Stephenson's Class Website

Spring Semester Students!

AP World History:  You will need to make sure that you have read Guns Germs Steel + one of the other books on the list of summer reading material. If you read them back in the summer, you probably ought to skim through them again over the winter break.

Also.. I will be using Edublogs for most of my blog posting.  It allows for quicker comments and feedback time.  Please bookmark  http://dsrunr.edublogs.org/ and plan on using it until further notice. 

I have posted some hints about G-G-S as well as the second book if you haven't read them yet.  You should expect to have the 2nd book read and a book review completed following the MLK holiday.

Mag. American Government

Sorry you guys.  I neglected to change the board.  I'm NOT issuing another assignment.  Therefore, all you need to have done this weekend was to take notes on chapter 11.  If you need more, proceed to Chapter 12.
Sorry for the confusion!

12-12-08: AP World History

The DBQ is your final writing assignment.  You need to take it seriously, as it factors into your final exam grade.  Know your rubric!!   

You should outline and prewrite effectively, and turn in a typed, double-spaced, final copy. 

YOUR WORK MUST BE YOUR OWN.  I will not tollerate any copying, online plagiarism, or any other form of dishonesty.  I will cross-check all papers for signs of cheating, so don't be tempted. 

Option A is the simpler assignment.  If you chose it,  it will count as 15% of your final exam grade (the multiple choice will count as 85%).

Option B is more complex and includes more documents.  If you chose it, it will count as 25% of your final exam grade (the multiple choice will count as 75%)

Remember that the APWH rubric will be followed.  Don't forget the "extended core" requirements if you intend to earn a 'b' or an 'a' on the essay. 

Download DBQOption A

Download DBQOption B

Here is the DBQ organizer outline that some of you have requestedDownload Dbqorganizer

12-10-08: AP World History

Here are the assignments:  Choose ONE.  They are due Friday.

1. Apartheid and African Independence movements:  Download African Independence Assignment
2. Non-governmental organizations:  Download WorldBankProject
3. Arab-Israeli Conflict:  Download ArabIsraeliProject
4. United Nations and Post-War International Organizations:  Download United Nationsactivity

Blog or email me any questions.  I'll check online several times this evening, and I'll be in my classroom tomorrow morning for test corrections.

12-9-08: AP World History

Download Guiding questions. last 5 chapters

These are the questions that I mentioned in class.  You need to read them BEFORE reading chapters 32-36.  Make sure you can verbally address these questions in class.  Will start looking at chapter 32 tomorrow.

12-8-08: AP World History

Download Chapt 28-31 quiz review(5) Here is your review.  Enjoy! 

12/6: Magnet Government

Remember to work on your bills this weekend.  Please post comments here if you have questions or concerns.

One thing that I'd like to mention is that you need to keep in mind what Congress can and can not do.  While it can't force states to comply with non-national issues like education and drinking ages or driving laws, etc.  They can coerce states into complying by threatening to withhold millions of dollars in grants and aid money.  For example, it was the threat of losing millions in money for highway maintenance that force states to raise the drinking age to 21 back in the 80s.  Also, it's the lure $ for education that forces states to comply with "no child left behind" education legislation. 

12-5: AP World History

Here is the PowerPoint on the Russian Revolution:Download TheRussianRevolution2.ppt  

I recommend that you all view it at some point before the test on Tuesday.

As for the mysterious assignment for this weekend....drum roll....

Pick one of the following 4 topics.  Do a bit of research independently so you at least know the gist of what it's about.  You will be assigned your last major project this week, and it will pertain to one of the following topics.  You will be asked to justify your request.  If you cannot, then I will assign you one of them based purely how many people have chosen what topics.  You must be able to at least demonstrate that you know the major forces involved before I assign you the topic of your choice.

1. Apartheid and African Independence movements
2. Arab-Israeli Conflict (1948-2007)
3. United Nations and other post-war multinational organizations and treaties
4. Non-Governmental Organizations:  examples, impact, and methodologies