Seniors- nature vs. nurture

See Baby Discriminate
By Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

Your class assignment today is to read the Newsweek article, See Baby Discriminate. Only read the first 3 1/2 pages. (Stop after this sentence- 'It's possible that by third grade, when parents usually recognize it's safe to start talking a little about race, the developmental window has already been closed.')

This article fits into the nature/nurture debate of chapter 3. After reading the article, answer the following questions...(Directions on how to respond are below the questions)

Value: 10 points total

1. Identify Birgitte Vittrup's 3 methods to test the multicultural home environments of the families in the study. What were the results?

2. What do child development researchers say about 'in-group preferences?'

3. What is Rebecca Bigler's recommended age for talking to children about race?

4. Answer this question from the article... "We all want out children to be unintimidated by differences and have the social skills necessary for a diverse world. The questions is, do we make it worse, or do we make it better, by calling attention to race?"

5. How does this article fit into the nurture side of the debate from chapter 3? In general, do you agree or disagree with the content? Explain.


To respond...

1. Click on the comments link at the bottom of the page.

2. Type your answers into the box provided. Be sure to number your answers. (You might want to open a 2nd window in your browser so you can see both the article and your answers)

3. Click the name/url option. Where it says name type your first name and last initial.

4. Click publish. Your response should automatically appear on the site.

Welcome Back, Sophomores

Sophomores,
Welcome to Livin' In The Future. This site will be used as a supplement to your United States History course. Here I can post links to articles, news stories, video clips, etc. As stated in your syllabus, some homework assignments and extra credit options will be issued through this blog.

In case you were wondering, I got the title 'Livin In The Future' from a Bruce Springsteen song that was stuck in my head the day I created this blog. Some of you may have just snickered that I like Bruce Springsteen, and some of you may have wondered, 'Bruce who?' but his song title has stuck with this blog for the past two years. And you know what?... you are living in the future. In order to understand how to successfully move forward we must first look back...all way back to the discovery and colonization of America.

Below is your first homework assignment.

The Significance of 1492

"In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Most of you remember this little rhyme from grade school to recall the year Christopher Columbus "discovered" America. As we discussed in class, there are conflicting opinions about the impact of his discovery. The cultural collision, known as the Columbian Exchange, that occurred when the East (Native Americans) met the West (the Europeans) had a profound impact on both cultures. Is he a hero who carried Christian civilization across the Atlantic Ocean, or is he linked to conquest and imperialism? (If you don't know what imperialism is look it up in the glossary of your text, or use the web) Read through your notes and ch 1, section 4 (pgs 22-26) of your text to answer the following questions.

Part of being a historian is having the ability to analyze written sources. How does your text portray the story of Christopher Columbus and the impact of his "discovery?" Does your text mention anything about conquest, domination, heroism, or the start of the slave trade? Be sure to explain your answer, as well as use information from your notes and the text to support your decision. Your answer should be at least 15 lines (not sentences). Answer in complete sentences and use specific information from the book, but do not plagiarize.

Blog Homework Rating

5: Excellent, thorough answers that are written in your own words. Complete

sentences are used. Required length is met.

4: Good answers in your own words. Complete sentences are used, however some

supporting details are missing. Required length is met.

3: Average answers. Missing many details.

2: Answer is too short and inadequate

0-1: No effort was made to read or submit an appropriate answer; or the assignment is not

submitted

Political Cartoons

You and a partner must analyze all of the cartoons below. You will probably need the internet or your notes to do further research on your topic. (Tip: Use the news option in your google search). Answer the following questions.

1. List the objects or people you see in the cartoon.
2. Identify the captions and/or title.
3. Which of the objects listed are symbols? What do they represent?
4. List adjectives that describe the emotions portrayed in the cartoon.
5. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
6. Explain the message of the cartoon. (Here is where you will need to research the news and give some background information about the topic)

WWII

WWII

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