Schindler's List

Remember to upload to turnitin.com

1. Throughout the film you will see children (in the ghettos, camps, etc.). Analyze the role children play in the film.
2. There is no doubt that Oscar Schindler portrays heroism. Describe this.
3. Compare and contrast Oskar Schindler and Amon Goeth.
4. How does the following inscription on the gold ring given to Schindler by his workers stand true: "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire."
5. Describe the liquidation of the ghetto – how did this make you feel?
6. The film is in black and white; however color does appear in the film. How does color play a role in the film? 
7. Examine the relationship between Oskar Schindler and Itzhak Stern.
8. Describe the concept of power in the film.
9. How would you interpret the following quote from Itzhak Stern: "The list is an absolute good. The list is life. All around its margins lies the gulf."
10. The following themes were significant throughout the film: Denial, The Power of One, Loyalty, Dehumanization, and Power. Write about two of these themes and how they played a major role in the film.

Dictator Speech

Be prepared Friday to deliver your speech to your fellow dictators as well as a huge crowd of your countrymen!

World War II Story

February 18, 2014

Your February 18th blog, next Tuesday, consists of you writing a story about WWII to a 12-year old middle school student. This assignment forces you to THINK critically about your audience and how you will explain this war (and the vocabulary words you are required to use) to someone in that age group. Remember, a 12-year old is unlikely to be familiar with such terms as ally, axis, appeasement, etc. It is YOUR responsibility to use ALL of those terms in your story and explain them to an individual at that age level. BE CREATIVE!

There are 34 terms that MUST be used for this assignment. PLEASE be sure to bold or highlight each term in your story so that it stands out. I will hand these terms out in class for you to have. You will see the phrase Sig in your definitions – this term refers to Internet slang.

A rubric will be provided to you in class as well for this particular blog. Also, please remember that this blog MUST be uploaded to Turnitin.com and is due on Sunday, February 23rd at 9:00 p.m.

Debate Reflections

February 11, 2014

Your blog this week is to reflect on the debates conducted in class over the past few days. Take time to consider the debate you participated in as well as the debates you watched. Your assignment is to write TWO reflections: one on your own actual participation in the debate and the other reflection is on the debates conducted by your classmates - so it is a reflection as you as a member of the audience. Your reflections should be honest and respectful. One-sentence answers are NOT acceptable. Use the seven bullet points below as a guide to reflect on yourself and your colleagues/you as an audience member. The due date for this blog is Sunday, February 16th by 9:00 p.m. 

• All statements, body language, and responses were respectful and were in appropriate language.
• All information presented in this debate was clear, accurate and thorough.
• All counter-arguments were accurate, relevant and strong.
• Every major point was well supported with several relevant facts, statistics and/or examples.
• All arguments were clearly tied to an idea and organized in a tight, logical fashion.
• The team clearly understood the topic in- depth and presented their information forcefully and convincingly.
• The Team consistently used gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and a level of enthusiasm in a way that kept the attention of the audience.

This particular blog does not need to be uploaded to Turnitin. 

The Great Debate!

WWII: Beginning and End

Be sure to upload to turnitin by Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. These questions can be answered via research so please be sure to include your works cited page! Here are some pictures from today!!! Great Job to Erick, Jack, Dinnia, and yes...Junior!!!

1. When did WWII begin in Europe: who was defeated, invaded, attacked to spark war?
2. Describe the Battle of Britain.
3. Analyze Mussolini’s invasion of Egypt.
4. Describe Hitler’s first move in 1941 when Hitler (driving Britain out of Libya and then invading Greece).
5. Analyze the German invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) that began on June 22, 1941.
6. Discuss how the United States enters the war in 1941.
7. Why was declaring war on the United States Hitler’s biggest mistake?
8. Compare the inhumane and brutal behavior displayed by Germany and Japan.
9. Discuss the Battle of El Alamein.
10. Describe the role of allied naval forces during the war.
11. Allied air power defeated the Axis – what contributions did they make to be so successful? Be sure to include the bombing of German and Japanese cities.
12. The Axis powers were defeated over a two-year time period – describe the following: The fall of Italy; The invasion of France; Germany retreating in France and Russia; The assault in Germany; and the Defeat of Japan.
13. List the reasons as to why the Axis powers lost the war?

WWII Issues Debates

Next week you will be debating with your partner on major WWII issues. Most of these topics have been hotly debated in the years since WWII and now it is your chance to get involved in the discussion.

Place your team's debate topic on this blog - there will be one pro comment and one con comment for each team. Further instruction will be given to you in class!