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.

how the Roman Empire came to be

Let's roam into Rome.  (heh heh)

First, read p. 90-94.  That will cover LO-1 City-State and Empire: The Roman Republic.

Then, write a paragraph that describes life in ancient Rome.  You can choose to write about Roman government, or Roman society, or the basic Roman family.  You will need to use some of these terms to write an informed paragraph:  patricians, plebeians, Republic, Senate, consuls, dictators, tribunes, client, patron, matron, pontiff, and pater familias.

You will spend the second half of class reading LO-1, and writing this paragraph; what you don't complete in class will be homework.  This paragraph will be posted to your blog, and, as with all other postings, is due before midnight tonight.

test grades posted

I hope you are enjoying Day 3 of your three-day weekend.

I've posted the grades for your tests on ancient Greece, as well as your Week 9 blog grades.  The fourth quarter is underway - on to Rome!

Plato's allegory of the cave

Section 3 went to college today, engaging in a discussion about Plato's intriguing allegory.  Hopefully this is something that will cause you to think whenever you are watching TV, surfing the web, binging on Netflix,  viewing political ads, or watching any other form of shadow play.  Thanks for being an excellent class today.

The test on ancient Greece

Well, hopefully that went well for you.  I will do my best to grade your tests over your three-day weekend, and when we get back next week I will return your tests and we will get started on Rome.

Section 3, see YOU tomorrow.

tomorrow's test

The test will consist of 40 questions.  Six of the questions are multiple choice.  30 questions involve filling in blanks, with the use of a word bank.  And the last four questions involve identifying features on a map of Greece, also using a word bank.  Good luck, and be ready! 

everything you need

Today sections 1 and 7 reviewed the 58-point quiz, otherwise known as the Study Guide Handout.

This crazy winter has been pretty unpredictable - a trend which continues tonight.  The forecast is calling for only 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow, with the precipitation beginning around 6am.  This means anything can happen: school as usual, 2-hour late bell, 2-hour early dismissal, or no school at all (meaning a Cyber Day).  Stay tuned, and be ready.

Keep this in mind - you have everything you need to study for Wednesday's test: the Study Guide, the questions I posted on my blog, the two videos, and the notes you took on my PowerPoint.  So even if we don't have school tomorrow, you should be ready to take this test on Wednesday.

test on the Greeks will be next week

Let's schedule your 100-point test on the Greeks for next Wednesday, March 26.  I will also go out on a limb and say that even if we don't have school on Tuesday, we will still test on Wednesday.

Here's how to prepare for the test.  Study the "58-Point" handout.  Review the 30-question online assignment from Monday.  Revisit the two videos you watched in class.  Check out Dani's awesome Quizlet, which I have posted under LINKS, or just create your own Quizlet.  If you have questions, just let me know.  This will be your first significant grade of the fourth quarter, so make it a good one.

no test this week

Originally I had planned to give you guys a test on ancient Greece this Friday, so it could be included on the third quarter report card.

Unfortunately, snow (again!) cancelled Monday's class, and today's seminar cancelled class for two of my sections, so the test will have to come sometime next week.  Thus, it will be a fourth quarter grade.

We will go over details of what will be on the test Thursday and Friday.

Unless class is cancelled again...

workshop for your teacher

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, I will be attending the Saint Joseph Program Workshop, so I will not be in class for Section 1 and Section 3.  Students in those sections will report to their classroom, where a sub will take roll and then bring you to the Auditorium or gym.  There you will work on the following assignment: 

• Section 1 will review the "58-Point Quiz" I handed out, as well as the assignment I posted on Monday's blog.  Make sure everything is complete and accurate.

• Section 3 will complete the assignment I posted online yesterday, the one with the 30 questions and the 4 short answers.

Since there will be numerous classes in the room with you, you will be expected to work quietly and independently.

Section 7 will meet with me for mod 10 in room 107 as usual.

As always, all sections are expected to blog today.

an Irish-flavored Cyber Day assignment

In honor of St. Patrick's Day

Some limericks are coming your way.

     The homework they contain

     May be kind of a pain

But at least it won't take you all day.

JC has a Cyber Day rule

When it snows, we still "attend" school.

    Just fill in all the blanks

    And then offer up thanks

You won't be considered a fool.

You must write in sentences complete.

(Yes, it's longer than your basic tweet.)

     To your blog you will transfer

     Every one of your answers.

Then go get yourself something to eat.

Now, in prose:  Answer the following questions in complete sentences.  Write the answers in your blog, and post it by the end of the day.  Hopefully we'll all be together tomorrow!  Enjoy your Cyber Day!

Update:  Future lawyer Maddie points out that Section 3 does not have class today, and asks if they have to do this assignment.  Technically, you do not have to do the assignment today, since we don’t have class.  But just to keep things fair, I am going to give your section the same assignment tomorrow.  So if you want to get a head start on it today, go for it.  Thanks, Maddie!

     

1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of Greece?
1. peninsula      b. many islands     c. mountainous                d. mostly fertile land

2. Approximately ___________ of Greece is covered by mountains.
1. 2/3                  b. 3/4                         c. 1/2                          d. 1/4

3. Define the term barbarian as it was originally used in the ancient world.

a.     The Greeks first used this term to describe those foreigners that they could not understand, but seemed to be saying "bar bar" when speaking.

b.     A group of people that is able to quickly adapt to the new environment in which they arrive despite speaking a foreign tongue.

c.      A group of people migrating into a territory where they do not speak the native tongue.

d.     A life based upon farming, warfare, and tribal organization.

e.     The word came from the Greek "barbaros," which originally meant "Non-Greek."

4.     What defines a megalithic structure?

a.     Homes that were constructed for people during the Neolithic period

b.     Fortifications constructed for people during the Neolithic period

c.      Massive rough-cut stones used to construct monuments and tombs

d.     Giant dinosaurs whose fossil remains were visible to ancient peoples

e.     Evidence of advanced technological tools

5.     What does the term tribe refer to?

a.      A social and political unit consisting of a group of communities held together by common interests, traditions, and real or mythical ties of kinship

b.      A family-based group governed by a hereditary chieftain

c.       A clan-based group prior to the advent of city-states in the Greek world

d.      A group of warriors, related by blood, who are governed by a king or queen

e.      All of these

6. Tribes were governed by
1. Warrior kings or queens                                        d.  all of these
2. Chieftains                                                                  e.  none of these
3. Tribal leaders chosen by warriors

7. Who were the first European barbarians to make contact with civilization?
1. Greeks                                                                       d.  Phoenicians
2. Hittites                                                                      e.  people of Asian Minor
3. Celts

8. Which of the following modern-day countries would NOT be considered a member of “Western civilization”?
1. Greece                                                                        d.  Italy
2. England                                                                     e.  United States
3. China

9. What is the name of the sea located just west of the Greek mainland?
1. Mediterranean Sea                                                  d.  Ionian Sea
2. Aegean Sea                                                                e.  Chesapeake Bay
3. Atlantic Ocean

10. What is the name of the sea located just east of the Greek mainland?
1. Mediterranean Sea                                                  d.  Ionian Sea
2. Aegean Sea                                                                e.  Chesapeake Bay
3. Atlantic Ocean

11. What were the major crops the Aegean people lived on?
1. Rice, vines, and olives
2. Potatoes, vines, and olives
3. Grain, vines, and olives
4. Onions, wheat, and beer
5. Corn, wheat, and rice

12. Which civilization arose on the island of Crete?
1. Mycenaean                                                                d.  Persian
2. Minoan                                                                      e.  Phoenician
3. Spartan

13. Which civilization established settlements along the Greek mainland’s southern shore and on some islands?
1. Mycenaean                                                                d.  Persian
2. Minoan                                                                      e.  Phoenician
3. Spartan 

14. Which civilization built massive walls to protect themselves from attack?
1. Mycenaean                                                                d.  Persian
2. Minoan                                                                      e.  Phoenician
3. Spartan

15. A period of Greek history in which the population dropped, ships no longer sailed, and writing fell out of use, is called the
1. First Persian War                                                    d.  Dark Ages
2. Megalithic Destruction                                          e.  none of these
3. Collapse of Crete

16. Following this time period, the Greeks joined which group as the leading commercial and seafaring nation of the Mediterranean?
1. Etruscans                                                                  d.  Persians
2. Egyptians                                                                   e.  Phoenicians
3. Hittites

17. In historical writing, the letter “c” might appear before a date, as in “c. 1500 BC.”  What does this “c” mean?
1. around                                                                       d.  all of these
2. about                                                                          e.  none of these
3. circa

18. By 600 BC, Greek city-states dotted the coastlines around the Mediterranean Sea.  These were called
1. colonies                                                                     d.  hoplites
2. demos                                                                                    e.  megaliths
3. Starbucks

19. Although they varied in size, ancient Greek city-states most closely resembled what modern-day geographical feature?
1. cities                                                                           d.  nations
2. counties                                                                     e.  continents
3. states

20.  This is a form of government in which a small group of citizens dominated, and the power of the majority was limited in various ways.
1. democracy                                                                 c.  oligarchy
2. monarchy                                                                  d.  tyranny

21. This is a form of government in which decisions were made by the majority of adult male citizens.
1. democracy                                                                 c.  oligarchy
2. monarchy                                                                  d.  tyranny 

22. This is a form of government in which a self-proclaimed dictator held power.
1. democracy                                                                 c.  oligarchy
2. monarchy                                                                  d.  tyranny

23. This is a form of government in which power is held by a single ruler, and is often passed along from father to son.
1. democracy                                                                 c.  oligarchy
2. monarchy                                                                  d.  tyranny

24. Spartans used this government system.
1. democracy                                                                 c.  oligarchy
2. monarchy                                                                  d.  tyranny

25. At what age did Spartan males begin their military training?
1. seven                                                                          d.  eighteen
2. twelve                                                                                    e.  twenty-one
3. fifteen

26. What was the wealthiest city-state in the ancient Greek world?
1. Athens                                                                       d.  Sparta
2. Thebes                                                                       e.  Argos
3. Corinth

27. This was the high fortified citadel and religious center of an ancient Greek town.
1. Parthenon                                                                 d.  helos
2. Pantheon                                                                  e.  polites
3. acropolis

28. This was the name of the southern peninsula where Sparta was located.
1. Anatolia                                                                     d.  Stonehenge
2. Mt. Olympus                                                             e.  Peloponnesus
3. Crete

29. These were massive fighting ships with three banks of oars, used to ram or board enemy ships.
1. phalanxes                                                                  d.  biremes
2. hoplites                                                                      e.  triremes
3. tyrants

30. This was a heavily armed and armored citizen-soldier of ancient Greece.
1. phalanx                                                                      d.  bireme
2. hoplite                                                                       e.  trireme
3. tyrant

  

Short answer.    

1. You recall the time period when the Greek population dropped, ships no longer sailed, and writing fell out of use.  What years did this period begin and end?

2. During the time period when writing fell out of use, the poet Homer is said to have told stories of the Trojan War, and of a war hero attempting to return to his home.  What are the titles of these two stories?

3. The word “Mediterranean” originally meant _____________________ .

4. What were prominent and long-established Athenian land-owners called?

today's classwork

Sorry to be missing class again... believe me, I would much rather spend time with you than be sick.  Ew.

In class today, you will watch part 2 of The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.  This is where is gets good.  You'll see the story of Pheidippides; the wars with Darius, Xerxes and the Persians; the brilliant leader Themistocles; the mysterious Oracle of Delphi; the battle in the Straits of Salamis; and why the Golden Age of Greece was so awesome.  The link is here, as well as on the sidebar to the right.  If one of you can get your computer hooked up to the LCD and some speakers, that would be great; if this proves impossible, you should all watch on your own.  Fill out the worksheet as you go, and take additional notes where you think necessary.  What you don't finish in class today, you should finish over the weekend.  As always, you should blog about today's class.

Be nice to your sub, and I hope to see you next week.

thus concludes the presentations

Nice work on the projects, everyone!  Between your storyboards/videos, my previous lectures, and the first part of the video (Crucible of Civilization) we watched, I think you have a pretty good handle on the following terms/places/concepts:

Athens                    Sparta                    triremes                    Cleisthenes                  
myths                    Olympics                 Isagoris                         epics
Odysseus                 arete                     Dorians                      Parthenon               
agora                      Homer                     Zeus                          Socrates                Mycenaeans...

The stage has been set for the world's first democracy.  But what are the Greeks going to do with their new freedom?        

I'm sick so you get an extra day

Western Civ can work on their storyboard/video projects, and/or they can work on the handouts I gave out last week.