Team AP Euro,
For Tuesday, you need to have your outline completed along with your study packet. In class we will have a 40 questions MCQ and some FRQ thesis work. Come in knowing the material. If you have questions, please drop me an email.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Fill out the rest of your FRQ on the Renaissance prompt
To what degree was the Renaissance a break from the High Middle Ages politically, socially, and artistically?
Now that you have a beautiful thesis, intro, and conclusion the next step is to fill out your body paragraphs. At this point you have the evidence for the body paragraphs and you now need to clothe the evidence in persuasive argument. Your thesis is your general argument and the clothed evidence clearly supports your thesis.
To do this effectively, each body paragraph needs to begin with an introductory sentence setting the stage for what you will be arguing for in that particular paragraph. The first body paragraph's intro sentence can be quite simple (think of it as a sub-thesis). However, the next two paragraphs also need to also create a metaphorical bridge between what you argued in the previous paragraph with that of your new paragraph (i.e. how does the political lead to the social?).
Be sure your arguments are tight and concise. Being verbose is not a positive trait in historical writing (or for that matter in any writing unless you are getting paid by the page). Provide as many specific pieces of evidence as you can; avoid any vague, unhelpful language. Stay on task and do not stray. Don't use the first person.
One more important aspect: nuance. The temptation is to make your argument really simplistic and overgeneralized. A strong essay demonstrates nuance and subtlety of thought. If you are arguing for a particular point, don't be afraid to draw in conflicting evidence; show how the argument is not water tight but represents a general trend to which there are exceptions.
I am confident you all will get this and start nailing your essays. Know this an art and a process. If you don't write perfectly to begin, that is expected and ok. Give yourself grace.
If you have any questions, please ask.
Now that you have a beautiful thesis, intro, and conclusion the next step is to fill out your body paragraphs. At this point you have the evidence for the body paragraphs and you now need to clothe the evidence in persuasive argument. Your thesis is your general argument and the clothed evidence clearly supports your thesis.
To do this effectively, each body paragraph needs to begin with an introductory sentence setting the stage for what you will be arguing for in that particular paragraph. The first body paragraph's intro sentence can be quite simple (think of it as a sub-thesis). However, the next two paragraphs also need to also create a metaphorical bridge between what you argued in the previous paragraph with that of your new paragraph (i.e. how does the political lead to the social?).
Be sure your arguments are tight and concise. Being verbose is not a positive trait in historical writing (or for that matter in any writing unless you are getting paid by the page). Provide as many specific pieces of evidence as you can; avoid any vague, unhelpful language. Stay on task and do not stray. Don't use the first person.
One more important aspect: nuance. The temptation is to make your argument really simplistic and overgeneralized. A strong essay demonstrates nuance and subtlety of thought. If you are arguing for a particular point, don't be afraid to draw in conflicting evidence; show how the argument is not water tight but represents a general trend to which there are exceptions.
I am confident you all will get this and start nailing your essays. Know this an art and a process. If you don't write perfectly to begin, that is expected and ok. Give yourself grace.
If you have any questions, please ask.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Write Intro, Evidence, and Conclusion for Renaissance Prompt
To what degree was the Renaissance a break from the High Middle Ages politically, socially, and artistically?
Now that you have a beautiful thesis (you addressed "to what degree", fleshed out "politically, socially, and artistically", and wrote your thesis as A-A1, B-B1, C-C1 instead of A, B, C, A1, B1, C1) you need to begin to construct your FRQ essay.
For tomorrow create a introductory paragraph with setting and thesis.
Next, bullet point at least three pieces of specific evidence for each body paragraph.
Lastly, construct a concluding paragraph that wraps up your thoughts (however, without the first person) and contains a restatement of your thesis.
Now that you have a beautiful thesis (you addressed "to what degree", fleshed out "politically, socially, and artistically", and wrote your thesis as A-A1, B-B1, C-C1 instead of A, B, C, A1, B1, C1) you need to begin to construct your FRQ essay.
For tomorrow create a introductory paragraph with setting and thesis.
Next, bullet point at least three pieces of specific evidence for each body paragraph.
Lastly, construct a concluding paragraph that wraps up your thoughts (however, without the first person) and contains a restatement of your thesis.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Write a thesis for the following prompt:
To what degree was the Renaissance a break from the High Middle Ages politically, socially, and artistically?
If you are unsure how to write a thesis, watch the video posted HERE (sorry for the super low quality).
This is due in class tomorrow! But it is only a thesis. Two sentences max!
If you are unsure how to write a thesis, watch the video posted HERE (sorry for the super low quality).
This is due in class tomorrow! But it is only a thesis. Two sentences max!
Dual Credit Option *UPDATED*
Team Euro,
As mentioned in class, you have the opportunity to take this AP Euro course as a dual credit course. This is a fantastic opportunity because you receive simultaneous credit for high school and college. And this year you have the opportunity to receive credit for not just one, but two college courses (HIST 4A and 4B).
HERE is the application for enrollment.
HERE is more information from the school website.
If you or your parents have questions, please talk to your academic counselor or to me.
*UPDATE*
Once you decide to take AP Euro as dual credit, you will need to apply (a.k.a. get an account with) to West Hills. This is merely a formality; you will be accepted and given a student ID number. HERE is the West Hills account creation page. If you'd like to start with the video instructions rather than going directly to the application page, you may begin HERE.
A couple things to consider:
- When you have to choose your campus, be sure to choose: West Hills COALINGA.
- You will be asked to choose a major; the choice of major is not important (there will be some questions that don't apply that well to you, just fill in your best guess).
- You will need your Social Security number to register. If you do not have a SS# and you are an international student, you may enter your visa number.
- When you finish and submit, you will get two emails. First, a hello email. Next, an email with your student ID number and password. Bring the ID number to Student Services to enroll in the course as dual credit.
As mentioned in class, you have the opportunity to take this AP Euro course as a dual credit course. This is a fantastic opportunity because you receive simultaneous credit for high school and college. And this year you have the opportunity to receive credit for not just one, but two college courses (HIST 4A and 4B).
HERE is the application for enrollment.
HERE is more information from the school website.
If you or your parents have questions, please talk to your academic counselor or to me.
*UPDATE*
Once you decide to take AP Euro as dual credit, you will need to apply (a.k.a. get an account with) to West Hills. This is merely a formality; you will be accepted and given a student ID number. HERE is the West Hills account creation page. If you'd like to start with the video instructions rather than going directly to the application page, you may begin HERE.
A couple things to consider:
- When you have to choose your campus, be sure to choose: West Hills COALINGA.
- You will be asked to choose a major; the choice of major is not important (there will be some questions that don't apply that well to you, just fill in your best guess).
- You will need your Social Security number to register. If you do not have a SS# and you are an international student, you may enter your visa number.
- When you finish and submit, you will get two emails. First, a hello email. Next, an email with your student ID number and password. Bring the ID number to Student Services to enroll in the course as dual credit.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Individualized/Collaborative Curriculum Opportunity - Further Thoughts
Team Euro,
Here are some further thoughts on Option B:
- Instead of pursuing something based on your interest, you can create screencasts or videos of the content we are learning in order to teach it to my World History Honors students. Much of the material overlaps, and you would not need to go into as much detail as we are learning, but rather teach them the basics.
- Regardless of what you choose for Option B, I would like for you to create a plan for what you would like to do and submit it to me. In this plan, I would like you to share what you are going to do, how you are going to go about doing it (action steps), and how to assess the quality of your work (essentially creating your own rubric).
Here are some further thoughts on Option B:
- Instead of pursuing something based on your interest, you can create screencasts or videos of the content we are learning in order to teach it to my World History Honors students. Much of the material overlaps, and you would not need to go into as much detail as we are learning, but rather teach them the basics.
- Regardless of what you choose for Option B, I would like for you to create a plan for what you would like to do and submit it to me. In this plan, I would like you to share what you are going to do, how you are going to go about doing it (action steps), and how to assess the quality of your work (essentially creating your own rubric).
Friday, August 23, 2013
Individualized/Collaborative Curriculum Opportunity - Interest Form
HERE is a doc where you can write your name and your interest in order to see what other people are interested in - and to see who has an interest that can work well with yours in a collaborative project.
Individualized/Collaborative Curriculum Opportunity
As we talked about in class, I would like to extend the option to you to change the way (and even what) you submit to me for any given unit. Here is the proposal yet again:
- Option A:
- Status Quo: You do the outlines (unless you receive an 86% or above on the previous MCQ) and the study packet for each unit.
- Option B:
- Based on your interest(s)*, trace the relationship of your interest(s) to the period in history we are studying. You will create a final product for each unit that demonstrates careful thought and creative expression. In lieu of submitting an outline, you will be able to submit your creative product. In addition, you will be able to work collaboratively with a partner or partners to create a final product. If you do so, you may also submit a collaboratively completed study packet.
- I hope many of you will choose this option. I am confident that what you create will be excellent and indicative of your hard work.
- This option is predicated on the Daniel 1:8-16 principle.
- Option C:
- You may pick and choose which units you choose to do Option A and which units you choose to Option B.
If you have further thoughts and/or questions, come see me and we can brainstorm together.
*Here is a list of potential interests (this is to spur your imagination but not to limit it): writer (literature, poetry, lyrics), image maker (graphic artist, photographer), video producer (director, actor, editor), artist (2D, 3D, fashion, architecture), culinary artist, dancer, sport, philosopher, theologian, politician/political scientist, historian, economist, social science (sociology, psychology, demographic change), musician (sing, play instruments, write songs), etc.
Savonarola and Florence
Savonarola and Florence
Read this short excerpt and think about this:
How did Savonarola and the Florentine response to him exemplify the conflict between medieval and Renaissance priorities?
Read this short excerpt and think about this:
How did Savonarola and the Florentine response to him exemplify the conflict between medieval and Renaissance priorities?
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Renaissance Study Packet
THIS Renaissance Study Packet must be completed and turned in on the day of the chapter test MCQ.
Be sure to address each identify/define with its significance and respond to the reflection questions thoroughly but not exhaustively (4-5 sentences).
Be sure to address each identify/define with its significance and respond to the reflection questions thoroughly but not exhaustively (4-5 sentences).
Primary Source Machiavelli
Welcome to an introduction to Machiavelli via two of his most famous excerpts from his book, The Prince.
Read THESE carefully as they will expose an audacious and extraordinarily influential break from the Medieval tradition.
Read THESE carefully as they will expose an audacious and extraordinarily influential break from the Medieval tradition.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Chapter 13 Reading and Outline, Quiz and Test Schedule
Friday, 23 August - Read and Outline p. 407-415
Monday, 26 August - Read and Outline p. 415-425
- Reading quiz over the first half of the chapter
Friday, 30 August - Read and Outline p. 425-434
Tuesday, 3 September - Read and Outline p. 434-439
- Ch. 13 MCQ (40 questions)
Tuesday, 3 September - Ch. 13 FRQ
Monday, 26 August - Read and Outline p. 415-425
- Reading quiz over the first half of the chapter
Friday, 30 August - Read and Outline p. 425-434
Tuesday, 3 September - Read and Outline p. 434-439
- Ch. 13 MCQ (40 questions)
Tuesday, 3 September - Ch. 13 FRQ
Setting up Google Drive with Your Student Email
HERE is the doc to help you set up your Google Drive with your student email.
Intro to How to Write a Thesis
Here is an intro video I created on how to write a thesis. I hope it helps. As you have questions, please ask.
Late Middle Ages v. the Renaissance
This document contrasting the Later Middle Ages with the Renaissance provides a helpful introduction to the Renaissance because it builds on information we already know.
HERE is a Google Doc of the same document as above. For the topic you were assigned, try to visually express and contrast the differences between the two ages. To the best of your ability, incorporate images depicting the Late Middle Ages and that of the Renaissance representative of what is described on the above PDF document.
HERE is a Google Doc of the same document as above. For the topic you were assigned, try to visually express and contrast the differences between the two ages. To the best of your ability, incorporate images depicting the Late Middle Ages and that of the Renaissance representative of what is described on the above PDF document.
Monday, August 19, 2013
FIrst MCQ (Ch. 12) on the High Middle Ages, 20 August
Team Euro,
Remember your first MCQ over the High Middle Ages is tomorrow.
Study hard. Also, bring questions as they arise.
Remember your first MCQ over the High Middle Ages is tomorrow.
Study hard. Also, bring questions as they arise.
Friday, August 16, 2013
High Middle Ages Screencasts
Because we are flying through this unit so quickly, I wanted to give you an overview so that, at the very least, you understand the arch of the major stories of the High Middle Ages.
These are the screencasts:
Medieval hierarchy and the Little Ice Age
The Black Death
The 100 Years' War
RCC Challenges
Know that these screencasts are only providing an overview and do not reach the level of specificity you need for the MCQ test.
These are the screencasts:
Medieval hierarchy and the Little Ice Age
The Black Death
The 100 Years' War
RCC Challenges
Know that these screencasts are only providing an overview and do not reach the level of specificity you need for the MCQ test.
PERSIA-TW
An easy and helpful way to categorize the information you are learning in each unit is to think about it in terms of PERSIA-TW. This is an acronym to describe the different categories by which you can describe and explain what you learn.
This screencast will explain further what PERSIA-TW is:
PERSIA-TW
This screencast will explain further what PERSIA-TW is:
PERSIA-TW
High Middle Ages and Date Conversion
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Welcome!
Welcome to AP European History (AP Euro)!
I
am excited to have you in my class this year and look forward to the
interactions we will have and the opportunity to learn together.You have signed up for a difficult but rewarding course. My expectations for you this year are extremely high. However, I am confident you will be able to meet - and even exceed - them. If you have any questions along this exciting journey God has placed us on, do not hesitate to ask.
Again, welcome!
-Mr. Davis
AP Euro Syllabus and Confirmation Form
Please read THIS SYLLABUS (if you downloaded an earlier version, please discard that version) carefully and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Next, and very importantly, please go to the following FORM and confirm you have read and understand the syllabus.
To do:
By the third day of class (Monday) you need:
- your school email up and running, know your password, and have your email set up on your iPad
- access to Focus; know your password and understand your way around
- create a Gmail account independent of your school email
- Notability (or a similar word processing app)
- Google Drive (Google Docs)
- Chrome Browser
Introductions
In order for me to get to know you a little better, please thoughtfully fill out THIS FORM.
Have this completed by Friday, August 16th.
Have this completed by Friday, August 16th.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Submitting to Focus/Moodle via Google Drive
HERE is a document explaining how to submit assignments to Focus/Moodle via Google Drive.
Submitting from Dropbox to Focus/Moodle
HERE is a document explaining how to submit to Focus/Moodle via Dropbox.
Setting up Google Drive with a MV Student Email
HERE are the instructions for setting up Google Drive with your student email.
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