Gunpowder plot game
February 28, 2008
In three out of my four classes, we lost this game from the BBC (and watched Parliament, gunpowder kegs, and rats fly sky high). However, the game is winnable; give it a shot:
“Test your knowledge of the Gunpowder Plot with this interactive quiz. Answer the questions against the clock to track down the fizzing fuse. Fail and disaster is certain!
“In 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators plotted to assassinate King James I of England (and VI of Scotland) by blowing up the House of Lords during the opening of parliament.
“They hid kegs full of gunpowder in the cellars beneath the chamber where the king and the rest of the political elite would assemble. Enough powder was stored to completely destroy the building and kill everyone present.
“One of the conspirators, Guy Fawkes, was tasked with igniting this huge bomb. It is Fawkes’ effigy that is still burned on 5 November bonfires to this day.”
Video: the execution of King Charles I
February 28, 2008
Just for fun:
English constitutional monarchy materials
February 27, 2008
The book calls it section 17.3, “The Triumph of Parliament,” and the journey from Tudor to Stuart to Civil War to Interregnum to Restoration to Glorious Revolution is a complicated one. Here’s the handout from class that traces the 17th century in England through cartoons and a chart – with space for your notes from the PowerPoint presentation. My thanks to Ms. Susan M. Pojer, whose materials were the foundation for mine.
English constitutional monarchy handout
If you have trouble viewing or printing the chart on the fourth page, here it is as a standalone PDF.
Malaria assignment & follow-up reading
February 27, 2008
Here again is the Malaria handout from today’s class.
The class/homework assignment is to prepare a chart comparing & contrasting AIDS and Malaria – their characteristics, the challenges of fighting them in Africa, etc. Some similarities and differences will be obvious, and some will require thought + analysis to draw connections. The purpose of the assignment is to push you towards that thought and analysis.
Also, read these two Economist articles (in PDF format) as follow-up:
- This piece addresses one of the links between AIDS and malaria: they make each other worse.
- This one updates the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe
07-08 JV basketball rebounding statistics
February 18, 2008
On Friday, the AHC JV basketball team completed a 21-1 season. I’ve been tracking rebounding numbers throughout the season and share preliminary results with you now.
UPDATE (03.15.08): I added the numbers from the Bishop O’Connell away game:
National Gallery extra credit
February 15, 2008
For extra credit:
Now that you’re familiar with major Renaissance art, its characteristics, and its historical context, I encourage you to visit the National Gallery of Art and view the relevant part of the NGA’s collection.
Due: Before the end of the quarter, which concludes on February 29.
Turn in:
1. A map, program, or other official NGA handout, with your name on it.
2. A photo or photos you in front of one of the works of Renaissance or Northern Renaissance art that we discussed in class. The best way to turn in the photo(s) is via email.
Hints & encouragements:
You won’t find any of the works in the quiz study guide, but the Gallery has quite a few of the other paintings and sculptures we viewed. I recommend taking photos with more than one piece to be sure you actually get one that we did cover.
Look for Madonnas, crucifixions, and big noses. If you’re a planner, hunt around online first to see which works are in the NGA’s collection, but don’t just rush in and right back out again. Take the opportunity to explore a little and show me that you did.
Do not, for the love of all that’s good in this world, miss the NGA’s full room of Raphael or its outstanding trove of vivid El Greco paintings (I didn’t show my favorite of the group, Saint Jerome, in class). Take a look as well at the Baroque Woodcuts special exhibition, which is filled with Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Titian works. Know, however, that photography is not allowed in that exhibition.
Best of all - downstairs, where the East and West wings connect, there’s a great gelateria (gelato = heavenly Italian ice cream) … highly recommended.
NGA photography policy:
Photography for personal use is permitted except in special exhibitions and where specifically prohibited. For our purposes, “special exhibitions” means you technically can’t take photos of pieces the Baroque Woodcuts exhibit.
Hours & location:
The National Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Gallery is closed on December 25 and January 1.
Weekend reading
February 15, 2008
1. When we discussed the ongoing ethnic violence in Kenya, 850 people had been killed. The number is now over 1,000. Here is the story of one tragedy among the many with brief background.
2. This New York Times piece investigates the de facto ethnic segregation now taking place in Kenya and gives more background on what’s happening and why.
3. Africa is one of the only places in the world where President Bush remains popular, and he’s visiting the continent starting this weekend. This Economist story begins by citing a pair of artfully-conceived insults towards Mr. Bush but otherwise outlines American aid efforts and the resulting resiliently-positive view of America prevalent in Africa.
Updated grades
February 15, 2008
I’ve posted an update over on the grades page.
These grades reflect all assignments up to but NOT including today’s test. As always, these numbers are estimates and are only meant to help you roughly understand where you stand.
Please reach out to me immediately if anything surprises you or with any questions.
HIV/AIDS world maps
February 15, 2008
Here are the maps I showed in class today:
HIV/AIDS prevalence
HIV/AIDS deaths
The maps are from worldmapper.org, an excellent excellent excellent resource for visualizing all sorts of world issues.
Mandela paper assignment
February 8, 2008
Choose and research one of the following questions:
1. Nelson Mandela went to prison when he was in his forties and was not released for over 27 years. Where did Mandela find the strength to survive almost three decades in one of the world’s harshest prisons? What strategies did he employ to do so? What impact did his time in prison leave on him and on the anti-apartheid struggle?
2. Trace Mr. Mandela’s beliefs regarding non-violent protest throughout his life. Analyze the factors that influenced and changed his views and strategies - why did they change? How might different strategies have changed the effectiveness of the anti-apartheid movement, for good or for bad? Was violent protest necessary?
3. What is Nelson Mandela’s legacy? Don’t just write a laundry list of many things - make an argument with an overarching theme. You might be interested to research the Truth & Reconciliation Commission or Mandela’s post-presidency - what he’s been doing since he stepped down.
I’m happy to talk with you and offer guidance on these questions.
You may suggest another topic and write on it ONLY if I approve your topic. I’ll be available during E2 and after school today to discuss. If you email me over the weekend, I may not be able to respond, so do not begin writing on your own topic unless you’ve received approval from me.
Summary of requirements:
- A draft or significant outline is due on Monday - write over the weekend.
- The paper is due on Wednesday.
- Late papers lose a letter grade a day. Turn your paper in on time.
- Make a formal, structured, and concise argument.
- Length requirement: at least 4 pages.
- You may double-space.
- Use 12-pt Times New Roman as your font.
- Use the standard Word margins (left & right: 1-inch, top & bottom: 1.25-inch).
- Proofread your paper for errors.
