Week of October 2nd

We're making rapid progress through our review of ancient history. You are building a body of knowledge that covers the largest span of time in our course, about 10,000 years of human history. I know that can seem overwhelming but I think you're developing some good habits of mind to bring order to that knowledge. We will take our first major exam this week, which will be an all-written format. I know this is a new method of assessment for many of you and as such may seem intimidating. Keep in mind that any time you do something for the first time there is an adjustment period. I want you to know that I recognize this and we are going to work in class to ease the transition. It will be a busy week and a major milestone in the course.

Tuesday, Oct.4

• Read: packet 117-127
• Due: Ids & definitions for terms on 117-127; comparative chart for Han, Maurya/Gupta & Roman empires
• In class: workshop essay introductions

Thursday, Oct. 5

• Read: none
• Due: Comparative essay
• In class: review for Tuesday's exam on ancient history (to 660 CE)

**Next week - our first exam will take place on Tuesday, Oct.11.

Week of September 25

Tuesday Sept. 27

• Read: packet pp 90-103
• Homework: write definitions for the "Important Terms" and identifications for the "People, Places and Events" from p 128 that are mentioned on pages 90-103(see note below for explanation)

Friday Sept. 30

• Read: packet pp 104-116
• Homework: definitions for the terms, and ids for the people, places & events (pp104-116)

**How to write definitions and identifications**

• Defs - write simple one line definitions that capture the meaning of the term. Ex: Agriculture - "the practice of growing food"
• Ids - write 2-3 sentence explanations that include 1)a simple definition, 2)context in time and space, and 3)a brief statement of its historical significance (why it's important)

Week of Sept. 18

This week we will begin to practice some skills that we need to develop for the AP exam. We will start with the two FRQ essays; the "comparative" and the "change-over-time." We will also start to compile a body of knowledge that we can draw from when preparing for the exam this spring. Please bring to class some kind of folder in which to collect this information. For now, just a simple paper folder will suffice. As our collection grows you may want to move up to something more intricate. Here are the reading and homework assignments for the week:

• Monday, Sept. 19
• Read: Strayer 24-29; Reilly 10-16
• DUE: Reading question (1 type-written paragraph)
• Is the life story of a 20th century hunter-gatherer useful to our understanding of Paleolithic human culture? Include both advantages and limitations.
• Wednesday, Sept. 21
• Read: Strayer 29-32; Reilly 1-9
• DUE: Comparative outline
• details to be discussed in class

Week 1 - Welcome & Introductions

Welcome to World History Intensive. This week in class we will discuss how the course works, including how to use this blog. One of its most important functions is that you can find homework and reading assignments here. So for this week:

• Thursday Sept. 15th
• Read: Strayer, 3-20 (its really only 10 pages of reading)
• DUE: Summer Reading Assignment

See you soon...