December 18-22

Advanced American Studies
National History Day work time will be available from December 18-22 and I will be meeting with each group to assess your progress. You must have the following items with you for your meeting:

1. Thesis statement
2. System of organization
3. At least 5 sources on source sheets
4. Green packet -- roughly 80 % of questions have a response
5. Finalize project type

Keep in mind we are at the half way point on the calendar for this project. As we move in to the new year, your research and progress should accelerate.

Thursday, December 17th

Advanced American Studies

World War I "Quest"--if absent, please make up before winter break.

American Studies

Today, we are examining one of FDR's fireside chats.  There are questions associated with FDR's speech found on the web at http://newdeal.feri.org/chat/chat02.htm

Tuesday, December 16th

Advanced American Studies

(image of the "Big Four" on left courtesy of Britannica online)
We will culminate our study of WWI with a look at the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. As the "Big Four" meets in Versailles, France in 1919, the path to worldwide depression and the Second World War will unknowingly be started by the victors looking to punish Germany and the Central Powers at the end of the war.

Assignment: Be prepared for "Quest" on Wednesday.

American Studies
In class assignment was completed today--Chapter 12.3 Hoover's response fails (handout)

Monday, December 15th

Advanced American Studies

(photo on right courtesy Life magazine)
Our third day of focus on The Great War will be centered on the involvement of the United States in WWI. We will discuss how the nation mobilized for war, what opposition was generated, and what social change was created by the entry of the US into WWI.

Assignment: Read pgs. 301-309. Answer questions 4, 5, & 6. "Quest" scheduled for Wednesday!


American Studies

1. Depression Quiz #1
2. Jigsaw readings (Riding the rails, Dust Bowl, Bonus Army) to focus on the problems of the Great Depression.

Assignment: Read p. 384-388. Outline handout on President Hoover's response to economic collapse.

Friday, December 12th

Advanced American Studies

To examine the setting on the Western Front in WWI, we are examining the website www.firstworldwar.com.  While examining the details of life on the western front, keep in mind the overall impact that all of these new technologies on soldiers from both sides.

American Studies

Today we examined a video clip about conditions of the Great Depression.  Keep these key facts in mind about the impact of economic collapse:

1.  By 1933, 24.9% of Americans were without work

2.  The Dust Bowl compounded the problems of downtrodden Americans, displacing many from the Great Plains.

3.  The Great Depression is the only time in US history when more Americans were leaving the US than coming to it.

4.  Worldwide depression leads to the rise of Hitler and destabilizes the entire globe.

Reminder:  Great Depression Quiz #1 on Monday

Thursday, December 11th

Advanced American History

The First World War was the first major conflict of the 20th century, a century that was the deadliest in human history. Between 1914-1918, some 18 million people would die as old military tactics combined with new technological advances to produce horrific results. Moreover, a world wide flu epidemic would compound the struggles for people around the world.

Today, we analyzed how the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand constituted the spark that produced the Great War. In essence, how does the death of one man (and his wife) lead to the deadliest global conflict to date?

Assignment: Read text 282 - 291. Answer questions 4, 5, & 6


American Studies

Economists argue today about the causes of the Great Depression, but today we examined some of the common causes that are cited as elements that led to the greatest economic crisis in US History. (unregulated stock market, uneven distribution of wealth, easy credit, unbalanced trade, mechanization, etc).

Assignment: Read p. 373-381. Answer questions 4, 5 & 6.

Wednesday, December 10th

Advanced American Studies

Essay on "the World is Flat" due at the end of the hour today.


American Studies

Today we will begin to examine the end of the prosperity of the 1920's and the beginning of the Great Depression. Our focus for today is the crash of the Stock Market in 1929.

Assignment: Read Ch. 12.1 (Causes of the Great Depression) and complete causes worksheet.

Monday, December 8th

Advanced American Studies

Watergate - Present Exam.  In class essay on "The World is Flat" is scheduled for tomorrow.

American Studies

Finish Newspaper projects.  They are due at the beginning of the hour on Tuesday!

Friday, December 5th

Advanced American Studies

1. Class discussion on Globalization
2. Exam Review -- Exam (Watergate - Present) Monday!


American Studies

Continue work on Newspaper project. Project is due Tuesday.

Thursday, December 4th

Advanced American Studies

(image at left courtesy of whitehouse.gov)
Class today focused on two areas. First, we reviewed some of the reading content assigned on the Persian Gulf War (1990-91) and the Clinton years (1993-01). Second, we applied the criteria we established yesterday about evaluating presidential effectiveness to the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (handout)

Reminder: 1970's - Present Exam on Monday. Essay due at end of the hour on Tuesday

American Studies

Continue work on newspaper project. Finished project is due Tuesday at the beginning of class.

Wednesday, December 3rd

Advanced American Studies

1.  1980's Quiz (Reagan policies and the end of the Cold War)

2.  Today we had a class discussion and activity about evaluating presidential effectiveness.  How do we know presidents are great, good, ineffective, terrible, etc.?  What criteria do we use to judge the performance of a president?   In class, we examined some presidential evaluations to determine criteria and we will collectively apply those criteria to Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Assignment:  Complete 1990's part 2 questions

Reminder:  1970's - Present test Monday

American Studies

Today we began the 1920's newspaper project.  Project is due Tuesday, Dec. 9th

Tuesday, December 2nd

Advanced American Studies

(image at right courtesy of nps.gov)
Today's focus was the culmination of the Cold War. Attention was paid to the impact of US military spending, SDI, Reagan, Gorbachev, and the loosening of restrictions on Eastern Europe that eventually leads to the fall of the Berlin Wall on 11/9/89.

Assignment: 1990's handout Part 1


American Studies

1920's Exam!

Monday, December 1st

Advanced American Studies

Photo on right courtesy of whitehouse.gov
Today we looked at the philosophies of Ronald Reagan, specifically his views on the role of government and supply side economics. Be aware of the philosophical differences between Keynesian Economics and Supply Side Economics and the effects that Reagan's economic and political philosophies had on the 1980's.

Assignment: Note-taking -- Sequence the steps that lead to the end of the Cold War (pgs. 751-56)

American Studies
Roaring Twenties Exam review -- complete study guide for extra credit on Tuesday's exam!

Thursday, November 20th

Advanced American Studies
(photo on left courtesy of Time.com)

1. 1970's Quiz
2. Upon completion of the quiz, we examined the election of 1980 (Carter v. Reagan). To do so, we viewed a few political commercials from the election. In doing so, we both discussed the issues in the 1980 election and compared those ads to ads from the 2008 election.

Assignment: Read Reagan's Inaugural Address and complete election handout.

Wednesday, November 19th

Advanced American Studies
(Iranian Hostage Crisis photo on left courtesy npr.org)
Our study of the 1970's continues today with discussions about some of the foreign policy difficulties of the late 1970's and some of the links with today. Specifically, we focused on:

Oil Embargo
Camp David Accords
Iranian Hostage Crisis
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

Assignment: Read pgs 740-744 (A Conservative Resurgence). 70's Quiz on Thursday!

American Studies

Assignment: Complete Demon Rum assignment for Thursday

Tuesday, November 18h

Advanced American Studies

(image on right courtesy of www.theinsider.com)

It's the 1970's! Although I left my leisure suit at home, today we are examining some of the economic difficulties of the 1970's. Our collective discussion centered on the odd combination of high unemployment and high inflation (stagflation). Our discussion also focused on connections to the economic difficulties of today.

Assignment: Read 727-733 (Foreign policy difficulties of the 1970's)


American Studies

After taking some notes on the key political leaders and philosophies of the 1920's, we moved to the topic of prohibition.

Assignment: Complete the reading and questions entitled The War against Demon Rum.

Monday, November 17th

Advanced American Studies

NHD Work Day - should be refining topics and beginning to acquire some research materials.

Assignment: NHD Contracts due Friday! Read pgs. 719-725 (Ch. 22.2) Ford and Carter Years


American Studies

After finishing the Scopes trial video, class time was used to work on Ch. 11.2 questions (politics of the 1920's)

Assignment: Finish 11.2 questions (handout)

Friday, November 14th

Advanced American Studies

We used class time today to begin some research for National History Day. Preliminary topics are due at the end of class.


American Studies

1. Twenties Quiz #1
2. 10 Days that Changed America--The Scopes Trial. Accompanying video guide with this show will be due Monday.

Thursday, November 13th

Advanced American Studies

Class today largely focused on lecture notes on the Watergate Scandal. Pay close attention to the sequence of events between 1972-74, what Nixon did that prompted a resignation, and why Watergate was so dangerous.

Assignment: NHD topic ideas due Friday

Photo on right courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society


American Studies

Today we took notes on the economic breakthroughs of the 1920's and some of the social backlash that accompanied it. If you missed class, get the notes from a friend or a copy of the power point from Mr. Brice.

Assignment: Ch.11.2 Politics of the 1920's handout. Quiz Friday!

Wednesday, November 12th

Advanced American Studies

Americanism and Government test -- scholarship contest from the American Legion. If anyone missed the test and wants to take it, make arrangements to do so in study hall or before/after school before Friday.

Assignment: Read pgs. 710-717 in textbook and complete notes on the Watergate Scandal.


American Studies

Americanism and Government test -- scholarship contest from the American Legion. If anyone missed the test and wants to take it, make arrangements to do so in study hall or before/after school before Friday.

Assignment: Complete Ch. 11.3 "Differing Viewpoints" handout.

Tuesday, November 11th

Happy Veterans Day! Please take a moment today to reflect on the sacrifice of veterans and their families throughout American history.

Advanced American Studies

Speed Dating interviews were held in class today. If you were absent, you must stop in before or after school to be interviewed by me to make up the missing points.


American Studies

Our focus today was the "roaring" economy of the 1920's. In class, we examined the use of new mass mediums to spread advertising in the 1920's, as well as some common advertising tactics that have their origins in the 1920's. All work was completed in class.

Speed Dating Questions!

Advanced American Studies

(photo on right: RFK and JFK, courtesy of jfklibrary.org)

Tuesday is the deadline for your biographical essay and the date of the speed dating activity featuring leaders from the sixties and seventies. Here is your list of possible speed dating questions to help you prep for Tuesday:

1. What achievement in your life are you most proud of?
2. Identify one decision or experience from your life that you truly regret?
3. If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be and why?
4. Growing up, what was your biggest goal in life?
5. What struggles in your life have you lived through or overcame?
6. If you could compare yourself to anyone, who would it be and why?
7. If you could say one motivational phrase to the world, what would you say?
8. Who/what influenced you to become the person you are?
9. What are your hobbies?
10. What was the turning point in your life?
11. What motivates you?
12. Tell me about your family life? What influence have they had?
13. What are two important beliefs you have that you will never compromise on?
14. What change would you like to see in society that would make the world a better place?
15. How did your upbringing affect who you have become?

The point of this is to not merely run through these questions in your interview but rather to have a dialogue and discussion between two people. Use these questions to prepare as examples of the types of things that will be discussed.

Assignment reminders: Essay due Tuesday. Be thinking about NHD topics. I would advise coming up with a list of possible interest areas and then do a little preliminary research. I want some idea of topics by next Friday (11/14).


American Studies

Today we discussed the blue US News handout to introduce some of the unique elements of the 1920's.

Assignment: Complete Ch 11.1 questions (handout)

Thursday, November 6th

American Studies

Today we are beginning our next unit, The Roaring Twenties. The decade of the twenties was a phenomenal time of broken boundaries and modernization in a number of areas for the United States, but also witnessed significant examples of intolerance and backlash against modernization.

To begin, we took a look at a short reading and fill in the blank worksheet to introduce you to some of the key people and unique developments of this exciting period of history.

Assignment: Finish US news handout

Wednesday, November 5th

Advanced American Studies

Work continued on biographical essays / interview prep for 60's and 70's leaders. Questions were submitted today that will be posted to prep for Tuesday's interviews. Also, review the handout distributed in class for essay organizational requirements and MLA formatting info.

Tuesday, November 4th

Advanced American Studies

Today we began some biographical research on activists from the 60's and 70's.  As you begin your research, keep in mind that you must build a historical argument about the individual you research.  A biography does not necessarily mean a listing of facts about that individual.  Rather, you should build a thesis about that person's impact on history and support that thesis with rich details to demonstrate the impact your historical figure had.

Upcoming reminders:  

Submission of Speed dating question -- Wednesday 11/5.

Speed dating activity and submission of biographical essays -- Tues. 11/11.

American Studies

World War I Exam.  If you are absent for this test, you have 3 days to make up the exam.

Monday, November 3rd

Advanced American Studies

This week we will be introducing a number of different activities, including your upcoming work for National History Day.

Today, we began the 1960's - 70's Speed Dating project. We will begin research on a specific person you will play the role of on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Interview Question: Due Wednesday.
Two page biography: Due Tuesday (11/11)
Speed Dating: Tuesday (11/11)


American Studies

Prepare for WWI exam. Gold study guides are due for extra credit at the time of the test. Exam begins Tuesday, November 4th.

Wednesday, October 29th

Advanced American Studies

1. Vietnam War Era exam. If you were absent, you must make up this exam within 3 school days.


American Studies

1. WWI Quiz #2
2. Review 14 points / Treaty of Versailles

Assignment: Ch.10.4 (p. 311-315), questions 4, 5, 6.

Tuesday, October 28th

Advanced American Studies

1. We began today with a brief overview of the shift in American foreign policy during the Nixon administration to a philosophy of realpolitik and detente. Specifically, we examined how these policies opened relations with China, led to arms reductions with the Soviets, and played a part in ending the Vietnam War.

2. Exam Review. Review vocabulary, unit objective questions, and content from the following areas:
*origins of the Vietnam war
*the war (strategies, outcomes, and turning points)
*1968-turmoil in Vietnam and the homefront
*the anti-war movement
*Nixon, vietnamization, and the aftermath of Vietnam
*Nixon and the Cold War


American Studies

Today's class focused on Woodrow Wilson's 14 points and the Treaty of Versailles (handout)

Assignment: Finish handout on treaty of Versailles. Quiz #2 Wednesday

Monday, October 27th

Advanced American Studies

To begin, we finished all memo briefings that were not completed Friday. Finally, our focus turned to the end of the Vietnam War. We discussed the following:

1. Paris Peace Accords -- Return of POW's and American withdrawal from Vietnam.
2. The aftermath -- Fall of Saigon, communism in Laos and Cambodia.

Assignment: Read Ch. 20.5 (p. 672-677), questions 4, 5, and 6.


American Studies

Today ends the film "The Lost Battalion"

Assignment: Read Ch. 10.3 (p 301-309) questions 4, 5 and 6.

Friday, October 24th

Advanced American Studies

1. Vietnam Quiz #2. If you were absent, make arrangements to take this quiz within the next three days.

2. Memo briefings.

Assignment: None (Vietnam War era exam scheduled for next Wednesday (10/29)


American Studies

We are currently viewing the film "Lost Battalion".

Thursday, October 23rd

Advanced American Studies

The focus of today's activities is the role of the Nixon administration in the Vietnam War. Collectively, we answered the following questions:

1. Richard Nixon was elected in 1968. Why did he seem to be such a divisive character?
2. In what ways did Nixon change course in Vietnam? In what areas did his administration struggle with regard to Vietnam?
3. What prompted the events at Kent State? (photo on left courtesy of New York University Archives)
4. According to Tommy Burns (reading), what angered the "hard hats" in May of 1970? Who do you believe was right in this confrontation?

Assignment/Reminders: Briefing/memo, Vietnamization questions and Quiz #2 are all slated for Friday.

American Studies:
We focused on the definition of Civil liberties and discussed how the balance between individual liberty and collective security is at times controversial during times of war. Specifically, during WWI, we discussed the Espionage and Sedition Acts, as well as the impact of the war on German culture in America.

Secondly, we began the movie "Lost Battalion". This film will conclude on Monday.

Wednesday, October 22nd

Advanced American Studies

Today's focus is on the tumultuous events of 1968. We began by viewing a video clip focusing on the impact of the Tet Offensive and the increasing turmoil at home, including the declining of the democratic nomination by LBJ and assassinations of RFK and MLK. The clip concludes with a discussion of the election of 1968, including the Democratic Convention in Chicago and the general election between Democratic candidate Hubert H. Humphrey and Republican Richard Nixon.

A discussion and notes followed the 15 minute video clip.

Assignment: Review Nixon's speech on "Vietnamization". Answer 6 questions neatly on separate sheet of paper---due Friday.

Reminders: Quiz #2 and Research Briefings/Memos due Friday


American Studies

Today's focus was the homefront during WWI. In class, we examined propaganda from the WWI era.

Assignment: Read Ch. 10.2 (p.292-299). Complete notes from chapter in format of organizer on p. 292 (Categorize information: Mobilization--Opposition to war----Social Changes)

Tuesday, October 21st

Advanced American Studies

Today's focus is the mounting frustration on the ground in Vietnam and the growing anti-war movement in the late 1960's.  Together we analyzed:

1.  Reasons for the growth of the anti-war movement

2.  The rise of SDS and the growth of opposition on college campuses

3.  Specific anti-war activity at UW-Madison (Dow Chemical protests and Sterling Hall bombing)

4.  The Music of Protest

Assignment:  None (Next Quiz--Friday 10/24

Images on right courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society

American Studies

Finish work on Trench Journal.  This mini-project is due at the end of class today.

Monday, October 20th

Advanced American Studies

Today, we used most of class to begin a mini research project.  Essentially, you will fulfill the role of a congressional staffer responsible for briefing a Senator and Senate Committee on some aspect of the Vietnam War.  With a partner, you will produce both a one page memo and a two minute briefing outlining key elements of your research.  Briefings will take place on Friday.

Assignment:  Read Ch. 20.3 (War Divides America).  Answer questions 4, 5, 6.

American Studies

Continue work on your trench journals.  These are due at the end of class on Tuesday.

Friday, October 17th

Advanced American Studies

1. Vietnam Quiz #1 (based on the origins of the Vietnam War). If absent, please make up this quiz within 3 days.

2. After our quiz, we took a look at some of the tactics used on the ground in Vietnam after American Marines land at Da Nang in 1965. To analyze the impact of these tactics, we collectively read a few accounts from individuals such as Phil Caputo, John Kerry, Wallace Terry, Truong Nhu Tang and others.

Assignment: None


American Studies

Today begins the mini project, Herr Brice's Webquest. You are a member of a German platoon specifically assigned to gather information about the fighting on the Western Front during the Great War and put that information in a trench journal.

You will use the following websites for your research:

www.firstworldwar.com

http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc

Assignment: This webquest/mini project will be due at the end of class on Tuesday

Thursday, October 16th

Advanced American Studies

Today's focus is the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. Together, we examined the events surrounding the supposed attack on US Destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin and how it was used as a pretext for expanding the war in Vietnam. In doing so, we read a number of primary source documents, such as the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, transcripts from the LBJ tapes, and commentary from the only 2 Senators to vote against this resolution.

Assignment: Ch. 20.2 US Involvement Grows Questions (handout)


American Studies

After finishing the video Foot Soldiers, we discussed the reasons for US entrance in the Great War. Reasons included:
1. Economic and cultural ties to the allies
2. Sinking of the Lusitania and German U-Boat warfare
3. The Zimmerman Note

Assignment: None

Wednesday, October 15th

Advanced American Studies

Both Lit and Comp and History classes were combined to view the film Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam. This documentary reflects the diverse attitudes and opinions regarding the Vietnam conflict through the words of those who lived it. Highlighting some of the events both in Vietnam and at home between 1964 and 1973, the film incorporates letters from soldiers, nurses, and family members of veterans along with music associated with the time period.


Assignment: None


American Studies

1. Class began with World War I quiz #1. If you have not taken this, please make arrangements within 3 days.

2. We reviewed some of the new technologies that made WWI so deadly and also discussed the fact that military leaders had a difficult time changing their thinking to adapt to new technology with extremely deadly consequences.

3. Finally, we watched about 25 minutes of the video "Foot Soldiers" and answered questions on a related video guide.

Assignment: None

Tuesday, October 14th

Advanced American Studies

The focus for today's class was the origins of the Vietnam Conflict. Class notes were taken on the rise of Ho Chi Minh, the disintegration of the political structure of South Vietnam, and the key events in the escalation of US involvement in Southeast Asia.

Assignment for Oct. 14: None


American Studies

In class today we continued our discussion of the causes of WWI, specifically the role militarism, nationalism, imperialism, and alliances played in bringing about the Great War.

Assignment for Oct. 14: Text Ch. 10.1 (p. 282-291). Answer questions on related worksheet (handout)
WWI Quiz #1 -- Wednesday

Advanced American Studies

A slightly inaccurate headline from the Vietnam War era (courtesy The Onion)

Advanced American Studies

Today begins the Vietnam War Era Unit. You will find that this era will be one of the most tumultuous in American history and remains fresh in the American psyche.

We began by reading A Different Kind of War-- a brief overview of the Vietnam War and why it the experience at home and abroad was unique. Through today's discussion, you should begin to answer the questions:

1. How does the US get involved in Vietnam?

2. How is the Vietnam War different from all other wars?

3. What were some of the root causes of tension and dissent in American society during this era?

4. Why was the mot powerful military and economy in the world unable to defeat a force of peasant farmers?

5. What is the legacy of Vietnam?

We will continue to examine these questions / learning targets throughout the unit.

Assignment for Oct. 13: Read Ch. 20.1 (p. 644-648) Origins of the Vietnam War. Answer questions 4, 5, & 6.


American Studies

Today we are beginning our study of The Great War, or World War I. In class, we discussed and took some notes on some of the basic content regarding the war (when fought/who it involved, etc.). We also analyzed why this war nearly a century ago continues to affect modern events today.

Assignment for Oct. 13: Complete WWI Map (handout)