Thursday, July 31, 2014

THE MAGNA CARTER AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE


The Magna Carter, or the Great Charter which was agreed in 1215  is the basis of British, US and Canadian democracy today. The significance of this momentous document has never been so great as it is today. Do your reseach and find out why. When you are done, write an essay discussing the Magna Carter and its significance.
Note to the student: it is essential for maximum benefit that you spread your research out over three days.
Definition:
Historical Background:
·         “The kings and queens of England- Episode 1: Normans to Magna Carter” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5AUiicoQo  You will benefit from this video more if you have covered “Tell the story of the Battle of Hastings”
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “Magna Carter” http://prezi.com/w9p5mm2udabs/magna-carta/  
·         “Magna Carter” http://prezi.com/wbpay70nkjun/magna-carta/ Make sure to watch the video
Reading material to annotate:
·         “Magna Carta” http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/magna_carta.htm Make sure to scroll down to find the link to the 63 clauses of the Magna Carter.
·         “What is the Magna Carter?” http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-is-the-magna-carta 
·         “Magna Carter: the great charter” http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/ukandireland/a/Magna-Carta-The-Great-Charter.htm
·          “Why the Magna Carter is seen as the key document in the founding of the US?” http://americanhistory.about.com/od/famousdocuments/f/Why-Is-The-Magna-Carta-Seen-As-A-Key-Document-In-The-Founding-Of-America.htm
·         “The meaning of Magna Carter since 1215” http://www.historytoday.com/ralph-v-turner/meaning-magna-carta-1215 This text may interest those who seek more detailed knowledge.
Videos to watch and make notes on

·         “The relevance of the Magna Carter to the 21st century” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B6neLohOCM The first 10 minutes is introduction and not relevant so you may want to skip it.

WHAT IS NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION?


Wikipedia defines non verbal communication as follows: “Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people”. What exactly does this mean and how does it work? Do your research and write an essay describing non verbal communication
Documentary to watch and make notes on
·         Body Language HD 720p Discovery & Documentary HD
Videos to watch and make notes on
·         “8 Types of nonverbal communication” http://video.about.com/psychology/8-Types-of-Nonverbal-Communication.htm

·         Body Language Expert Mark Bowden at TEDxToronto - The Importance Of Being Inauthentic

·         TEDxMerseyside - Dr Chris Shea - The Secrets of Non Verbal Communication

Reading material to annotate:
·         “Types of nonverbal communication” http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm
·         “Top 10 non verbal communication tips” http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/tp/nonverbaltips.htm
“Non verbal communication” http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq6_nonverbal_communication.htm

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

HOW ARE GENDER ROLES DETERMINED?


It has long been believed by many that gender roles were largely biologically determined but such is very far from being the case as more and more new research indicates that gender roles are more of a social construct. Do your research and write an essay discussing the factors that determine gender roles.
This reading into writing activity was designed in collaboration with Gökçen Çiftlik to whom we owe thanks.
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “Gender roles: nature versus nurture” http://prezi.com/ebfpx9lh_23k/gender-roles-nature-vs-nurture/
·         Gender roles: Margaret Mead (Sociology) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCzE9_QvpE4
Reading material to annotate
·         “The gender spectrum: social pressure to act girly or macho is stronger than you think” http://www.babble.com/toddler/children-gender-roles-girly-girls-macho-boys/
·         “Advertisers fight to shape the image of acting like a girl” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/advertisers-fighting-like-girls-to-reshape-the-female-image/article19452049/ Make sure to click on the links and watch the videos; especially the one on female behavior.
·         “Male and female ability: differences down to society not genetics” http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/15/girls-boys-think-same-way
Documentaries to watch and make notes on:
·         “Understanding the complexities of gender: Sam Killerman” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRcPXtqdKjE
·         “Gender Fluidity: Gabrielle Burton” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOkyc91eY90

·         “How to avoid gender stereotypes: Eleanor Tabbi Haller – Jordan” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZFNsJ0-aco
     Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

TELL THE STORY OF QUEEN NEFERTITI


Queen Nefertiti is known for her stunning beauty but she and her husband are known for something else as well: something that possibly got her murdered and her tomb desecrated. Do your research and tell the story of this famous ancient Egyptian queen.
The purpose of the task:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Reading material to annotate: less challenging sources
·         “Nefertiti” http://www.biography.com/people/nefertiti-9421166
Reading material to annotate: more challenging sources
·         “Nefertiti, perhaps Egypt’s most beautiful queen” http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/nefertiti.htm
Documentary to watch:

·         “Discovery Channel’s Queen Nefertiti” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTnkqaWW1CY

Thursday, July 24, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE RED QUEEN


Who  did the remains of the mysterious woman found underneath a Mayan temple belong to? Why was she dubbed the red queen? Do your research, and tell the story.
Reading material to annotate:
·         “Palenque’s red queen” Make sure to check the links at the bottom of the page. http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/01/2013/palenques-red-queen
·         “The tomb of the Red Queen” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Red_Queen
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         “The Red Queen – a Mayan mystery part 1” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf8LtqxDnEw

·         “The Red Queen – a Mayan mystery part 2” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL6u7l1epvw

TELL THE STORY OF THE EXPRESSION “CROSSING THE RUBICON”


“We have crossed the Rubicon” is a popular idiomatic expression in English but where does it come from and what is the story behind it? Do your research and write the story.
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “Crossing the Rubicon” http://prezi.com/1mgj9iafnwqm/crossing-the-rubicon/
·         “Caesar crosses the Rubicon” http://prezi.com/dwib82rdqdsu/caesar-crosses-the-rubicon/ 
Reading material to annotate:
·         “Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon; 49 BC” http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/caesar.htm
·         “Julius Caesar and the Crossing of the Rubicon” http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/caesarrubicon1.htm
·         “Rubicon” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubicon
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         “What does it mean to cross the Rubicon?” http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-does-it-mean-to-cross-the-rubicon
Podcast to listen to and make notes on:

·         “History of Julius Caesar – crossing the Rubicon” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCSlnF_H1T4

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF GALILEO AND THE INQUISITION


The great scientist Galileo had a famous brush with the Inquisition and emerged the worse for wear. Do your research and write an essay.
The purpose of the task:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Familiarize yourself with the topic:
·         “Galileo and the Inquisition” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNMZlcyIj-8
Reading material to make notes on:
·         “Galileo in Rome for Inquisition” http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/galileo-in-rome-for-inquisition
·         “Galileo is convicted of heresy” http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/galileo-is-convicted-of-heresy
Videos to make notes on
·         “Galileo 1” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImFwQBM560c
·         “Galileo 2 – Threat of Inquisition” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT3VO83AJdE

·         Galileo 3 – Galileo recants” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqScO2uULjM

THE IMPACTS OF COLONIALISM


Colonialism and the great colonial empires have had enormous impact on certain parts of the world and changed the course of history. Colonialism is defined on Wikipedia as the establishment, exploitation, maintenance, acquisition, and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. It is a set of unequal relationships between the colonial power and the colony and often between the colonists and the indigenous population. What led to the founding of these empires and effects did they have? Do your research and write an essay in which you discuss the causes and effects of this important period in history.
Familiarize yourself with the topic:
·         “Colonialism” http://www.slideshare.net/Pushkin1799/colonialism-6948051
Reading material to annotate:
·         “What caused the scramble for Africa” http://africanhistory.about.com/od/eracolonialism/a/ScrambleWhy.htm
·         “The impact of colonialism” http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/impact-colonialism This post includes every possible aspect of colonialism not just the impact
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         “The colonization of Africa and the Berlin conference: definition and purpose” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-colonization-of-africa-the-berlin-conference-definition-purpose.html#lesson  You will have to register for a 5 day free trial to watch the full video but it is worth it and only takes a minute.
·         “European imperialism: characteristics, motives and effects” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/european-imperialism-characteristics-motives-effects.html#lesson
·         “Quick introduction to colonialism in Africa” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2Xa12YsX0
·         “A brief history of European colonization of Africa” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pis5f085P3M 
“What is the impact of colonialism on Africa today?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7adlwy3sb4

Monday, July 21, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT TRIALS


Ignorance and fear can have some terrible consequences as evidenced by this infamous event in American history. If you don’t know about this period of history it might be wise to find out so as to be able to learn from it. Do your research and write your essay.
The purpose of the task:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Familiarize yourself with the topic:
·         “Copy of Salem witch trials” http://prezi.com/ahuxaehetxjn/copy-of-salem-witch-trials/  
Reading material to annotate:
·         “A brief history of the Salem witch trials” http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/?all
·         “The Salem witch trials” http://historyofmassachusetts.org/the-salem-witch-trials/  
·         “Salem witch trials” http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials There are plenty of videos on this site as well that you should watch.
For more information:
·         “The Salem witchcraft trials – 1692” http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm
Documentary to watch:

·         “Salem witch trials” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU8DMgUeQWg

WHAT IS CREATIVITY?


DOUBLE TEXT READING INTO WRITING ACTIVITY
TEXT 1
CREATIVITY IS COLLECTIVE
Digital copy: CREATIVE COMMUNITIES ARE KEY TO INNOVATION
“More than an expression of individuality, creativity takes shape in a social context”
By: S. Alexander Haslam, Inmaculada Adarves- Yorno and Tom Postmes
Published: Scientific American Mind, July – August 2014
Level of difficulty: ****
BEFORE YOU READ
·         Would you describe yourself as creative? Do you know any creative people?
·         Do you think creativity is an innate, individual characteristic or do you think it has a social dimension? Explain and provide examples.
·         Can one learn to be more creative? Can creativity be fostered by education or an appropriate work atmosphere?
QUESTIONS
1.       What widely held belief does the writer dispute? The fact that………………………………………..
2.       Which sentence in paragraph 2 best expresses the writers view concerning creativity?
3.       The importance of social context for creativity is proved by the fact that………………………..
4.       The examples of Bruce Springsteen and Domenico Cimarosa prove that………………………..
5.       An individual’s behavior will be influenced by society to the extent that………………………….
6.       The example of the way Picasso painted supports the view that………………………………………
7.       Read the 2007 experiment with the college students. In the second phase of the experiment, why were the participants’ creations in line with the earlier established group norm?
8.       It is wrong to think that groups foster conformity and ‘groupthink’ becauase………………………..
9.       Team work can produce creative ideas because members of a team …………………………………….
10.   Read the study involving the innovative municipal childcare center. The group that managed to stay motivated and engaged in the project were able to do so thanks to…………………………….
11.   Read the 2012 alcohol experiment. This experiment disproves the fact that…………………………
12.   The cases of van Gogh and Yoshisuke Ueda prove the importance of……………………………………
13.   The way people perceive creativity in other people is closely linked to whether the person in question has:
·         Shared nationality with this individual
·         A shared language with the person in question
·         Familiarity with the person in question
·         A family relationship with the person in question
·         All of the above
·         None of the above
14.   The fact that American and Chinese students judged creativity in different ways shows that …………………………………is involved in creativity.
15.   The success of this blog among students of this university proves that the blogger ……………
16.   Innovators need admirers or followers to be able to propell………………………………………………
TEXT 2
THE AHA! MOMENT
“A step by step guide to your next creative breakthrough”
        Digital copy: STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT CREATIVE BREAKTHROUGH
“Psychologists have demystified the aha moment”
By: Nessa Victoria Bryce
Published: Scientific American Mind, July – August 2014
 Level of Difficulty: ****
QUESTIONS
1.       An ‘Aha’ moment can be described as ………………………………………………………………………………..
2.       Understanding the way of thinking of innovative individuals will enable other aspiring individuals to………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.       Read the section titled “Explore”. Ernest Hemingway is famous for describing first hand experience and observation of areas, activities and people. To do this he soaked up experience. According to researchers of creativity, by doing so Hemingway was……………..
4.       Read the section titled “Focus”. 
·         What is the prerequisite for innovative ideas?
·         How is the innovative solution hit upon?
5.       Read the section titled “Incubate”.
·         The section stresses that ………………………….by sleeping or doing something different help develop creative solutions.
·         Samuel Taylor Colleridge wrote his beautiful poem “The Legend of Kupla Khan” after day dreaming for a while. This shows that …………………………..is a good way to get the creative juices flowing.
6.       Read the section titled “Insight”.
·         Consciously pushing your right brain to describe teaching as transfer of information or a four poster bed as a table with two sets of four legs on eithersurface is a good mental exercise as……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
·         When writing questions, I sometimes come to a section of the text where I can’t hit on the right question. When this happens, I move to my large, comfortable armchair, close my eyes and listen to music for a while. This helps and the right question pops into my mind. Why does it help?
7.       When I have written a set of questions which I think are perfect, I always run them past a colleague. Why is it a good idea for me to do this?
8.       Hemingway said that his intense curiosity and interest made him a happier person an enabled him to live life to the full. Why is this so? Because such an attitude………………………
WRITING TASK
Bring the information from both texts, the individual and the social aspects, to write about creativity.
KEYS AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
These wonderful texts elaborate on the all the factors, both social and individual, that lead to creativity. They are beautifully analytical and very well written. They lead to a very well organized writing task but at this level, I am not providing any more guidance.
TEXT 1: CREATIVITY IS COLLECTIVE- KEY
1.       The notion of group creativity is an oxymoron
2.       It is problematic and unhelpful to separate the creativity of individual minds from the community in which they flourish.
3.       Scolars have failed to identify characteristics that powerfully predict which young people will go on to become creative geniuses.
4.       The nature and significance of innovation depend on the interaction between an individual’s ideas and the time and culture in which he or she lives.
5.       A particular social identity is psychologically salient
6.       The way a person evaluates an action, regardless whether it is his or her own, will reflect shared understandings of that group.
7.       Because social identities also grant people a shared perspective as well as the ability and motivation to engage in mutual social influence.
8.       Group standards shape only one facet of an individual’s creativity.
9.       Bounce ideas off one another
10.   Solidarity and conformity; OR,  social identity bolstering enthusiasm
11.   Being solidly comitted to the group makes a person blind to its faults.
12.   Groups in the appreciation of ground breaking achievement
13.   None of the above; they are too specific and not general enough. If this was an open ended question, the answer would be “ingroup”.
14.   Cultural identity
15.   Has a strong sense of the audience and gears her solutions to the perceived needs and values of that group.
16.    Cultural change
TEXT TWO: THE AHA! MOMENT- KEY
1.       The brain spontaneously reinterpreting information to reach a novel , nonobvious conclusion
2.       Recreate the process
3.       Priming his brain for creativity
4.       Advance research, by applying experience to new domains
5.       Stepping away from a problem, forcing your brain to shift gears or look within
6.       It might help prime your brain to forge connections between distant concepts; because my brain is less involved in processing visual information.
7.       Insight comes with a lot of conviction so you can’t be objective

8.       Provides you with an opportunity to discover new interests, explore unfamiliar territory, develop expertise and take breaks

Sunday, July 20, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE OPIUM WARS


History is almost entirely made up of wars but have you ever heard of the opium wars? If you think they were fought recently in Afghanistan or in Central America with the drug cartels, you are barking up the wrong tree. Do your research and find out when these wars were fought and why. The reason for the wars may seem obvious but there is another plot twist there, so read and find out. When you are done, write a short essay.
The purposes of the activity:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency in writing
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing.
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Reading material to annotate: less challenging material
·         “The opium wars: when Britain made war on China” http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/0/20428167
·         “The first opium war” http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/21f/21f.027/opium_wars_01/ow1_essay01.html
Video to watch and make notes on:


Saturday, July 19, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES


The Second World War is well studied and much written about. Countless films and novels have been based on it and documentaries lay bare its horrors. Yet there is one famous, or infamous, event which is, perhaps, less known: the night of the long knives. Do your research to discover what exactly happened on this night and why, and then write a short essay.
The purposes of the activity:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency in writing
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing.
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Time line: Hitler consolidates power
Familiarize yourself with the topic
·         “The night of the long knives” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mci4fAV1Wto
Reading material to annotate:
·         “World War 2 in Europe; The Night of the Long Knives” http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/roehm.htm
·         “Knight of the long knives” http://alphahistory.com/nazigermany/the-night-of-the-long-knives/ 
Documentary to watch
“Night of the long knives - Hitler’s murderous coup” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BAEeXamUaU

Thursday, July 17, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME


You have probably studied the First World War or the Great War at school but how much information do you have about this most infamous battle, the Battle of the Somme? Do your research and write a short essay.
The purpose of the task:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Reading material to annotate
·          “The Battle of the Somme 1 July – 13 November” http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/battle_somme.shtml
·         “Battle of the Somme” Reading text plus videos
Documentaries to watch
·         “Battle of the Somme” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krT1lX_Dvm0

·         “BBC The Somme from battle to victory” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cK5xL6QBM0

TELL THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS


The battle of Hastings has a very important place in British history as it had such an enormous effect on the country. What is the significance of this battle? Do your research and find out.
The purpose of the task:
·         To provide practice with past tenses and narrative structures
·         To provide the opportunity to improve command of the language and competency
·         To provide an introduction to research based writing and all the skills it requires: note taking, annotating, paraphrasing and summarizing
·         To provide brief insight into an important historical event
Note to the student: do your research in the order in which the links are provided
Power point presentation
·         “Battle of Hastings” http://prezi.com/t9eia5wgzefd/battle-of-hastings/
Timeline of the Battle of Hastings
Power point presentation:
·         “How did the Battle of Hastings begin and how was it fought?” http://prezi.com/eyeowvy1paw7/how-did-the-battle-of-hastings-begin-and-how-was-it-fought/  
Reading material to annotate
·         “Battle of Hastings” http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/hastings_battle_1066.htm
·         “The Battle of Hastings” http://www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/hastings.htm
Power point presentation
“Why did William of Normandy win the battle?” http://prezi.com/qa0i8n1migqv/copy-of-why-did-william-of-normandy-win-the-battle-of-hastings/