SPRING EXTRA CREDIT—Due by April 22
Due by April 22
Part I- Why Study History?
Read “Why Study History” by Peter Stearns (see link below). Write a thesis statement (this is not a summary, it is an argument) for why the study of history is important. http://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/archives/why-study-history- (1998)
Part II- The History of Our World in 18 Minutes
Watch this brief Ted Talk given by David Christian (see link below). As you read take notes (you may need to hit pause as you notate). Afterward, write a one paragraph summary of the purpose of Christian’s lecture. Be sure to support your answer with evidence from Christian’s point of view. http://www.ted.com/talks/david_christian_big_history?language=en
Part III- Ideal Graduate Speech
Part III- Ideal Graduate Speech
As a faculty we have decided on ten characteristics for our ideal graduate: accountable, civic-minded, collaborative, creative, critical thinker, goal-driven, passionate, professional, self-advocate and work ethic. Choose one of the ideal graduate characteristics and write a speech for a school assembly about the meaning of that characteristic as it applies to personal success. You may use quotes as well as your own experiences, observations, and/or readings.
As you write your speech, remember to:
Focus on the meaning of the characteristic as it applies to personal success.
Consider the purpose, audience and context of your speech.
Organize your ideas logically and effectively.
Include specific details that clearly develop your speech
Edit your speech for standard grammar and language usage.
Part IV- Rivers Assignment
Read the Langston Hughes poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” which you can find below. What does the river represent in the poem? What does it symbolize? Research and find another example of a river in literature (you may use the Bible, another poem, a short story, etc.). Compare AND Contrast how each author uses the river in their writing. Does it mean something different to each author? Does it change the message?
Write your ideas in a short composition of three to five paragraphs. I will look for clarity of ideas and well-formed paragraphs and sentences. As always, you must support your ideas with evidence from the text. Give your composition an original title; do not call it extra credit, nor use the titles of the texts you are analyzing.