Tuesday, September 28, 2010

World War One Reparations

Thanks to Daniel Trakulhoon for forwarding me this neat link to news about Germany paying the last of its reparations from World War One. Read the article and tell me what you think.....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1315869/Germany-end-World-War-One-reparations-92-years-59m-final-payment.html?ITO=socialnet-twitter-mailonline

Monday, September 27, 2010

Seminar #2: Woman's Rights

Good day gentleman. I look forward to your presentations today and tomorrow with anticipation of what might be. In order to prepare for the next couple of classes you should be aware of the following.

You will write an essay which will broadly deal with woman's rights in Canada in the teens and twenties. For the seminar ( September 29th day 1, September 30th day 2), you should be aware of the Alberta Five, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, eugenics, Protestant Christianity's social gospel movement and any other information that might be relevant such as the Woman's Liberation Movement of the 1960's.

Some information can be found in Issues: pg. 68, 106 as well the index of SHOC might help with your research. Remember the more you are able to actually participate in the seminar and discuss the issues presented the better.

Following our discussion of the topic, you will be given a focused essay topic and will be asked to right an in-class essay on the topic the next class after the seminar.

For a hint about a potential essay topic maybe look up the difference between Maternal and Equal Rights Feminism.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Blog Assignment #1 - WW1 Battles and The Canadian Corps

The CEF in Action - How did the battles and fighting of World War One affect us as a nation?

In yesterday's class we be spent some time examining 4 key battles in detail - Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. It is important that we understand the basics about these wars, but also their significance. Which battle was characterized by the first use of biological weapons in WWI? Which battle was the first to utilize the power of tank warfare? Which battle was considered to be Canada's greatest victory in the Great War? Keep these ideas in mind as we move forward in the term.

Activity: Use the internets...

PART ONE: Examine trench warfare up close. Take a look at the 4 virtual tours by the BBC.

Dog Fight Virtual Tour Trenches - Front Lines Virtual Tour


PART TWO: Choose one of the following topics below, and then answer the questions for the topic by commenting on this post. NOTE: You must leave your first/last name to receive marks & your post will not appear until I have approved it. You only need to send it once. You will receive a mark out of 5 for your post - you will be assessed on your level of analysis and your clarity. Please spell-check your answer, and indicate which topic you chose.

Topics: CHOOSE ONE AND RESPOND.

  • Click on the link and choose a minimum of 2 different topics to read about from the lists.
  • In your post, comment on at least TWO things that you found interesting.
  • Skim the article, and write down 2 things that you found interesting about shell-shock, and its impact on the soldiers and/or their families.
3. Shot at Dawn: Cowards, Traitors, or Victims?
  • Skim the article, and comment on whether or not you believe that corporal punishment should have been used to punish soldiers in WWI. Explain your reasoning.
  • Read over the introduction, and then select the section 2 "Tanks on the Western Front" and one other section of your choice.
  • Comment on 2 interesting things that you learned about tanks.
Extension Activity:

Go to the Fun and Games section on the right side of the blog and play the trench warfare game. It's pretty fun.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Canada at the turn of the century and WW1


The Laurier Era:

We are beginning our year with an overview of what the world and Canada were like at the turn of the century. We will focus first on Canada during the years prior to World War One and some of the cultural, economic and politcial issues that helped to shape our country.

Key textbook references for this unit will be in both Issues and SHOC as you follow the prescribed readings laid out in the syllabus. Main themes for this class will be:
  • Racism and Discrimination - Immigration policies by Borden, Vancouver Riot of 1907, Chinese Head Tax, Komagata Maru Incident, Treatment of Aboriginal peoples including reserves and residential schools.
  • Protest and Dissent - Introduction to early civil disobedience includes Nellie McClung and the Famous Five, suffragettes, trade unions
  • Hope and Discovery - New inventions of Victorian Era including the car, radio, manufacturing line; medical discoveries including penicillin
  • The British Bullies - Canada struggles to stand up to Great Britain as they are forced to fight for the British in South Africa during the Boer War, while the Alaskan panhandle is given away to the Americans.
Assignment
  • Using ONE of the 4 main themes above describe in a couple of sentences - "What was Canada like at the turn of the century?"

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Getting started

So, it's time for you to get you started. This blog will be an important, integral part of the course, and you will be using it throughout the year to catch up on missed assignments, get access to extra reading and interesting articles, and to complete certain homework assignments.

Participating in the blog is mandatory, and so it is important that you learn how to use it. Now, I am not the most sophisticated of computer users, so if you are having problems, or can think of better ways that this blog could be used to help you enjoy Social Studies, then just let me know. In the meantime, you will need a google user name to get started because you will complete your homework assignments by posting comments, insights, and interesting questions.

If you get stuck, or you can't use the blog at home, do not be afraid to ask for help - you are always welcome to use the library computer on your own time, in order to complete your assignments.

How To Post...

Posting a comment is easy, but you will need a google account to do this. At the end of each post there will be a link that shows the number of comments (ex. 0 comments). Click on this link, and you will be given a space to write a response. Please spellcheck your response, and be sure that your comment is respectful.

At the bottom of your comment it will say "Comment as" - select Google Account. Then if you do not have a gmail/igoogle page/blog - you will have to create a new google account. Select a user name, and enter in your email address. Then, you can preview your post to see what it looks like beforehand, and then you're done!

ASSIGNMENT #1

1. Post a comment below, so that you can practice using the blog. No message is necessary, just make sure you leave your first and last name so that I can tell which students have posted.

If you are unsure about how to do this please watch this educational video.....

http://www.screencast.com/t/OGIwYmNk