Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Not Alexander the So-So...Alexander the GREAT!!

Use the following link

http://stallion.abac.peachnet.edu/ssenapati/HUMN2221/PPT/student/Alexander%20the%20Great.ppt
or conduct your own research on the Amazing King of Macedonia...Alexander the Great!  After you have researched Alexander and learned a little bit about his life, his conquests, and his legacy...write a paragraph in which you answer the following questions:



What were Alexander's strengths as a military leader?
What were Alexander's strengths as a politician?
What did Alexander learn from Aristotle?
How did Philip and Olympias individually influence Alexander's development?
Describe the legacy of Alexander's influence on world history.
Why was Alexander anxious about his succession?
Was Alexander inconsistent in his treatment of conquered cities? If so or if not, how and why?

REMEMBER...After you have made your comment..make sure that you read your classmates posts and respond to at least one comment!  And, if you have a problem posting from home..email me your response to RussellL@friscoisd.org 

Good Luck!
Mrs. Russell :)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Mayan Vs. Greece...hmmmm???

Ok guys!  Forgive me :)  There are 3 videos here that I want you to watch...each of these videos are about 15 minutes in length...they are actually very interesting, so please give them a chance!!  We are looking at the Mayan civilization and we are going to make a comparison between the Mayan and the Greek civilization..please watch the 3 video clips and as you watch...take note of the social structure, the religious structure, the governmental structure, and the cultural legacy/achievements of the Mayans!


Now that you have watched the videos :) :) :)

I want you to make a comparison between the Greek city-states and the Mayan civilization...compare them based on the governmental structure, economy, religious practices, and cultural achievements/legacy...you should respond in at least one paragraph and give examples based on the videos/research on the Mayans and the notes/research that we have discussed about the Greeks...after you have posted your "original" opinion :) please make sure that you read the rest of the posts and make a comment on another students response!

You guys are doing fantastic!  I am so proud of you!!!!! :)

Mrs. Russell :)

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Athens vs. Sparta

Ok, so we have examined the Persian empire (and don't worry, we will recap on Monday!)...now we are going to take a look at those crazy city-states that eventually brought an end to the great Persians!


Do a web search on the differences and similarities between the two major Greek city-states...Athens and Sparta.  I am not including any videos for this assignment, but you are more than welcome to view YouTube videos on Athens and Sparta!  Be prepared to give information for each city-state for the following topics:  location and population, government and political organization, social structure, allies, military strength, lifestyles and values, education, role of women, and cultural achievements and legacy.  Be prepared to fill out the following chart!


Put the answers in the blanks. Note: Some may be found in both.ATHENSSPARTA
Which had the largest Population?
GovernmentWhich was a limited democracy?
Which was a military oligarchy?
Which had two kings?
Which had an assembly?
Social StructureWhich had citizens as the upper class?
Which had foreigners as a working class?
Which had slaves?
AlliesWhich was the leader of the Delian League?
Which was the leader of the Peloponnesian League?
Military strengthsWhich had the strongest navy? Which had the strongest army on land?
Life style and valuesWhich had militaristic values? Which had democratic values?
Role of womenWhich limited women's role in politics? Which gave the most freedom to women?
EducationWhich valued choral dance and music?
Which valued athletics?
Which gave more education to girls?
Which gave the most education to boys?
Cultural achievements and legacy - what are the achievements and the legacy of each?
Other

After researching this information..you will need to respond to the following questions...

1.  Discuss the conclusions that you came to regarding the comparison chart.


2.  Based on the advantages and disadvantages of different social roles in each city-state (ex. noble, women, boys, girls, peasants, slaves, etc)..which city-state would you prefer to live in?  Why?  Give examples to back up your decision!  


3.  As always...after you respond...you will need to read another student's comment and then respond to their comment!


Good Luck!
Mrs. Russell :)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Quick Note About Persia Info!!

Hi gang!

I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of the work that you are doing and how happy it makes me to see the collaboration and effort you are all putting into this "experiment"!

I have been reading over the comments on the Persia assignment and I am very impressed with what you guys have come up with..you all did great and the more we do this, the better we will all become!

I would like for everyone to review all of the comments and pay special attention to Hayley's post and to Anton's (Rice's) post...remember, you are responsible for knowing and understanding all of this information!  Please do not hesitate to comment or to talk to me personally if there is ever anything you need extra help on!!

Thank you all so much!

Be looking for your next assignment by this evening..it will be due by 11:59 on Sunday, Sept. 25

Mrs. Russell :)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Update!

Hi class!  I am just testing this out to see if I am able to post from home!

I was not able to make a comment on the Persia post from home..I am not sure why, but we will work this out!  Like I said, this is a work in progress!  Please make sure that you watch the videos and try to post tonight..if you are not able to post..either email me your comment (russelll@friscoisd.org) or write your comment on paper (the old fashioned way!!) and turn in tomorrow!  Thank you guys for being so flexible and open-minded!! :)

Thank you!!!  See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Russell :)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Persia: Engineering an Empire


Look at the Conrad-Demarest Model of Empires and watch the 5 YouTube videos on the Persian Empire.  As you watch the videos, use the Model to find examples in the Persian Empire for each of the characteristics in the Model.  For example, the first characteristic under the "Necessary conditions present for the rise of empires" is "Strong government established already (central)"...What is an example in the Persian Empire of "strong government established already (central)"?


Conrad-Demarest Model of Empires:

1.    Necessary conditions present for rise of empires:

a.     Strong government established already (central)
b.    Agriculture  base able to support large civilization
c.     Neighbors are unstable so easy to conquer (warring, politics, etc) (divide and conquer)

2.    The primary reason a state succeeds in empire building is an ideology supporting personal identification with the state, empire, conquest and militarism (strong ideology as an appeal)

3.    The Major rewards of an empire:

a.     Economic
b.    Population increase and support larger

4.    Empires fall because:

a.     Grow to big to fast to maintain
b.    Economic structure is not as stable
c.     Revolutions topple the empire

Monday, September 19, 2011

Minoans, Mycenaeans, Phoenicians


Discuss the cultural contributions of the Minoans, Mycenaeans and the Phoenicians...Use the powerpoint, notes, and videos to help you with your discussion. 

Then, respond or comment on another student's post!