Law 12: Tuesday 31 Jan

Today we did a quick review of some of the concepts we discussed yesterday and then examined the pros and cons of a legal system based on precedents.  Then we broke into groups and examined the specifics of the Dawson case described on pp 35- 36.  We added some fictional cases to see how our views on the law might change.  You did very well on this task and it makes me thinks ours is going to be an interesting class to work with.  We'll finish reporting our findings tomorrow.

En 12: Tuesday, Jan 31

Today we reviewed the use of Faye Brownlie's four-quadrant reading chart to help connect with our novels.  I demonstrated its use using the opening two pages of 1984.  We also discussed how to use stickie notes to connect as we read.  In this way each of us will have a more autonomous and personal experience.

Next, I met with the 1984 and BNW groups and we had short meetings to discuss the opening ideas in those novels.  I thought your ideas and questions were right on the mark.  Remember we all need to keep to the reading completion schedules that our groups set.

Thanks for a great class - very professional work.

Hist 12: Tuesday, 31 Jan

Today we read one another's "world in 1919" paragraphs and then turned them in.  Next we watched the "Make Germany Pay" video and had a short discussion.  Next, we read pp 27-28 in Demarco and then answered the Exercise 1 questions together on the board.  Finally I gave a brief lecture using the "Playas at the Paris Peace" PPT slides.  PLEASE READ DEMARCO PP 29 - 36 FOR HOMEWORK - WE'LL DO ANY QUESTIONS IN CLASS TOMORROW.

En 8: Tuesday, Jan 31

Today we read and discussed Chapter Six.  Please post a comment to the blog if yours is not on the slide.  Also, please read Chapter Seven for homework.

En 12: Monday, 30 Jan

Oops - sorry this post is a bit late in the day.  Today we had a pretty relaxing slide into the course.  I introduced some of the ideas I've been thinking about in terms of how the course could run.  First, I will be incorporating more choice - life won't be totally democratic, but where it is possible, I'll try to give you more input.  This was realized today when you chose to start the course with a novel study and were given four choices to read.  I talked about how you will be getting fewer "formal" written assignments "for marks" so you will have to continue your transition away from "working only for food pellets" (yes, that's a metaphor for only writing when it counts for a grade).  Our second unit will be involve poetry and in our third unit we'll read a play (either Hamlet or Death of a Salesman - your choice).  I hope this allows you to experience more enjoyment, but remember, with freedom comes responsibility - I know you'll make us proud.

Tomorrow we'll start with the lit circle format - remember, we need to have the novels read in two or three weeks.

Law 12: Monday Jan 30

Today we were introduced to the foundations of the Canadian legal system.  We looked at the six functions of the law and the two main classes of laws.  We also started to read Chapter 2 - please read the rest of Chapter 2 for homework and be prepared to discuss its contents (including answering some questions) in tomorrow's class.

I thought you were a great group today, and I look forward to the remainder of the course.

Hist 12: Monday 30 Jan

Today we did a review of the First World War from both a political and military standpoint.  This sets us up to begin looking at the peace talks, tomorrow.  Please confirm your learning by writing a concise 150 word paragraph as we discussed in class.  Remember to think about the big-picture "must-knows."  Also,  don't forget to explain the importance of the points you choose to include by writing some "so-whats."

Please hand in your paragraph at the start of tommorow's class.  There is no reading homework.