Day 14

For this evening, look at "The Crucible" anticipation/reaction guide that we did today in class the other day. Pick any 2 of the 10 statements and explain how they are present in the story thus far. Also, how do the statements you picked effect the way that the Puritan's lived their life?

Day 13

Today we began reading The Crucible. Hopefully, you understood what was going on and how Reverend Parris was concerned for his well being and how Mr. Putnam used the beginning of the hysteria to begin making personal gains as well. Keep an eye on the characters and how they use this witch hunt for gain.

Think of a time when false rumors damaged a person’s reputation. How easy was it for people to believe the rumors? How did the accused person react? What were the results of the false rumors?

Day 12

Imagine living in the time of the Puritans in the late 1600's. Find and explain 3 advantages to this time period and three disadvantages to living in this time period. Then give an overall reason why you would or would not want to live at that time.

Day 11

For this evening, look at "The Crucible" anticipation/reaction guide that we did today in class. Pick any 2 of the 10 statements and explain why you answered the way that you did. Also, how do the statements you picked effect the way that people act within society?

Day 10

I truly hope you gained a greater understanding of McCarthyism based on this movie and how scary it was that in a country that is supposed to be open to differences that we focused in on a group like that. Yet, it was a scary time because of the invention of atomic and nuclear weapons and the fear that they would be used to overthrow our democracy. It is ironic that some of the greatest critics of Hitler in America where proponents of the McCarthy hearings. This rings true to the same feelings after 9/11 with Muslim Americans who saw their lives changed because of something that people they did not know or were not related to caused. It is scary what we will do when we are frightened by the unknown.

For this evening please respond to the following:

“An era of chemical McCarthyism is at hand, and "guilty until proven innocent" is the new slogan.”

What does this quote mean to you? Based on the movie, how is this quote potentially true? Make sure you use two examples from the movie to prove this point and explain each example.

Day 9

There is the idea of what do we get out of being nice to others. This often rings true during this holiday season. Listen to the following song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i9G60wvH7Y then tell me:

1. Would you do what this man did? Why or why not?
2. Are people more likely to react this way during this time of year than other times? Why or why not?
3. If you answered yes to #2, why do you think this is true about people and society?
4. If you answered no to #2, what causes people to do nice things for others even if we do not know them?
5. Lastly, do you see yourself as a generous giving person? Why or why not? Give an example if you say yes.

Day 8

From the discussion questions:

Although fear can have beneficial effects on an individual, what are some likely destructive effects? Where does fear come from? Past experiences? Other people? Ignorance? Use examples from your personal life or from society.

Day 7

For this evening based on the handouts I gave today:

1. Read the letter to HUAC from Lillian Hellman and explain what her goal was. In other words, what or who was she trying to protect?
2. Read the testimony of Eric Allen Johnston. Who was he? Who did he work for? What was the message he was sending to the committee?
3. Last, read the speech by Joe McCarthy at Wheeling, West Virginia. Explain the message that he was trying to give to those in attendence.

Last, what is your opinion on this event in history? Are you surprised that in America this happened? Why or why not?

Truly, you will need more than 7 sentences to answer this blog so do not rush to get it done but think and do it well.

Day 6

Today you can choose between free blog and current event. If you choose free blog, do not just list things you did last weekend but make it about something that tells who you are as a person or something we do not know about you. If you choose current event, then make sure you cite your source and nothing about Tiger Woods as I am bored of this story.

Day 5

Today in class, we began discussing the idea of the Red Scare of Communism. If America is supposed to be so open minded to the ideas of others, why during the
1950's did we freak out so much about Communism? What events of the 30's and 40's led to this fear of Communism in America? Could this happen today or is it happening today? Explain your answer.

If you were absent, you wil lneed to look up this on the internet and answer the question based on your research.

Day 4

Remember for Monday:

1. Edit paper yourself using the questions I put on board.
2. Have someone edit your paper using the questions I put on board.

For this evening:

Deepak Chopra:
Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging.

Day 3

Here we are at the end of the second cardmarking. Hard to believe that it is happening this fast. I am, overall, pleased with most of the way the class has gone although I would really love to see people put in more of an effort and show what you are truly capable of.

For today, I would like you to discuss your strengths and weaknesses thus far in this class. Also, what are your goals for the next cardmarking both in my class and as a student in general. Give a letter grade goal with ways you plan to make this happen. Lastly, give any constructive feedback as to how the class could be better or my teaching style could help you more. This does not include the comment no more blogging as that will not be happening.

Day 2

Today we shall do a little current eventing. Please do not do sports or entertainment unless it directly relates to a larger event in the world. Make sure you cite your source or NO POINTS.

Cardmarking 3, Day 1

There are 3 major events that are celebrating their anniversary today:

Dec. 1, 1913- The first service station opened (later known as a gas station)
Dec. 1, 1955- Rosa Parks chose not to move to the back of the bus in Montogmery Alabama.
Dec. 1, 1969- The first people were drafted for the Vietnam War.

Choose one of these events and tell why you think they were significant to the time they occurred as well why they are still significant today. Then, tell how your chosen event impacts your life today.

Probably more than 7 sentences.