Animated Congress of Vienna map

April 10, 2008

Here’s the animated map we watched in class (the one narrated by the slow-speaking, British-accented man). It explains and shows the outcome of the Congress of Vienna and is worth watching to understand how a group of diplomats met for a year, hit the “rewind” button on Napoleon, and totally redrew the European map.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

First round of Q4 grades

April 8, 2008

Children, I have posted the first round of 4th quarter grades, which include the test, quiz, and various homework assignments so far. Yellow means I’m missing the work, blue means you turned it in late, and orange indicates some kind of special circumstance. I’m currently awarding half credit only for late work, so turn in what you owe me ASAP and don’t be late with your work in the future.

Remember that we will have a test on the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Age, and the Congress of Vienna at the beginning of next week. That result could seriously help or seriously hurt your grade, so get to the a’studyin’ and come to me for help if you need it.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

Updated Q3 grades

March 10, 2008

The Q3 grades file over at the grades page has been updated. These grades should be final, except for those of students with an incomplete (”INC”).

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

Almost-final Q3 grades

March 6, 2008

Swing over to the grades page to take one last look at your grades (including tests and extra credit) before I report them. If you have any assignments highlighted in a color like yellow or orange, that means you should talk to me about that particular grade IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait.

UPDATE: I think there may be a few problems with the files – i.e. the wrong grades next to your number for a few of you. I’ll redo the file over the weekend, but don’t worry: I checked the real grades I gave to AHC, and those are all correct.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

Absolutism (Chapter 17) test

March 5, 2008

We will have a test on Chapter 17 on Friday (A & B periods) and Monday (D & G periods). I recommend that you make a flashcard for each of the monarchs in this chapter/time period – there are so many that you’ll get confused if you don’t structure your studying. Make sure to think about the big themes of the chapter too.

A review session is tentatively scheduled for Thursday after school.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

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.”

Play the game here.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

Video: the execution of King Charles I

February 28, 2008

Just for fun:

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

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.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

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.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

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.

Posted by Duncan Brook | Filed Under World Studies

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