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Monday, September 27, 2004
World History Update #2 Topics I. Test Scores and Extra Credit II. Progress Report Grades III.Open House (Wednesday, September 29) ------------------------------------------------------- I. Test Scores and Extra Credit The results of the first major test are in and they could be better. In order to insure that student's grades are permanent affected by a single test, I am providing students the opportunity to earn up to 15 points that will be added to their test scores. This assignment will be distributed on Tuesday and will be due on Friday. II. We have just started the 6th week of school, which means the grade period ends next Friday (end of week 7). I have the latest grades posted at the World History Web Site. To be added to that score is the quiz, several work assignments, and the test extra credit. It is important that students keep up with their work, while there will be occasional extra credit opportunities, there are no "on request" extra credit assignments and the best way to ensure a good grade is to consistently do the work. III.Open House This Wednesday West Hills is holding its annual open house. Here is your chance to see what your students are complaining about. We would love to have you. If you do come, make sure to get your student's class schedule so you know where to go! Open House Schedule 6:00 PM Coffee & cookies * Gym Foyer sold by the PTSA 6:15 PM GATE Meeting in the Theater 6:30 PM Welcome Assembly * Gym 6:45 to 8:40 PM Attend Classes Wednesday, September 22, 2004
If America were Iraq Regardless of your political affliation or belief in the solutions proposed by Bush or Kerry, we cannot ignore the current situation faced by the Iraqi population. Their day-to-day routine involves suicide attacks, checkpoints by foreign soldiers, religious rhetoric, political rhetoric, and limited supplies. This blog entry by history professor Juan Cole puts the current situation into perspective most Americans can understand. "Thus, violence killed 300 Iraqis last week, the equivalent proportionately of 3,300 Americans. What if 3,300 Americans had died in car bombings, grenade and rocket attacks, machine gun spray, and aerial bombardment in the last week? That is a number greater than the deaths on September 11, and if America were Iraq, it would be an ongoing, weekly or monthly toll" The complete article can be found here. John Locke and Thomas Jefferson: Plagiarism A couple weeks ago we discussed John Locke and his influence on Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. The similarities between Locke's works and the D of I are more than a mere rephrasing. You could even call it plargarism. Apparently John Adams was unhappy with the final version and James Madison later stated, "The object was to assert, not to discover truths." While interesting, please don't try this - I won't buy Madison's excuse today. Information from John Locke and Thomas Jefferson: Plagiarism. Wednesday, September 15, 2004
First Major Exam Are you studying yet? We will be taking our first major exam on Friday. Hopefully, you have already broken out that study guide and started on it. If you have misplaced it, you can download it here. The test is 50 multiple choice and matching questions and four short answer questions. Good luck. Make sure to e-mail me if you any questions. Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Parent Letter #1 Dear Students and Parents/Guardians Welcome to the 2004-05 school year at West Hills High School. I want to take a quick minute of your time to introduce you to your student's World History class. In this class we will be studying a wide range of topics, from the origins of democratic thought to the rise of totalitarian governments in Europe to modern China and India. I will incorporate a number of teaching strategies, including traditional lectures, worksheets, web-based projects, and digital video projects. In order to keep students and their families updated of events in my class, I have created a web page. This web page will have grades, assignment calendars, important announcements, notes, and other information related to the class. This web page will be updated regularly to reflect current grades and topics being studied. I will be sending out occasional e-mails regarding important events, due dates, and grade updates. If at any time you wish to be removed from this e-mail list, please let me know. I consider your e-mail information confidential and will never share it with anyone. Last, if you ever wish to contact me regarding your student or events in class feel free to contact me. While e-mail is my preferred method of contact, I will return all phone calls. Upcoming Event: Open House, Wednesday, September 29. Thank you for your time Mr. Dan McDowell Monday, September 06, 2004
Grades are posted! There will soon be a link on the sidebar to the grades, but for now use this link to access your grades.
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