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August 8th Class Review and Homework Reminder

Class,

I absolutely enjoyed meeting each of you today and I thought our first day of class went pretty well. I hope you all walked away with at least a little spark ignited for history and literature. Your readings for this week are already posted to this blog, so look for the post with the link to John Smith's letter to Pocahontas, Mary Rowlandson's story of captivation, and Roger Williams' sermon "Bloody Tenent of Persecution" found here. These are your three readings for the week, but don't put them off til the last minute. Mary Rowlandson's is a bit long and remember, all of these documents are written in Elizabethan English and take a little time to work through. Spend some time thinking of the "Who" "What" "Why" and "When" as your read these. Take down some notes. And then choose one of these readings for your academic paragraph. If you cannot remember the steps, look at the top of the blog for the page labeled "Academic Paragraphs" and check out the examples. I'll leave that up all year. Your second academic paragraph is to answer the following question:

 How might British colonization have proceeded differently had epidemics not devastated Native American populations?

 We discussed this a little in class today, but do a bit of research if you didn't take many notes. 

 Your next assignment is to pick a topic from August 15th's topic list and do some research. Here's that list:

  Geographical influences, major zones/areas (climate, vegetation, agriculture, natural resources), geographic factors that shaped the identity of America, Native American Conflicts, King Phillip’s War

 You may also do a bit more research on the folks we learned about in class: Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, John Winthrop, Reverend Cotton (not to be confused with Cotton Mather), Pocahontas, John Smith, Jamestown, and Roanoke. If you want to explore those solas that inspired the Puritans, go right on ahead. Let's lay a healthy foundation. When we discuss Puritans, we cannot ignore their beliefs. It made a world of difference. So go ahead and brush up a bit there. It's important. Hopefully, those of you that are interested in battles will come prepared to discuss King Phillip's War or some of the other conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. Some of you that are more interested in how geography shaped America, feel free to gather information to share here. You have some freedom to explore your interests. But I do ask that you take good notes, be prepared for discussion, and spend a fair amount of time to be able to prove your understanding. If our discussions are too weak, we can add in more paragraphs. That's up to you. 

     Please bring in your Oxford Book of American Poetry next week and secure The Crucible as fast as you can. You will read the first half of that play next week. :) Don't worry, I think you'll like it. You can also listen to it on Audible. We will be gathering information and data about another trial that we will debate-- the Salem Witch Trials. Those of you wanting to start preparation, learn everything you can about this event. Our debates will be a little different next time...I'll need a prosecution team and a defense. If you are chomping to get your legal feet wet, see me next week. I need some volunteers. I'll also need some witnesses ready to prepare for trial. Think about the part you want to play in our mock trial. 

     As always, keep checking the blog throughout the week. And if you aren't sure what you're supposed to read on the blog, it's simple. Read all of it. :) I often post things I think will be helpful. It's easier than a text book. And if you have any questions, you have all my contact information. See you next Tuesday! I'm so excited to work with you this year!

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