Midterm Review

Hey guys...I hope you are enjoying your Christmas break already and that you and your families have a blessed Christmas Day and a Happy, history-learning, New Year...I leave you with a few reminders and tips for upcoming events....

Mon Jan 7 - Oral presentations in class - be prepared!! :)
Mon jan 14 - Midterm Test - 50 multiple choice and T/F and two essay questions...

For review, focus on your class notes, particularly the sections on Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece...There will be a few questions on Mesopotamia, but most will come from our more recent studies...
There will be four essay questions offered - you must choose any two to answer on the test...The four questions will be centered on the following areas...

1. Compare and contrast the civilizations of Egypt and Greece - How were they similar, how were they different in terms of social structure, religion, leaders, government, size, accomplishments, etc...

2. In our studies thus far, what three people that we have learned about have seemed to be the most interesting and important. Give reasons for your choices and examples of their life accomplishments...

3. Describe the similarities and differences between the city-states of Athens and Sparta...Focus on their styles of life and government. How did these styles of living and ruling help these city-states in terms of their accomplishments and lasting legacy to history? How did their choices hurt them or hinder them from accomplishments?

4. The period of Classical Greece was a stunning period of human accomplishment and lasting legacy....Describe what were some of the great accomplishments of this period and in what fields these things took place (ex. art and architecture, religion, philosophy, democracy, oratory, science, language, literature, theatre, etc...) Discuss also the six main ideas/traits that characterized classical Greece and their impact then and now. (democracy, individual freedom, humanism, perfectionism/competition, rationalism, and balance in all areas of life with no excesses...

If you have any questions, concerns, or need help, let me know...Also, let me know when you get a chance your thoughts regarding class thus far - what have you enjoyed, what would you like to see us do more, less, etc...I value your opinions and want to take them into consideration in determining what we will do in the second half of the year and in years to come...
In January, after midterms are graded, I will be issuing midyear grades and turn back any HW , quizzes, and tests that families may need or want for upcoming reviews...Grades will be based on class participation/projects, HW, quizzes, tests, and candy bars given...All of you got extra points for my Christmas card and gifts :) You all are the best and I really appreciated it...More importantly, I truly appreciate you all - you are a great encouragement to me - I know our future is in good hands with such terrrific young adults to carry the torch of faith into the next generation...!!!

Greek Military History

Look up the following battles and persons and write a BRIEF paragraph describing what interested you the most about each item...Have fun !!

Monday - Pericles http://www.crystalinks.com/pericles.html
Tuesday - Leonidas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_I
Wednesday - Battle of Marathon http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/marathon.htm
Thursday - Battle of Salamis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Salamis
Friday - King Xerxes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerxes_I

ps Youtube has the Ben-Hur chariot race!! Watch #1, 2 and 3 to see it all!! What did you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwujc_B0Jqg&feature=related

Emperors and Enemies - for week of Dec 10-14

At the site below, you will find at the top of the homepage a link for the six top Roman emperors and Roman enemies - pick one emperor and enemy each day, read their bio and write a brief description, telling me why they were so important and what you found interesting about them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/#rome_and_its_empire

Also, one day this week (you pick), find out who Sullivan Ballou was and tell me what you think of his letter....hmmm....