Friday, May 21st

Advanced American History

Today we take a look at the 1980's.  After the turning point that was the election of 1980, the Eighties were defined by Reaganomics, new technologies and continuing struggles with the Soviet Union.  In class we are discussing Reagan's first inaugural as well as some of these aforementioned developments.

American Studies

The 1970's were a time of difficulty in the United States for many reasons.  Today, we are examining the concept of "stagflation" and how it impacted the country, specifically the "Rust Belt".

Assignment:  Complete handout using text pages 727-733.

Thursday, May 20th

Advanced American History

1.  1970's Quiz
2.  An analysis of the election of 1980.  Visit www.livingroomcandidate.org to view some of the political television ads from this election to gain an understanding of the campaign issues.  Finally, read Ronald Reagan's inaugural address to know why his election will usher in what some have called a conservative revolution.

image of Ronald Reagan courtesy whitehouse.gov

American Studies

After finishing and discussing The Killing Fields, we engaged in a discussion of theWatergate Scandal.  If absent, consult text pages 713-717 for further information.

Wednesday, May 19th

Advanced American History

image of Iranian Hostage Crisis courtesy iconicimages.wordpress.com

Our discussion of the 1970's continues today with an analysis of some of the foreign policy troubles of the era.  Specifically, the Camp David Accords, the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan all have implications for foreign policy issues the United States continues to deal with today.

Reminder:  1970's Quiz Thursday

Tuesday, May 18th

Advanced American History

We examine the post Watergate era today with an analysis of some of the economic and social troubles of the 1970's.  Dubbed the "malaise" era by some, the remainder of the 1970's seemed to be riddled with economic stagflation and flaws in the social fabric of the nation.

Assignment:  Read text 727-733 (4&5)

Monday, May 17th

Advanced American History

Our final unit begins today with an analysis of the Watergate Scandal.  Class discussion will focus on the sequence of events as well as the legacy of the downfall of Nixon.

Assignment:  Read text 719-23 (4,5,6)

American Studies

To finish our study of the Vietnam War era, we are viewing the film The Killing Fields.  It focuses on the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in the late 1970's.

Friday, May 14th

 Advanced American History

Today we took a look at the fruits of your NHD labor by viewing a few student made documentaries.  Be prepared to discuss Watergate on Monday by reading pages 713-717 in your text.

Washington Post headline courtesy asu.edu

American Studies

Vietnam War Exam.  If absent, you must make this exam up within 3 days.

Monday, May 10th

Senate Briefing Roundtables! -- Have memo ready to discuss and turn in.

Advanced American Studies

Assignment:  Vietnamization Reading


American Studies

Read 20.4 (p. 664-71) -- Questions 1, 4, 5, 6.

Thursday/Friday May 6-7

American Studies

To further our study of Vietnam, you are to prepare a policy memo for a Senator on some issue related to the Vietnam War (topics on handout in class).  Memo and Senate Roundtable is scheduled for Monday.

Tuesday/Wednesday May 4th and 5th

Advanced American History

Tuesday -- Discussion of American strategy in Vietnam by reviewing primary sources, including excerpts from A Rumor of War by Phil Caputo.

Wednesday -- Viewing of 1968--The Year that Changed Everything.

 Black Power protest by John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

American History

Today, we are viewing 1968--The Year that Changed Everything. You should recognize how the war in Vietnam contributed to substantial divisions at home based on race, socioeconomics, age, etc.  Many of these divisions are still present in American society today.  Be prepared to discuss the ways in which the US was divided in 1968.

Monday, May 3rd

Congratulations to Courtney Banker and Laura Harris -- 2010 NHD National Qualifiers!!

Advanced American History

Senate Briefing memos and presentation work was conducted today.  You are a staffer responsible for briefing a US Senator on some element of the Vietnam conflict and developing a memo and participating in a Vietnam roundtable on Friday.

American Studies

After a bit of review, we took quiz #1 on the Vietnam War.  If absent, please make up the quiz in the next 3 days.

Assignment:  read 20.3 (questions 4,5 &6)