Joia's Geocentric Universe

Recently we learned about the Scientific Revolution.  This is Joia's interpretation of Aristotle's geocentric universe:

Creative Writing Assignment: Encounter with Europe

Here's Claire's hysterical Ethiopian interpretation of early encounters with Europeans:

Chapter 16 Guided Reading

Here is the Chapter 16 Guided Reading.  It will be due Monday, December 15.  Again, it will be graded for accuracy.

Winter Reading Extra Credit

Here are your choices for the winter reading extra credit assignment:

1. The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492 by Alfred Crosby

2. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty First Century by Thomas Friedman

3. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Here are the guidelines for the book review.  Also, if you are going on a trip and feel it would be easier, you are welcome to use the audio versions of any of these books.  All of the books can be purchased on-line at www.amazon.com or at your local bookseller.

Chapter 15 Guided Reading

Hey guys,

In case you're itching to get a head start on our work for next week, here's the Chapter 15 Guided Reading.  It will be due on Friday, December 5.  It will be graded for accuracy... Enjoy!

Update and Changes

Alright guys, so if the plague doesn't kill me here's what we can expect:

Updated study sessions:

Friday, November 21st (7am - 8am)

Saturday, November 22nd (9am - 1pm)

Monday, November 24 (7am - 8am)

Monday, November 24 (4pm - 5pm)

Here's the testing schedule:

Friday, November 21st: Essay topics distributed

Monday, November 22nd: Essays due (if you are absent, you must e-mail your essay to me at benschinef@fultonschools.org)

Tuesday, November 23rd: Multiple-choice test

Finally, here's a link for a unit 2 study guide (optional)

Extra Credit Movies

Alright guys, after a bit of rearranging, I've picked out our last two movies and planned the dates for them.

First, we will be watching the Emperor's New Groove (PG).  I realize that this movie doesn't contain strong historic ties, but its backdrop is that of Inca Civilization.  I think you will all enjoy trying to spot the movie's historic references and relax a little before we really begin studying for our Unit 2 Test.  We will watch the film on Tuesday, November 18th from 3:45 until 5:15.

Our last extra credit film will be Kingdom of Heaven (R).  Remember, you must have had your permission slip signed by a parent if you wish to view this movie.  We will watch it on Tuesday, December 2nd from 3:45 until 6:15.

Unit 2 Study Sessions

Here are the times for the Unit 2 Test Study Sessions:

Thursday, November 20 from 4 pm  to 5 pm

Friday, November 21 from 7am to 8am

Saturday, November 22 from 9am to 1pm (we will study from 9am to 11am & from 11am to 1pm we will watch the film Mongol)

Important Date Changes

I've decided to make some major date changes, so please read below.  I'm going to push back our unit 2 test to Monday, November 24th (the multiple choice) & Tuesday, November 25th (the essay).  This way we won't have to start unit 3 with only two days before Thanksgiving Break and it will give us two more days to review material in class.  Hopefully it will take a bit of the burden off some of you as I know we have been very busy lately.  I'll have study session dates up soon.

Another big change, the Magnificent Cities project will now be due next Monday, November 17th.  Again, this is meant to give you a little more time to work.  Also, it should afford us some time for brief presentations (nothing formal).

Finally, if you want to get ahead, the Chapter 13 Guided Reading will be due on Thursday, November 13th and the Chapter 14 Guided Reading will be due on Wednesday, November 19th.

Textbooks

Hey Guys,

I was thinking that it might help some of you study if you had the ability to write, highlight, underline, etc. in your textbook.  I e-mailed my department head and she said that if you guys would like, you can write in the books and then just purchase them at the end of the year.  The book costs $75.  Another option would be to buy the book on-line.  I would try ebay or half.com  Hope this helps.

Mr. B

Socratic Seminar on Halloween!

On Friday we did our second Socratic Seminar.  The category this time was "Patterns in World History."  The students brought up topics like the spread of religion, the dynastic cycle of China and the development of empires.  As with our first seminar, students were offered the opportunity to dress up for extra credit (this time as any historical figure).  Here are a few pictures taken in 5th period:

Jenna and Debbie.  I love the hat.

Erin and Claire in character.

All 11 who dressed up! A Spartan, Moses, Hillary Clinton and more!

And it wouldn't be fair if I didn't dress up too.  Any guesses parents?  I'll give you a clue, we've been studying the Aztecs.

Guided Readings

Here are the next few guided readings in case you'd like to get ahead:

Chapter 12 Guided Reading

Chapter 13 Guided Reading

Chapter 14 Guided Reading

Just a Reminder

A few important dates everyone needs to be aware of:

* Monday, November 3rd = Chapter 11 Quiz (in-class)

- Understand the basic narratives of each civilization (Maya, Inca, Atzec)

- Be able to tell between the different characteristics of each civilization

- Understand the significance of Teotihaucan

- Use the information in your textbook to clarify

* Wednesday, November 5th = "Women in History" review (7:15 am)

* Thursday, November 6th = Unit 2 Quiz 2 review (7:15 am)

* Friday, November 7th = Unit 2 Quiz 2 (in-class)

- You will be responsible for the information covered in chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 of your textbook (you may exclude information on the Mesoamerican tribes not mentioned in class such as the Toltec, the Mississippian Culture and the Moche)

See you guys Monday!

Mayan Cosmos

On Tuesday, in class we studied classic Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya. Interestingly, the Maya viewed the cosmos as being "divided into three layers connected along a vertical axis that traced the course of the sun. The earthly arena of human existence held an intermediate position between the heavens, conceptualized by the Maya as a sky-monster, and a dark underworld. A sacred tree rose through the three layers; its roots were in the underworld, and its branched reached into the heavens." Here are a few of the student's personal interpretations:

Homecoming

The kids had a great time this past week at homecoming!  It's great to see them all dressed up.  Here we all are at the dance!  From left to right (Rachel, Claire, Jenna, Myself, Debbie, Erin and Andrew... and of course the girl in the inappropriately short red dress who jumped in the picture).  AP World out on the town (or in the commons).

Summer Trip

Parents,

Many of you have expressed interest in helping to plan the summer trip.  I polled the kids today and the overwhelming majority of them said that they'd like to visit Italy, but of course I'd still like to look into all of our options.  So, let's make this happen!  If you think you might be available next Monday morning (November 3rd) to meet in my classroom (E-205) @ 7am we could continue this planning process and maybe finalize a few things.  If this time doesn't work for you please let me know and we can reschedule.  Please let me know if you plan on attending (benschinef@fultonschools.org).  Thank you parents for all you do!

Mr. Benschine

P.S. Thank you to Mrs. Stegall & Mrs. Sandhage for helping to get the ball rolling!

Calling All Parents!

Dear Parents,

Greetings from North Springs Charter High School!  I would like to invite you to a brief meeting regarding your child’s involvement in his/her advanced placement world history class.  As I’m sure you know, your children have been hard at work this semester learning a brief, but detailed history of the world.  Their work ethic and creativity, in this process, have been truly been astounding.

As we enter the eleventh week of the school year I would like to use this get-together to discuss the following topics:

 * AP World History Study Guides

 * Mr. Benschine’s AP World History Blog

 * Extra Credit Film Review Permission Slips

 * World History Summer Trip

 * Question/Answer Session

The meeting will be on Thursday, October 23^rd.  We will meet in room E-205 at 7:00pm and should be finished between 7:30 - 7:45pm.  Also, I will bring my calendar and will be available to schedule individual parent-teacher conferences after the meeting.  I look forward to seeing you!

Mr. Benschine

North Springs Charter High School

AP World History and World History

benschinef@fultonschools.org

Chapter 9 Guided Reading

Students,

Here's a test to see if I can upload files for you to easily access.  The link below should go to your Chapter 9 Guided Reading.  Please let me know in class if this doesn't work.  Also, don't forget that these are due at the beginning of class on thursday.

Chapter 9 Guided Reading

Socratic Seminars

A couple of weeks ago student participated in a socratic seminar based on topics and questions concerning Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel.  The book discussed a few important historical thesis concerning how and why Europeans advanced at a more rapid pace than other civilizations around the world.  While Diamond makes a wonderful case for this work, he leaves multiple avenues unexplored and his method of explanation is often questionable.  Students were able to discuss this in class using a classical Greek technique known as the socratic seminar.   So what is a Socratic Seminar?

"The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.

Students are given opportunities to "examine" a common piece of text, whether it is in the form of a novel, poem, art print, or piece of music. After "reading" the common text "like a love letter", open-ended questions are posed.

Open-ended questions allow students to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in text, and express ideas with clarity and confidence. After all, a certain degree of emotional safety is felt by participants when they understand that this format is based on dialogue and not discussion/debate.

Dialogue is exploratory and involves the suspension of biases and prejudices. Discussion/debate is a transfer of information designed to win an argument and bring closure. Americans are great at discussion/debate. We do not dialogue well. However, once teachers and students learn to dialogue, they find that the ability to ask meaningful questions that stimulate thoughtful interchanges of ideas is more important than "the answer."

Participants in a Socratic Seminar respond to one another with respect by carefully listening instead of interrupting. Students are encouraged to "paraphrase" essential elements of another's ideas before responding, either in support of or in disagreement. Members of the dialogue look each other in the "eyes" and use each other names. This simple act of socialization reinforces appropriate behaviors and promotes team building."

Of course, to add some fun to the conversation, students were given extra credit to dress up as Greeks.  Many did.

Claire's Comic Strip on Islam

While it was slightly off topic, it was most certainly worth publishing.

Studying Away...

Students working diligently on their chapter 9 guided readings.

Charlie decided to read the entire chapter before getting down to business.

Rachel, Debbie and Jess working hard... Claire and Jenna taunting the camera.

Mitchell really, really liked this chapter.

Extra Credit Opportunity!

On Tuesday, October 7 we will be watching the film "The Message" starring Anthony Quinn after school in E205 from 3:45 - 6:45. If students are unable to make this screening, there will be a second opportunity next Thursday, October 16. The film relates the story of Muhammad and the rise of Islam. Students who stay to watch the film (in its entirety) will have the opportunity to write a formal film review and earn up to 10 points extra credit on a test! Please feel free to bring food and drinks!

Just Another Day...

A typical day in E-205.  Today students did a short geography activity to review the material we have been studying this week, on networks of communication and exchange.  Since we had a little extra time, students figured it would be a great opportunity to do some self-guided study.  Don't worry, we documented it.

Durand worked diligently on an atlas activity.

While Claire worked on her communication skills.

Jenna took the time to examine the world's geography in a bit more depth.

While Zack in 4th period worked hard on another masterpiece.

And the joy of world history was just too much for Allie and Mitchell.  Parents don't worry, Zack was not harmed. 

Little Sally Walker

As we had an evacuation drill today during fifth period, Claire figured we might as well make the most of it by playing "Little Sally Walker" in the parking lot.

Elizabeth agreed.

And so did Alex...

and Megan...

And Claire...

And me.  Great idea Claire.

Welcome!

Welcome students and parents to Mr. Benschine's AP World History Blog!  Students, keep an eye on this blog as I intend to provide you with periodic updates concerning the class as we progress through the school year.  Also, at some point, I may use this site to provide you with materials from class or supplementary readings and activities.  Parents, as this is my first attempt at blogging, I am unsure as to the details of what this site will have in store for the future.  Still, I hope to provide you at least with glimpse into our classroom as we have been working diligently and would love to share with you the fruits of our labour.  Here's a brief update to you everyone up to speed:

Well, we've made it through the first six weeks of school and we're still all breathing.  The students have been working very hard in their adjustment to college-level work, but are doing a fantastic job.  I'm sure that you are all aware of the fact that we have just finished our first unit test.  The test covered such topics as early river valley civilizations, world religions, the Greeks, and the Romans.  And, as I'm sure you've realized, tests are an essential component of this class, making up 50% of your child's grade.  I should say, I was extremely impressed with the amount of students that showed up for study sessions.  On this note, I would like to thank all of the parents who helped make our saturday study session not only productive, but delicious!  Your students have since received their test grades and as of this past monday we have transitioned to Unit 2.  We are currently studying trade networks, and by next week, at the latest, we will be investigating the origins of Islam.  A few other things you may wish to ask your children about include:

* Their summer reading essays on Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond.  The students have their grades on these and they count as tests, so please understand the importance of this assignment.  Also, ask your children about Diamond's thesis and arguments as they have analyzed both in great depth.

* Their group PowerPoint projects on religion.  For this assignment, students received two quiz grades (one based off their group performance and one based off their individual performance).

* Their first Socratic Seminar (and why some of your students may have left for school last friday wearing a toga).

Thank you parents for taking a special interest in your child's education.  Again, I hope to maintain a steady stream of information concerning our class through this site, so check back often. Also, please if you have any questions concerning your child's individual progress, e-mail me at benschinef@fultonschools.org

Mr. Benschine