February 1st

The semester is over and we're about to start another. I am wrapping up my work, submitting marks and getting prepped for my Grade 10 and 11 Geography classes.

I really enjoyed teaching Western Civ this semester. I wish everyone well on the remainder of their Grade 12 year.

See you at Grad!

Mrs. T.

Week of January 7th

This was a busy week. Everyone wrote the Provincial Standards Test in English. In Western Civ, we learned about the Industrial Revolution. We began by examining the term "revolution" and discovered that it need not involve a violent overthrow, but can be a fundamental change in society. The Industrial Revolution fits this definition because the basic structure of society changed from being agricultural and moved toward becoming industrial. This was an abrupt departure from centuries of agrarian societies.

We did a number of assignments to learn about the Industrial Revolution. These reviewed the Agricultural Revolution and then the Industrial Revolution.

We spent two days examining the topic of child labour during the Industrial Revolution. We looked at original documents that were connected to the British Parliament's study on the topic which ultimately resulted in the Factory Act of 1833 - and subsequent legislation that extended the rights of workers.

On Monday, we will be writing the test for this unit.

Study hard,
Mrs. T.

Thursday, December 20th

Today we did an essay response to the question: "One of Napoleon's greatest achievements was his Civil Code. Assess its importance to Western Civilization." This wraps up our unit on the French Revolution and Napoleon.

No homework tonight,
Mrs. T.

Wednesday, December 19

Today we examined the differences between civil code and common law. They are considerable. It is important to think about the implications for countries using either of these. Tomorrow we will do a written response exercise (for marks) wherein students will express reasoned opinions about the two systems. A question will be posed for you to answer in essay format.

Take a look at your notes on the Napoleonic Code and related materials.

Mrs. T.

Monday, December 17th

Today we looked at the Code Napoleon. We learned about the reasons why the code was created and about its content.
Then, we engaged in a simulation game wherein members of the class divided into groups and became judges. Using modern day scenarios, groups acted as judges and used the Code Napoleon to decide cases. It was interesting to see how groups sometimes decided cases differently.

No homework tonight,
Mrs. T

Week of December 10th

On Monday, we continued our review of the Scientific Revolution.
On Tuesday, we wrote the test. It turned out that we did really well on these concepts!
From Wednesday to Friday, we examined the French Revolution and started to learn about Napoleon.

Time is flying by as we approach the holiday!
Mrs. T.

Friday, December 7th

Today, we took up the crossword on the Scientific Revolution. After reviewing it briefly, each student was given another crossword and we had a race to see who could finish it first - with the most accuracy. Mark won the contest. Way to go, Mark!

We began playing Jeopardy but ran out of time at the end of the class.

Don't forget to study this weekend,
Mrs. T.

Thursday, December 6th

It's been quite some time since I blogged, but the last week has been a busy one - especially since I was away at a conference in San Diego. Just imagine 4000 Social Studies teachers at the SD convention centre. Wow! I learned alot! Mr. Arnason did a great job filling in and now we're rolling again!

Tonight you should be finishing your crosswords. I will review those tomorrow. Get ready for another Jeopardy game! Study your scientific revolution materials and get ready for a big competition! Brayden will be officiating so there should be lots of excitement!

Lauren, be sure to study your favourite subject ... that's a hint.

Remember that the test for this unit will be held on Tuesday.

Mrs. T.

Thursday, November 22

Today we started class by looking at some key concepts related to "divine right" and the "social contract." It is important to understand these as you research your absolutist monarch. We then went to the library to continue our research in preparation for Monday's presentations.

Mrs. T.

Wednesday, November 22nd

Today we had a guest speaker - Scott. He explained to the class how Renaissance art has influenced the current advertising campaign for Renaissance Hotels. As our resident Botticelli expert, Scott did an excellent job of critiquing the advertisement. Thank you Scott.

We spent the period in the library researching our absolutist monarchs. There sure were some nasty rulers in this time period!

Remember, your assignment is due on Monday.

Mrs. T.

Tuesday, November 20th

Today we wrote the Reformation Test. At the end of the period, we divided into teams of two for an upcoming activity on absolutist monarchs. We then held a draw and each team received the name of an absolutist monarch - Henry VIII, Louis XIV, Ivan the Terrible ... and so on. By Monday, each team will devise a presentation (dramatic) to educate the class about their monarch. Props are permitted. Remember that in this time period (1500-1700) monarchs felt free to rule as they chose. They did not have to answer to the people. Indeed, they maintained that their power came directly from God.

Looking forward to Scott and Mark who will assume the role of Catherine the Great!

Mrs. T.

Monday, November 19th

Last day of review for The Reformation. We did a crossword puzzle that covered many of the main concepts for this unit.
The test tomorrow will consist of a matching section (15), a short answer section (20) and essay question (10).

Be sure to study hard tonight. This has been a relatively short unit so this is your chance to garner some great marks!

Mrs. T.

Friday, November 14th

We took up the last assignment on the Reformation. Then we played "Reformation Jeopardy." Kudos to Brayden our scoremaster and rule enforcer!

Study hard this weekend,
Mrs. T.

Thursday, November 15th

Today we viewed a DVD about Martin Luther. The assignment about the Catholic Reformation is due for tomorrow. There will be a homework check. Then we will do a review exercise (game) for The Reformation. Remember the test for this unit is on Tuesday. Be sure your notes are complete and thorough.

Mrs. T.

Wednesday, November 14th

More about Luther ... today we did a simulation and pretended to be the Pope and his advisors. We role-played what might have happened when the church officials responded to the challenges posed by Martin Luther. Interesting, interesting ... once we got past the notion of assassinating Luther, groups came up with very effective strategies to deal with the Protestant challenge. Good job!

I distributed the final assignment on the Reformation which will be due for Friday's class. This assignment will show how the church actually responded to Luther ... the Catholic Reformation or "counter-Reformation."

Mrs. T.

Tuesday, November 13th

This morning we took up the first assignment about the Reformation. We watched a clip from a movie about Martin Luther. We continued on with the next assignment - which is due for tomorrow. Remember, we'll be meeting in Room 208 for tomorrow's class only.

Mrs. T.

Monday, November 12th

Today we began the Reformation. Students began working on the assignments for this unit. The first assignment is due for tomorrow and there will be a homework check.

Tests from the Middle Ages unit were handed back as were the marking sheets on the presentations for the Renaissance.

Anyone who did not hand in their Renaissance project today should do so tomorrow - unless they have made provisions with Mrs. T. to hand them in at another time.

Mrs. T.

Friday, November 9th

We took up the 2nd assignment on the Renaissance. For those students who did not finish this assignment, please take the time to catch up and ensure that you have a complete set of notes. Part way through the period, we were called to the gymnasium for the Remembrance Day service.

The student council is to be commended for the service that was held. It was informative and treated the topic of remembrance with great dignity. Well done.

The Renaissance projects are due on Monday. Please work hard this weekend and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

Mrs. T

Thursday, November 8th

Today we went to the library. Students were able to either work on Renaissance Assignment #2 or to work on their Renaissance projects.

I will do a homework check tomorrow on the Renaissance assignment and we will take it up in class. Our class will be cut short by the Remembrance Day assembly.



Mrs. T.
(Image from Veterans Affairs Canada)

Wednesday, November 7th

It was a pretty quiet class today. Tomorrow we're going to work on the 2nd assignment for The Renaissance so please bring your text to class. If the assignment is done, you're welcome to work on the Renaissance project.
Remember to bring your texts to class tomorrow,
Mrs. T.