
We have a long weekend as Monday we celebrate Columbus Day. This holiday has come under attack recently as some historians have questioned Columbus’ role in history. How original was his “discovery”? Did he treat the indigenous people with respect, and if not why should we honor him? At the same time, many use this holiday to honor all great explorers no matter when or where they went as they opened up new lands and established links between peoples who previously had not known of one another.
Extra Credit
As you may recall, last year President Obama was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the third sitting President to receive it. Many people were surprised when a President who had been in office less than a year received what many consider the most prestigious award for public service. The statement accompanying it said Obama was selected for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” In addition, the Committee cited the President’s efforts towards nuclear disarmament. We should all pause and think about the implications of this award as we try to move towards a more peaceful world and to consider how we as Americans relate to the people of other nations.
CWI
We have struggled this week with NECAP testing and shorter class periods. If you have been absent any time this past week, your tests will be rescheduled and you will have to arrange to make up your class work after school. Time is available any afternoon except Tuesdays but keep in mind you have five days to make up missed work due to an excused absence.
This week we discussed different types of governments. Knowing how a country governs itself will give you special insight into its relationship with the rest of the world. In addition, we talked about how the size, location and shape of a country affect its ability to trade and to protect itself. Think about the disadvantages a landlocked country may have as opposed to a country with ample sea ports.
We also tackled a difficult chapter on economic geography. The text was loaded with new vocabulary words to help describe economic systems and activities and to measure economic output. These vocabulary words will be useful when you analyze your current event on business.
We had a quiz as we ended these segments. The questions have been a mixture of identification based on the vocabulary and an open ended question which allows you to apply the information you have learned. Full credit will be earned for responses that are well thought out and respond to all parts of the question.
Africa
Most of the classes had the opportunity to watch a power point presentation on Africa. By listening to the music and watching the photos you were introduced to the beauty and variety of people and landscapes on this continent. We also did a reading from an excerpt from National Geographic. I have many back issues available to you in the classroom. Please take advantage of this added resource when you have a few minutes.
While we can make some generalizations about the continent as a while, it will be more useful to look at Africa region by region. Your text has a map that shows the different regions. Many classes received the map assignment so make sure you use both the political map and the regional map to draw your own. You will have a quiz on the political map and you will be able to use your own to answer the questions. A good map should mean a good quiz grade.
As part of our study of Africa, you will do a group power point project on one country. Some classes have already selected their groups and countries. Your next current event is due starting October 14 ( check the board for your class period due date). I recommend you do a current event on the country you have selected to give you a head start on the power point project.
Interterm reports
Our interterm reports are ready. Many of you had well organized portfolios with an up to date status of assignment sheet. You will be pleased that all of your work is in one location as it will give you a head start for studying for the mid term exam. As announced for the past 2 weeks, if you did not have a folder with an up to date sheet, you were below standard. Take the time to organize your work and keep the folder in the bin so you can earn full credit. If you are below standard, you still have four weeks to bring up your grade. What is your plan?
Is your MHS account ready to go? You can check your account by going to the Middletown High School web page...use your password...go to mail...type in your name and then check “Charlie Checker” to see if becomes highlighted...if yes...you are ready.
You must have a school email account to do the next project.
Columbus Day Weekend
We have a long weekend as Monday we celebrate Columbus Day. This holiday has come under attack recently as some historians have questioned Columbus’ role in history. How original was his “discovery”? Did he treat the indigenous people with respect, and if not why should we honor him? At the same time, many use this holiday to honor all great explorers no matter when or where they went as they opened up new lands and established links between peoples who previously had not known of one another.
Extra Credit
What Africans have won the Nobel Peace Prize? Be the first in your class to email me the correct response using your MHS email account to receive extra credit.
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