Columbus Then, Columbus Now

Over the past week we have discussed the different ways in which the story of Christopher Columbus's voyage/arrival/discovery/conquest has been told. We have learned about the presence of bias in each of these interpretations. Your question to answer here is, how do you think the story of Christopher Columbus should be taught to seventh graders? What is the overall historical narrative that seventh graders should learn about this pivotal period in history? What are some historical "facts" that should be emphasized? Your comment should take the form of a paragraph. State your main argumentative idea clearly in your topic sentence. Prove your argument using evidence (a quote) from one of this week's readings, and make sure to analyze thoroughly how that quote proves your topic sentence. End with a concluding sentence that wraps up your main idea and adds the "so what" larger context. Your comment is due by the start of class on Monday.


Remember--read the post, and then click on the word "comments" just below that post. After you have written your post, add your first name, a comma, then "Nekrosius," then your period (example: Frodo, Nekrosius 12). Then, select "Anonymous" for your identity and click "publish your comment."

Even MORE debatable!

Tonight the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney will take place at Hofstra University in New York. The debate will take place from 8:00 - 9:30 Central Time. This debate will have a different look and feel from the first presidential debate and the vice presidential debate, as it will take place in what is called a Town Hall format. This means that members of the audience will have a chance to ask the candidates questions. If you would like to post a comment about your own questions, your thoughts on the candidates' ideas, or the style of the debate, feel free to do so. Please remember to proofread your comments before posting, and as always, make sure that your comments are thoughtful and polite!

---As always, remember to sign in as "Anonymous" and to sign your FIRST name, then a comma, then Nekrosius (for example--Frodo, Nekrosius).---

It's (Vice Presidentially) Debatable!

This Thursday evening from 8:00 to 9:30 the two candidates for the office of VICE President will have a debate; the debate will take place in Danville, Kentucky, and address topics concerning both foreign and domestic policy. I encourage you to watch at least fifteen minutes of the debate to get a sense of the candidates' perspectives and to see how tonight's debate looks, sounds, and feels different from the first Presidential debate (again, several major networks and cable networks will carry the debates--it's worth switching to see the ways in which different channels choose to broadcast the event). If you are interested, watch at least fifteen minutes about the debate and then write a brief comment to this post. Your comment can address the following questions, but please do not just write a list of answers--instead, write your thoughts in a brief paragraph. 1. What questions do you have about the Vice Presidential candidates' ideas? 2. What questions would you like to ask of both the candidates? 3. How did tonight's debate look, sound, and feel similar and different to the first Presidential debate? 4. Anything else you would like to add? As a reminder, this is NOT an opportunity for you to voice your support of one candidate or another--please keep your comments focused on questions and the important elements of the debate as a way for the candidates to convey their ideas. Also, remember to sign in as "Anonymous" and to sign your FIRST name, then a comma, then Nekrosius (for example--Frodo, Nekrosius). Enjoy the debate!

ABC Blog Post Assignment--Due Thursday 10/4

Now that you have read over half of American Born Chinese, you should be able to see certain themes emerging that appear in all three different story lines within the graphic novel. Your assignment is to describe one of those emerging themes and explain, using specific examples from the text, how you see each of the three story lines embodying or developing that theme. Your post should be at least six sentences long. You may choose to write your answer in paragraph form if you wish. If you are unsure on what the definition of "theme" is, consult your literary term glossary at the back of Social Justice. Your comment is due by the start of class on Wednesday.


Remember--read the post, and then click on the word "comments" just below that post. After you have written your post, add your first name, a comma, then "Nekrosius," then your period (so, Frodo, Nekrosius 12). Then, select "Anonymous" for your identity and click "publish your comment."

Extra Credit--It's Debatable!

This Wednesday evening from 8:00 to 9:30 the two candidates for the office of President will have a debate about domestic policy. The debate will take place in Denver, Colorado, which is a "swing state" (one of your recent election terms). The moderator, Jim Lehrer, will ask the two candidates questions about the economy, health care, and the role of government in American society. I encourage you to watch at least fifteen minutes of the debate to get a sense of the candidates' perspectives and how a debate works in general (several major networks and cable networks will carry the debates--it's worth switching to see the ways in which different channels choose to broadcast the event). If you are interested, watch at least fifteen minutes about the debate and then write a brief comment here about the following: 1. What questions do you have about the candidates' ideas? 2. What questions would you like to ask of both the candidates? 3. What stood out as important or surprising about the debate format in general? 4. Anything else you would like to add? As a reminder, this is NOT an opportunity for you to voice your support of one candidate or another--please keep your comments focused on questions and the important elements of the debate as a way for the candidates to convey their ideas. Also, remember to sign in as "Anonymous" and to sign your FIRST name, then a comma, then Nekrosius (for example--Frodo, Nekrosius). Enjoy the debate!