Rome - from Republic to Empire

Today the mighty 01 and 07 sections covered some more Julius Caesar, which included a bit of video from the BBC.  As I previously mentioned, these links are listed on this blog if you want to review them at home.

The plan for the rest of this unit is to cover Caesar Augustus and a couple of the other emperors, leading us to the fall of Rome in the fifth century.  We will probably be able to test on this material this Friday, May 2.  Stay tuned!

Julius Caesar is next

If you want to get a jump on Julius Caesar, you should read the section in the textbook found on p. 100-101.  

There is also a great video put out by the BBC.  The Brits definitely love their Roman history.  Some of you have mentioned that you find Caesar interesting - these vids should be right up your alley.  

Part one is here, part two is here to get you started. 

Give me a break...

... an Easter break, that is!

I hope all of you have a terrific time on your big ten-day break.

Fun facts about what's left of this school year, as of the day we return to school (April 22):

• your 200-point project presentations begin (April 22-23)
• midquarters are a week away (Tuesday, April 29)
• there are 43 days until Semester Exams (M-T-W, June 3-4-5)
• there are 46 days until summer vacation!

Until then, have an incredible break. Recharge your batteries (YOUR batts, not just your computer's), relax, and I'll see you when we get back.  

rubric posted

Note that the rubric for your projects has been posted in the Links sidebar.  We will discuss the rubric in class Wednesday.

this week in World History...

The test on ancient Rome will be this Friday, April 11.  If you are leaving early for Easter break, you must inform me so we can arrange for you to take this test before you leave.

Also, if you are going to be returning late from break, you must let me know so I can schedule your project presentation for Wednesday, April 23, instead of that Tuesday.

Today in class - Section 7 reviewed the origins of Rome, and both section 7 and 1 started in on the Punic Wars.  The reading for tonight is on p. 95-96.  Notes on the Punic Wars should be entered in tonight's blog.

"Massive Public Works Projects for $400, Alex."

Section 3 - you got your tests back yesterday.  Great job! We then discussed the early days of Rome, and the establishment of the form of government known as a republic.  To clarify something we talked about today: go here to see just how the Romans drained a swamp, and built a city on it.  It's pretty interesting (and not very long).

Side note: the Chicago River used to flow into Lake Michigan, which was their supply of clean drinking water.  A massive public works project reversed the flow of the river, keeping sewage and pollutants from fouling the lake.  Details can be found here.

how this unit will work

I have a feeling we are not going to have our schedule disrupted over and over by snow and ice like we have so far this semester.  So I want to try something different for our unit on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

Instead of lectures and PowerPoints, let's make this a project-based unit.  And by student projects, I don't mean YOU make a PowerPoint and lecture on it.  I encourage the use of live demonstrations, video, or the performing arts.  Here are some sample ideas:

• Construct a map (real or virtual) showing the expansion of the Roman Empire over time
• Make and model authentic clothing from the Roman Empire
• Change history!  Save the Roman Empire!  Present a plan where the Romans could have done things differently, and saved their Empire 
• Demonstrate what it was like to be a woman during this time period
• Become a famous Roman (Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, or one of the many other emperors), and demonstrate just how you rule
• Feed the class an authentic meal from this time period, complete with an explanation as to why you chose this particular food and ingredients
• Demonstrate your knowledge of Roman architecture by constructing a scale-model Colosseum (or Circus Maximus, or building of your choice)
• Chariot racing.  Gladiator combat.  Hmmm...
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the Punic Wars (strategy, weaponry, armors, tactics)
• Show how the United States is like the Roman Empire, and present evidence how we are doomed to the same fate as the failed Roman Empire (or, show how we can avoid that fate)
• Stage and perform a scene from one of the famous Roman playwrights, such as Seneca, Plautus, Terrence (teacher approval needed, depending on which play you choose)
• Perform one of Cicero's inspiring speeches
• Show how your basic Roman citizen lived during this time
• Stage a slave rebellion
• Write and perform an original song describing some aspect of life in the Roman Empire

You may present your own idea for my approval.  I will be allowing SOME class time for you to work on this.  We have two weeks before break, so from now until April 10, we will study Rome.  On Friday, April 11, we will take our 100-point test.  And when we return from Easter break (which is Saturday, April 12 until Monday, April 21), we will take two days to present your 200-point projects (Tue-Wed, April 22-23).  Groups can be no larger than four people; presentations will be 5 - 10 minutes.  Each project must be accompanied by a short paper explaining how you researched (with your sources properly cited) and put together your project.  

If you wish to finish your project before we go on break, you are absolutely free to do so, if you do not want your vacation to be disrupted by schoolwork.  You are also free to use some time over your ten-day break to make this project fantastic.  The choice is yours, and it is something you should consider when deciding who will be in your group.

I will give you more details over the coming days, but this should give you more than enough to get started.  As always, see me with questions or ideas.