3IBA and the Great Contraction Debate

I'll post the reading for Potato Week shortly.

Regarding contractions, we had an interesting debate today and the IB rule is for formal writing, no contractions, unless it's from a direct quote.

I completely disagree. It sounds pompous, verbose and elitist to me, and I never required it at the University of Washington or the University of Michigan, or the Art Institute of Seattle. There are times to use contractions and times not to use contractions. Any good published writer can tell you that.

That said, please do not use contractions in your EE or IA. Give the IB gods what they want. However, don't say I THINK. I'll go to my grave saying NO on that one.

Knock-knock!
Who's there?
It is I.
I who?
IB

3IBA

For September 30, prepare a detailed outline of the reading focusing on the Prague Spring to the present of Czechoslovakia, up to and including the Velvet Divorce.

For EE (Ulrik, Bjorn and Sander), if I haven't scheduled a meeting with you to discuss your EE, please talk to me immediately as I'd like to have this concluded before October 6. I'm only required to look at your paper once but will review your paper ONE more time before submission. It's up to you to get it to me before the submission/presentation date.

FOR POTATO BREAK...
Write a standard paper within 45 minutes (self-timed) on either of the following topics:

DO NOT USE THE INTERNET FOR SOURCING AND ONLY FROM SELF-KNOWLEDGE

In what ways, and with what success, did Brezhnev direct domestic and foreign policies in the Soviet Union, between 1964 and 1982?

OR

"The Cold War both helped and hindered the recovery of post Second World War western Europe." To what extent do you agree with this judgment?

Update and Potato Week

We've lost two hours this week because of activity day so you're going to have to make up the time over the potato break.

- On Thursday, September 30, the DBQ's are due from Monday, September 27.

Potato Week
- answer questions from France 1795 (from French Revolution II)
- answer questions from Reign of Terror (from French Revolution II)
- read Rise of Napoleon (from French Revolution II)
- read The Napoleonic Reader by Monday, October 11

By Monday, October 11, we'll complete the French Revolution and Napoleon and move on the unifications of Italy and Germany. The next time you see it we'll be on the end of quarter exam in December. Please do not complain about "too much work". We've gone from being a week ahead to being just on schedule and must keep up.

How to Write a Research Paper and Transitions

I've uploaded "how to write a research paper" and per your requests, English transitions (however, consequently, etc.) that will improve your papers and your writing. Try to use new words but make sure you use them correctly.

2IBA - First work with DBQ (document-based questions) - Due MONDAY 27/9

Using FRENCH REVOLUTION READER II, complete the questions for:

Trial of King
Execution of King

A few updates...

2IBA and 3IBA reminder: Computers are banned from the classroom UNLESS they're being used to follow along with the PowerPoints or for review. No exceptions.

2IBA - You'll really be "playing" with the material this week and I'll meet with each of you individually to talk about your papers. When you go through the work review, focus on analysis rather than throwing up facts.

3IBA - Tomorrow we'll work on hammering out HI topics. I apologize if I haven't given you enough time to analyse the material, but time is short and I'm trying to get in as much as possible. Do the reading...Czechoslovakia, 1948-1989.

What is plagiarism? In Norwegian!

Next week...

2IBA - This week, will finish with the French Revolution and move into the Age of Napoleon, with review through a Socratic seminar.

3IBA - Extended essays are due September 20. We're moving past the Cold War into the Brezhnev era.

• Brezhnev: domestic and foreign policies
• Case study of one Sovietized/satellite state: establishment of Soviet control; the nature of the singleparty state; domestic policies; opposition and dissent (Czechoslovakia)
• Transformation of Soviet Union: political developments and change (1982‑2000)

Fall 2010 Syllabus and Grading System

The syllabus/calendar for Fall 2010 has been formulated and posted to the left under necessary historical documents. We'll go over this in class on Monday morning.

Next week...

2IBA - Will move into more of the French Revolution. STUDY THE TIME LINE from the reader. Your papers will be returned Monday. By Sunday evening, I'll post the schedule for the next three months along with our grading system (you'll receive three grades for each year, with an averaged grade at the end of the year).

3IBA - You'll find the KHRUSHCHEV READER to the left under required reading. Also, read KHRUSHCHEV as discussed in class. Have a great trip and use some of the Czech I taught you.