Extra Credit 2: Movie Posters

You can select an era/unit/chapter and make a poster depicting what it is about, similar to how a movie poster teases us about what we may see in the film.  Suggested units include:
Prehistory, River Civilizations, Ancient India, Greece, Rome, Egypt & Israelites, Christianity, Islam, Middle Ages, etc.  Good movie posters to emulate include any Indiana Jones movie (Raiders of the Lost Ark is the best), Spartacus, The Mummy.  Google "Movie Posters" and select images.  You should see some fantastic samples.  You can make up to five.  Each poster must be colorful, neat, well-designed, and at least 8.5x11

Extra Credit

You will have to write an essay.  Length is up to you.  But please do NOT write more than five pages (typed, double-spaced, 12 pt NORMAL font).  One of the issues regarding the study of history is personal ancestry and connections.  As a teacher, I try to make things from the past relevant to your lives today.  While not always directly apparent, the connections are there.  But how far should historians (and teachers) go to find relevancy?  We interpret and reinterpret historical records every day.  One of the most controversial theories presented, examined, and discussed in recent years has been "Black Athena" by Martin Bernal.  You are to read about this theory and the debate about its legitimacy.  Then write an essay briefly explaining the theory and debate with what YOU believe.  Avoid "I" statements and support your argument with citations from what you have read.  If you do not want to take sides on the issue, approach it by answering the relevance of "History as is" or History as was" in the sense that can history be changed through reexamination?  I know this can come across as confusing, but you must THINK.  I have included important links below.  Read them.  Discuss things with adults and peers.  Then write your statement essay.  Due Friday January 7, 2010.
Black Athena (website)
Black Athena Debate (Website)
Building Bridges to Afrocentrism
Not Out of Africa

Check back during break for another opportunity that may arise!

Castles

I showed you a video based on the book, "Castle" by  David Macaulay - which is a fictional account of the construction of Aberwyvern Castle..  On Monday, we'll go over a handout about Castles, I'll give a brief lecture, and you'll watch another 20-minute recap of a castle siege.  All of this should prepare you for the "Design Your Own Castle" project.  It is due the Tuesday after Winter Break.  You'll also have a test on Ch. 11 (Islam) next Thursday!

So Much to Do!

I assigned the Castle Project today.  Everything I give you is available on the Moodle.  Your maps (Byzantine/Christianity) are due tomorrow, along with the answers to the Religion Readings (you do NOT have to do the Critical thinking).  I have decided to extend the Chapter Outlining to Monday.  So, you'll have a weekend to get it done.  Expect some Castle information on Friday and Monday with a brief lecture on Islam on Tuesday.  You'll take a test on Ch. 11 (Islam) and Castles on Thursday, December 16.

Scriptures, Maps, and Outlines

We read some selections from the Old Testament, new testament, and Koran on Monday.  There are some questions at the end of each reading.  Please answer the questions by Friday - you do not have to do the critical thinking.

On Tuesday, you were to use your textbooks to copy two maps (Spread of Christianity and Expansion of Islam).

Today, I showed you how to outline the chapter (11 - Islamic Civilization).  The sample from class is on the Moodle. 

You will have class time tomorrow and part of Friday to finish your work.  I will explain the Castle project tomorrow.

Everything is DUE Friday.

Textbook Returns

You should SKIM Chapter 11 (Islam) and remember to bring your book to class next Tuesday and Wednesday.  To skim a chapter involves simply reading the introduction, looking at headings, bold words, pictures (and captions), and scanning the chapter review questions.  It should only take you about 10-15 minutes.

I also suggest you read pages 288-302 by Thursday so you have some knowledge about Feudalism and Castles.


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