If you heard the rumour that I went home sick today, that is true. BUT the seminar will still run tomorrow! I'll be certain to be at school for periods 1 and 2!
If I arrive a few minutes after the bell, please forgive my tardiness, as I have a school event before the day starts.
Enjoy your night, and please be certain to work on your national anthem/Animal Farm assignment due on Monday.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Your definitions ...
Please forgive any anti-americanism in this comic ...
I would like you to consider how differently we all see events in history ... just as you all wrote different defintions for the same words! Personal interpretation is essential in deciding how history has played out.
Here are the defintions you wrote as a class last week. We will do this exercise again this week. In preparation for the exam, please be certain you can provide a definition of the isms we have discussed in class. Pick a few isms each night and do this exercise at home.
Communism:
1) The direct unification of the proletarian class into a political power that directly advocates through all actions and policies for the betterment of the proletariat as a whole.
2)A left-wing political belief of where all the wealth of a country is shared amongst its people. True communism has no leadership, as all citizens are equal.
3) The idea that government should be operated by and for the working class of people, making each person equal to the next. No rich, no poor, universal wages and benefits were a goal never perfected. The idea is adopted from theories of socialism and marxism.
Revolution:
1) A singular uprising, stimulated by an enlightenment of the proletariat, that aims to make known the thoughts, feelings and wishes of the suppressed class; to overthrow, sometimes with physical force and societal violence, the oppressive holding power to initiate desired changes in society.
2) New ideas of change are brought forth and people stand against old ways. The revolt overtakes the old ways and new ones begin.
3) The uprising/revolt of the people in an area to bring about a much needed change. Generally triggered by war, starvation and failing economy or government. The action itself is usually a violent protest in large numbers of supporters.
I would like you to consider how differently we all see events in history ... just as you all wrote different defintions for the same words! Personal interpretation is essential in deciding how history has played out.
Communism:
1) The direct unification of the proletarian class into a political power that directly advocates through all actions and policies for the betterment of the proletariat as a whole.
2)A left-wing political belief of where all the wealth of a country is shared amongst its people. True communism has no leadership, as all citizens are equal.
3) The idea that government should be operated by and for the working class of people, making each person equal to the next. No rich, no poor, universal wages and benefits were a goal never perfected. The idea is adopted from theories of socialism and marxism.
Revolution:
1) A singular uprising, stimulated by an enlightenment of the proletariat, that aims to make known the thoughts, feelings and wishes of the suppressed class; to overthrow, sometimes with physical force and societal violence, the oppressive holding power to initiate desired changes in society.
2) New ideas of change are brought forth and people stand against old ways. The revolt overtakes the old ways and new ones begin.
3) The uprising/revolt of the people in an area to bring about a much needed change. Generally triggered by war, starvation and failing economy or government. The action itself is usually a violent protest in large numbers of supporters.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Animal Farm: part 1
What a great discussion in class! Thank you! Many thanks to Albert for his excellent rendition of Old Major's speech!
Here are the links for the YouTube Russian Revolution videos. Please review them if you are not comfortable with the events of the revolution.
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Read chapter 2 tonight for a discussion in class tomorrow. Please feel free to read chapter 3 as well, as it will be your homework tomorrow!
A reminder that your first Animal Farm assignment is due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS on Friday. You will be signing it in with Mrs. Boychuk.
In response to the question of the character Napoleon in the book, here is what I have found during my research and interpretation of the character.
The character of Napoleon is indeed Joseph Stalin, the second leader of the Soviet Union. Animal Farm appears to skip the (comparatively) short rule of Lenin (and seems to combine Lenin with the character Old Major), and has Napoleon leading the farm from the beginning of the revolution. This is more in line as the book deals with the Russian Revolution almost up until WWII.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Here are the links for the YouTube Russian Revolution videos. Please review them if you are not comfortable with the events of the revolution.
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Read chapter 2 tonight for a discussion in class tomorrow. Please feel free to read chapter 3 as well, as it will be your homework tomorrow!
A reminder that your first Animal Farm assignment is due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS on Friday. You will be signing it in with Mrs. Boychuk.
In response to the question of the character Napoleon in the book, here is what I have found during my research and interpretation of the character.
The character of Napoleon is indeed Joseph Stalin, the second leader of the Soviet Union. Animal Farm appears to skip the (comparatively) short rule of Lenin (and seems to combine Lenin with the character Old Major), and has Napoleon leading the farm from the beginning of the revolution. This is more in line as the book deals with the Russian Revolution almost up until WWII.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Russian Revolution Intro
Here are a few notes that we spoke of today in class in regards to the text reading (pg. 386-391).
The RR had its root in the Russians' desire for a more progressive and industrial country.
As Russia was still mostly a peasant land, it was not benefitting from the surge of industrialism in other parts of the developped world. Czar Nicholas II (1868-1917) fired the finance minister that had been in charge when strikes and protest occured.
The Czar was considered a weak leader, who could not make decisions.
After the Russo-Japanese war, the Czar granted the people a constitution and the right to elect a parliament. This was not done because it ws the right thing to do, but rather because he was trying to avoid revolution.
The Czar had a son, Alexis, who was next in line to the throne.
Russia entered WWI, and the Czar took control of the army.
Russia sufferered major casualties in 1916. This made the Russians unhappy with their Czar (they blamed him) and put stress on the working class, as so many people had died. Women worked long hours.
Many soldiers went AWOL from the Russian army, and lived on the run from the law, however they were not being actively pursued.
March 8, 1917: International Women's Day: march looking for peace and bread turned into a riot, and then a revolt. The military was called to calm the crowd, but they were unable.
Nicholas could not restore order and chose to abdicate. The Romanoc dynasty had come to an end.
Gov't power now in two different groups:
1. The DUMA: who had been elected, mostly middle class, wanted liberal reforms
2. The Soviets (the council): large assemblies of delegates, elected by the people (like the 3rd estate) who wanted socialist ideas.
Both groups wanted to continue in the war.
Now read on the Lenin part ... notes to follow tomorrow.
EXAM: TUESDAY JAN. 26.
The RR had its root in the Russians' desire for a more progressive and industrial country.
As Russia was still mostly a peasant land, it was not benefitting from the surge of industrialism in other parts of the developped world. Czar Nicholas II (1868-1917) fired the finance minister that had been in charge when strikes and protest occured.
The Czar was considered a weak leader, who could not make decisions.
After the Russo-Japanese war, the Czar granted the people a constitution and the right to elect a parliament. This was not done because it ws the right thing to do, but rather because he was trying to avoid revolution.
The Czar had a son, Alexis, who was next in line to the throne.
Russia entered WWI, and the Czar took control of the army.
Russia sufferered major casualties in 1916. This made the Russians unhappy with their Czar (they blamed him) and put stress on the working class, as so many people had died. Women worked long hours.
Many soldiers went AWOL from the Russian army, and lived on the run from the law, however they were not being actively pursued.
March 8, 1917: International Women's Day: march looking for peace and bread turned into a riot, and then a revolt. The military was called to calm the crowd, but they were unable.
Nicholas could not restore order and chose to abdicate. The Romanoc dynasty had come to an end.
Gov't power now in two different groups:
1. The DUMA: who had been elected, mostly middle class, wanted liberal reforms
2. The Soviets (the council): large assemblies of delegates, elected by the people (like the 3rd estate) who wanted socialist ideas.
Both groups wanted to continue in the war.
Now read on the Lenin part ... notes to follow tomorrow.
EXAM: TUESDAY JAN. 26.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
GREAT SPEECHES ... oh, and two more sleeps ...
Great job today on all the speeches. Many achieved a mark of 100%, and no one had less than an overall 80%. You certainly stepped up to the plate!
A reminder that you essay is due no later than 4pm on Thursday December 17. You have each signed the contract and know exactly what is expected. Please see me with any questions or concerns.
Have a great night editing your essays!
A reminder that you essay is due no later than 4pm on Thursday December 17. You have each signed the contract and know exactly what is expected. Please see me with any questions or concerns.
Have a great night editing your essays!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Week to do LOTS!
Please remember, as stated in class today, that if you missed the document test last week, it is your responsibility to see me before Christmas break to complete the test. You will not have an opprtunity to do it during class time.
Peer editing is tomorrow. Please remember that you need 5 copies of your essay in class.
Have a great night!
Peer editing is tomorrow. Please remember that you need 5 copies of your essay in class.
Have a great night!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Test Today and Speeches
Thank you for working so diligently on your tests. I am looking forward to marking them!
A reminder about the next two weeks. Please see the last two posts for dates and information. Remember that you have LOTS of stuff you can and should work on. Speech research should be started, first drafts of your essays are needed for peer editing next week. Ultimate seminars should be prepped if you chose to attend one of them.
PLEASE PLEASE see me with any questions or concerns.
A reminder about the next two weeks. Please see the last two posts for dates and information. Remember that you have LOTS of stuff you can and should work on. Speech research should be started, first drafts of your essays are needed for peer editing next week. Ultimate seminars should be prepped if you chose to attend one of them.
PLEASE PLEASE see me with any questions or concerns.
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