MrIppolito.com

GOVT 2/27/12 - Our Three Branches of Govt

2012-02-27T13:21:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 2/24/12 - Finishing WWII Mini-Book

2012-02-27T09:33:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT 2/23/12 - Powers of Congress

2012-02-23T12:37:00.001-08:00

MODCIV 2/22/12 - WWII Mini-Book

2012-02-22T16:00:00.001-08:00

Mini-Book instructions HERE

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT - FGAW Project Rubric

2012-02-22T07:49:00.001-08:00

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GOVT 2/21/12 - FGAW Project

2012-02-21T13:10:00.001-08:00

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GOVT - Federal Government at Work Project Presentation Worksheet

2012-02-21T12:48:00.001-08:00

MODCIV 2/16/12 - Totalitarianism Exam

2012-02-20T12:00:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

MODCIV - Possible test questions for the Totalitarianism Written Exam

2012-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Any of the following questions MAY appear on tomorrow's written exam on totalitarianism. Ultimately you will only have to answer THREE questions, but be prepared to answer any of the following questions. Each of your responses should be at least 4-5 sentences (a good, solid paragraph).

Tell the story of how Russia transformed from Czarist Russia to Communist Russia. What events and/or people were important in making this transformation happen?
What problems did Germany face between 1918 and 1933 that caused them to turn to a totalitarian government?
Discuss the similarities and differences between Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, and fascist Italy.
Describe all the sights and sounds you might hear at a Nazi rally in 1930s Germany.
Who was more "evil"--Stalin or Hitler? Explain in detail why you think so.
Go back to the word we discussed in a journal at the very beginning of the semester: "convincing." Discuss the three most convincing people you learned about in this unit and what made them so convincing.

GOVT 2/15/12 - 5-Week Exam

2012-02-15T12:31:00.001-08:00

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GOVT - Federal Government at Work (FGAW) Project

2012-02-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Federal Government at Work (FGAW) Project

In this project, you will teach the class about one function of the federal government. You will present the project in either a video or Google Docs Presentation. This project will be worth 50 points. You will be graded based on the following criteria:

a C project would include information you could find in Wikipedia. Basic stuff.
a B project would include information you could find by digging a little deeper, by visiting that federal department’s website, for example.
an A project would include all of the above, but would take it to the next level. An A project would include a visit to the location, interviews with employees who work there, phone/Skype interviews with those employees, interviews with people who interact with that department (attorneys, lobbyists, etc), and proof of how that first-hand knowledge was obtained.

Topics MAY include, but are not limited to, the following:

How does the government print paper money?
How does the government mint coins?
How does airport security work?
What do federal air marshals do?
How does the bankruptcy process work?
How does someone from outside the US get their green card?
How does someone from outside the US become a citizen?
How does the US Postal Service work?
How can I get a copyright?
How is copyright law enforced?
How does eminent domain work?
What is the process for a President to be impeached?
How does the government protect our environment?
How can a building be placed on the registry of historic places?
How can young people get involved in government?
How does the government investigate a plane crash?
How does the federal government respond to a large natural disaster?
How does the atomic clock work?
How do we care for our nation’s veterans?
How does social security work?
How does Secret Service protect the President?
What is involved if I decide to join the Army? Navy? Air Force? Marines? Coast Guard?
What is a typical day like for a US soldier? Sailor? Airman? Marine? Guardian of the Coast?
What does a National Park ranger do? THERE ARE HUNDREDS MORE POSSIBLE TOPICS!

NEXT STEPS:

In our next class, a couple things will happen:

Pick partners
Choose topics (by random lottery)
20 Questions Assignment

20 Questions Assignment - These are the questions you will be seeking the answers to throughout your project. Think of all the possible things someone might be curious about when thinking about your particular topic.

In our next class, you and your group (up to three students per group) will write down a list of 20 questions that are worth asking about your topic. These are questions that you should be curious about, and questions that Mr. Ippolito or other students might ask during your presentation.

Questions should include things like how things are done, who is involved in the process, how many employees are involved, how do citizens interact with this agency or department, how long does the process take, where is this department located, when was this department or agency first created, where does this all happen, how much does it cost, just to name a few.

MODCIV - Three videos on Syria

2012-02-14T15:53:00.001-08:00

We watched these three videos, then answered today's journal topic.

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

MODCIV 2/14/12 - Modern Dictator

2012-02-14T15:52:00.001-08:00

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GOVT 2/13/12 - Constitution Scavenger Hunt

2012-02-14T07:34:00.001-08:00

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GOVT - Possible questions for Wednesday's Written Exam

2012-02-13T08:30:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday, February 15, we will have our first exam in government. It will be a closed-note, closed-book written exam. I will give you a few questions to choose from (about 4 or 5), and you will choose THREE to actually write on. Each response should be at least one solid paragraph (4-5 sentences).

Here are some possible questions I may ask:

1. Explain why the Federalist Papers were written back in 1788. Then, choose one of the Federalist Papers that we learned about (Federalist 10, Federalist 51, or Federalist 78) and explain the message contained within it.

2. Based on what we learned in this class, how did Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights influence our system of government in the United States?

3. Explain the connection between the fight over Proposition 8 and the 14th Amendment.

4. Which of our Founders made the greatest contribution to the ratification of the Constitution? Explain your answer.

5. As of today, who is still in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination? Tell me a little about each one, and explain who will ultimately win the nomination and why.

6. Name three European Enlightenment thinkers who influenced American government and explain their contribution.

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Government Class

MODCIV 2/10/12 - Totalitarian Wrap-Up; Ippolito Out Sick

2012-02-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

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GOVT 2/9/12 - The Federalist Papers

2012-02-09T12:42:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 2/8/12 - Hitler's Charisma

2012-02-08T12:32:00.001-08:00

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GOVT 2/7/12 - Prop 8 and Judicial Review

2012-02-07T12:25:00.001-08:00

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Violence continues in Syria - "Our blood is like water"

2012-02-07T00:18:00.001-08:00

MODCIV 2/6/12 - Italian Fascism

2012-02-06T13:10:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV Homework - Interview With a Fascist

2012-02-06T09:43:00.001-08:00

Answer the following questions in your NOTEBOOK as though you were in 1930s Italy interviewing Benito Mussolini. How would Mussolini answer these questions?

1. What are your thoughts on war?

2. What is your opinion on elections such as America's Presidential election process?

3. How much freedom should people have, and why?

4. Why do you hate communists so much?

5. What would you say are the three most important words to keep in mind when thinking about fascism? Why those words in particular?

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT 2/3/12 - Founding Fathers and the Ratification of the Constitution

2012-02-06T07:28:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 2/2/12 - Hollywood and the Holocaust

2012-02-02T16:42:00.001-08:00

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GOVT 2/1/12 - Declaration of Independence

2012-02-01T12:28:00.001-08:00

Hey seniors, a few notes about today...

We watched video on CNN and discussed Mitt Romney's likelihood of securing the Republican nomination, and then his chances of defeating President Obama in the November election--the "Super Bowl" of Presidential politics.
We read the first page of the Declaration of Independence (pg 40 in the textbook) and discussed the meaning of Thomas Jefferson's words that helped create our nation. We also watched the first two minutes of the video "Reading the Declaration."
We did the journal and discussed.
It's reading homework for tonight...learning all about the Constitutional Convention. Reading quiz in our next class! ---Mr. Ippolito

GOVT VIDEO - Reading the Declaration of Independence

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

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MODCIV 1/31/12 - The 1930s

2012-01-31T13:24:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV VIDEO - "1929 Wall Street Stock Market Crash"

2012-01-31T12:20:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT 1/30/12 - Four Philosophers

2012-01-30T13:08:00.001-08:00

"Admitted, Rejected" article is here:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/50366777/Vassar%20Mistake%20in%20College%20Admissions.pdf

We will be using Google Docs in class to create and present student-created projects. Mr. Ippolito gave a brief lesson on how to use Google Docs (or will at the beginning of the next class). Want some more help with Google Docs? Check this out:
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/intl/en/tour1.html

For HOMEWORK (optional, but worth FIVE social capital points), create a document in Google Docs with your FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, and CLASS PERIOD as the name of the document. Then SHARE with Mr. Ippolito. You can share with one of his two e-mail addresses:

rippolito@hartdistrict.org OR rippolito@gmail.com (they both go to the same place)

That's it for the homework. Easy!

MODCIV 1/27/12 - Stalin's Soviet Russia

2012-01-28T07:01:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT 1/26/12 - Roots of American Govt

2012-01-27T06:50:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Government Class

MODCIV 1/25/12 - The Cult of Personality

2012-01-25T14:07:00.001-08:00

The Cult of Personality video

The Communism Video

The Commissar Vanishes project is here - http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/commissar_vanishes/index.htm

Stalin Purges and Show Trials handout here - http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/50218298/TheStalinPurgesandShowTrials.pdf

Vocab Terms - Rise of Totalitarianism

2012-01-25T08:21:00.001-08:00

For ideas about the types of vocabulary projects you can do, visit:

http://mrippolito.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary-projects.html

For the basic, "old school" vocab worksheet, click here:

http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/44905355/Vocabulary%20Vocab%20Blank%20Sheet%202011.pdf

This Vocabulary Project is due TUESDAY, JANUARY 31. I will check it on the day it is due, so make it good. Here are your terms:

proletariat
Bolshevik
totalitarian state
collectives
Gulag
Black Shirts
March on Rome
The Great Depression
Gestapo
Weimar Republic

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

Tips for Saturday's SAT

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you may be taking the SAT this Saturday, January 28. If so, I'll be there! I have been proctoring the SAT for the past 15 years. That means I'm one of the teachers that helps administer the test. Having done this for many years, here are my tips for you:

Bring your admission ticket and photo ID. There was a recent identity scandal last year (someone taking the test for someone else), so don't expect to get in at all without a photo ID. Driver license or student ID are fine, but it MUST have a photo and it must be current (no junior high ID). For an exact list of what is and is not an acceptable form of ID, check out "Test Day Checklist" at the end of this post.
Know your test location. I'm proctoring at Canyon High School (where most SCV students take their exam). Get there early enough so you're not in a rush to find things. By the way, if you're at Canyon your specific testing room will likely be posted on the C or D Building. That's right in the front near the front staff parking lot.
Find the right room. Once all the rooms are posted (around 8:00 a.m.), make sure you find the room that has your last name for your test. Pay attention to the difference! Remember, there are two different tests being offered: the regular SAT and the SAT Subject Tests. If you're looking too quickly, you may find your part of the alphabet for the wrong exam.
Bring a #2 pencil. Actually, bring a few, and have them pre-sharpened. The College Board does not allow you to use a mechanical pencil (the thin lead was ripping through the answer documents so they banned them), so you MUST use a good, old-fashioned wooden pencil.
No cell phones. Period. The temptation is so strong to constantly check our phones--to check the time, see what we've missed, who's called, texted, tweeted, Facebooked. If you are caught even looking at a cell phone while you are on the testing site, EVEN on a break, you could have an Irregularity Report filled out on you, and that can be nasty. It can delay your scores, launch an investigation, and in general make your life miserable. Give your proctor NO reason to write you up. If you absolutely must bring your cell phone with you, keep it in your backpack or pocket and powered down the entire time. According to the rules, as supervisors we can even dismiss you immediately or confiscate your phone if you have it out.
No parents. The closest they can get during testing time is to sit and wait in the car in the parking lot. They can't meet with you on a break, and they certainly can't be in the testing room with you. Most teens don't want their parents anywhere around them anyway when other teens are present, but this can raise suspicions of cheating, so ask you folks to stay away.
Dress in layers. Your testing room could have the heater or air conditioner blasting, and your test supervisor may not know how to (or may not be willing to) adjust the temperature. Wear a sweatshirt that is easy to remove if it gets really warm in the room.
Follow the rules. You might get a test supervisor who just doesn't care about the rules. Or, you might get someone like me. I've been doing this for 15 years now because I do my job well and I take it seriously. I have ONE main job as an SAT supervisor--to make sure the test is administered fairly and everyone follows the rules. When someone doesn't follow the rules, I fill out an Irregularity Report and then let the College Board sort it out. There is a good (a little weird, but good) video created by the College Board that recites the actual "Instructions Script" that we read. It literally contains every instruction I give on test day. Plus there's dancing at the end. Like I said, weird. You can find it here: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-test-day-simulator
Bring a calculator and bring a back-up. If you are relying on a calculator for the SAT (all math problems can be solved in your head, by the way), then make sure you have fresh batteries and a backup calculator just in case the first one malfunctions. Listen to the rules regarding calculators because there are times when you can have it out, and times when it must be put away. If you break these rules you could get written up.
Take steps to lower your anxiety. Think of all the things that could cause your stress level to go up. Running late. Being in an unfamiliar place. Not knowing exactly what to do. Being hungry. Feeling unprepared. Take steps now to reduce these potential causes of anxiety. Go to bed early tonight. Wake up early. Have a good, healthy breakfast. Get to your test location in plenty of time so you get a good parking spot, and know exactly where to go. Be prepared in advance so you know what to expect in advance. The College Board has a nice "Test Day Checklist" here: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-test-day-checklist

Good luck with your exam!

GOVT 1/24/11 - State of the Union

2012-01-24T16:06:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 1/23/12 - 11:5 Quiz and Rasputin, The Mad Monk

2012-01-23T15:34:00.001-08:00

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GOVT 1/20/12 - Course Orientation and start "What is American?"

2012-01-20T15:09:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 1/19/12 - Social Capital and Course Orientation

2012-01-19T11:23:00.001-08:00

All handouts for today are available for download in the Digital File Cabinet.

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

MODCIV and GOVT - Start-of-Semester handouts

2012-01-19T08:24:00.001-08:00

These were all handed out in class on Thursday and Friday, January 19 and 20.

US GOVERNMENT Course Orientation - http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/50011679/GovernmentCourseOutlineandSyllabus-IPPOLITOJANUARY2012.pdf

MOD CIV Course Orientation -
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/50021994/ModCivCourseOutlineandSyllabus-IPPOLITOJan2012.pdf

ALL CLASSES Classroom Norms and PLD Policy - http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/49928866/ClassroomNormsandPLDPolicy-JANUARY2012%281%29.pdf

ALL CLASSES Social Capital Score Sheet - http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/50011642/SocialCapitalScoreSheet-JANUARY2012%20%281%29.pdf

GOVT 1/18/12 - Welcome to Mr Ippolito's class!

2012-01-18T12:38:00.001-08:00

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GOVT - SOPA Explained

2012-01-18T12:31:00.001-08:00

GOVT - SOPA, PIPA: What you need to know

2012-01-18T10:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the article we read in class today.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57360665-503544/sopa-pipa-what-you-need-to-know/

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Government Class

ModCiv 1/17/12 - Welcome to class!

2012-01-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

Classroom Norms and PLD Policy

2012-01-17T08:18:00.001-08:00

I won't be handing this out until later this week, but here are my Classroom Norms and my PLD (Cell Phone) Policy. Welcome to Mr. Ippolito's class! http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/49928849/ClassroomNormsandPLDPolicy-JANUARY2012.pdf

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

This is a test

2012-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T15:10:00.001-08:00

Grades are now closed out and submitted. Your final grades (semester report card) from all your classes should now be available on Infinite Campus. Have a wonderful holiday and I'll see you back at the Ranch in 2012!

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

MODCIV 12/14/11 - WWI Wrap-Up and Versailles Videos

2011-12-14T13:59:00.001-08:00

I handed out these two items. The Study Guide contains everything that will be on the final exam and the notes grade sheet you should have ready for notes grading on Friday.

Mod Civ A Final Exam Study Guide
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/49007196/MODCIV-Fall2011FinalExamReview.pdf

Notes Grade Sheet
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/48952729/ModCivNotesGradeSheet-LAST%20GRADING%20Dec2011.pdf

These three videos are GREAT for understanding the end of WWI. We watched them in class.

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT - USCIS Civics Test for Final Exam

2011-12-13T11:56:00.001-08:00

Just as a reminder, you have the same United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Civics Test that is given to immigrants seeking US citizenship. This will be half of your FINAL EXAM at the end of the semester, so please take it seriously. You can download another copy of the exam here:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47724222/CitizenshipTest2011.pdf

There are some great resources to help you with the Civics Exam right on the USCIS website. I would encourage you to try to answer the questions for yourself FIRST, before simply getting all the answers from the website, but do what you think is going to help you learn the best. That site is here:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.749cabd81f5ffc8fba713d10526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=982a309186e89210VgnVCM10000025e6a00aRCRD&vgnextchannel=c242df6bdd42a210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Government Class

MODCIV 12/12/11 - Treaty of Versailles

2011-12-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

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West Ranch ASB Google Docs Lesson

2011-12-12T07:18:00.001-08:00

Here's the code to get the Even/Odd Day Calendar added to your own. Copy and paste this address

https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/k2fjkb06eune16cu3os6den5t0%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

MODCIV 12/8/11 - WWI Video Footage

2011-12-08T15:03:00.001-08:00

The homework is another Sensory Figure (just like the one we did for the Sans Culotte Sensory Figure back during the French Revolution unit). This time, though, this one is going up on the wall so make it extra good!

Great footage here! Make sure you start the above assignment BEFORE watching the videos, then complete after watching. Enjoy!

GOVT 12/7/11 - Presentations continue

2011-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

We're still presenting.

MODCIV 12/6/11 - In the Trenches

2011-12-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

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GOVT 12/5/11 - Start Presentations

2011-12-05T23:39:00.003-08:00

That's exactly what we did today--start Final Project presentations. We will be doing this through this Friday, December 9.

MODCIV 12/2/11 - WWI Pictionary and The Mugger

2011-12-02T23:37:00.000-08:00

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MODCIV - A Victim Treats His Mugger Right

2011-12-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

20080328 Me 15 by Npr Listen on Posterous

Listen to the story, then respond to the journal.

Posted via email from Mr Ippolito's Mod Civ Class

GOVT - Final Project Schedules

2011-12-02T16:16:00.001-08:00

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AGENDA 12/1/11 - Emma Sullivan and the Final Project

2011-12-01T13:32:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 11/30/11 - Causes of WWI

2011-11-30T14:26:00.001-08:00

Today we discussed the main causes of World War I, and as a class we filled out a bubble map to organize our findings. We watched several videos. One is a clip from an iTunes video called "Assassinations That Changed the World." The rest are all YouTube clips, available here, in the order we watched them:

If you were ABSENT, copy down the blank bubble map into your notes. Then watch each of the videos below to identify the SEVEN main causes of World War I. Finally, check with a friend to compare your notes with theirs.

Origins of WWI (Part I)

WWI: How Did It Start

Back in the Day: Causes of WWI

Origins of WWI (Part II)

GOVT 11/29/11 - Kansas free speech, PPACA, Final Project

2011-11-29T12:49:00.001-08:00

Today we went over our calendar for the rest of the semester. We then got caught up on the First Amendment story going on in Kansas, involving 18-year-old high school senior Emma Sullivan:

We then responded to this journal prompt (assignment #40 in your NOTES)

Following our discussion, we watched a video from the Kaiser Family Foundation that helps to better explain PPACA (the Patient Protection and Care Act).

We finished today by getting a preview of our Final Project. A complete description and all topics are here:
http://mrippolito.blogspot.com/2011/11/govt-final-project.html

GOVT - Final Project

2011-11-29T07:32:00.001-08:00

US GOVERNMENT - FINAL PROJECT

Your final project deals with the national issues that will be most important in the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections. Here's what you will do in advance:

Organize into groups of 2 or 3 (no more or less)
Choose a topic AND a position from the list below
Research the topic
Prepare an oral argument that supports your position
Prepare visuals, photos, video--anything that can be accessed from a school computer and internet connection
Prepare a handout for the class (optional)

On the DAY OF your Project, you will:

Have 10 minutes to present your argument
Have 10 minutes to listen to your opponents' argument (if any exists)
Have 5 minutes to take questions and respond to arguments against your position
Have 5 minutes to argue against and question your opposition (if any exists)
Have handouts to give to everyone in the class. You may give Mr. Ippolito ONE single-sided sheet to make copies. You must give this to Mr. Ippolito by 3:00 p.m. the day BEFORE your presentation (optional)

You will be graded on:

The quality of your argument
Having the FACTS to back up your argument (be prepared to explain your sources, and make sure your sources are reliable--not just, "Well, according to Wikipedia . . .")
Having resources to share with the class to back up your argument

Project Topics (or you can choose your own; topic must be approved by Mr. Ippolito before you begin)

ECONOMIC STIMULUS Plan (the bank bailout)

Support the stimulus plan
Scrap the stimulus plan

TAXES and Government Services

Let's increase income taxes on the wealthiest one or two percent of Americans.
NO! Any increase of any taxes of any income level hurts the economy.

Use MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAN if it is discovered that they are developing nuclear weapons

I would support using military force
I would NOT support using military force

WATERBOARDING of terror suspects

It's "enhanced interrogation" and a valuable tool in the war on terror
It's "torture" and counterproductive, illegal and/or immoral

Balancing CIVIL LIBERTIES and SECURITY

Would lean toward preserving civil liberties even though it might risk our security.
Would lean toward preserving our security even though it might risk our civil liberties, for example advocating an expansion of the PATRIOT ACT.

BUSINESS & LABOR

Labor unions should be limited! Would favor the pro-business positions of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and similar groups.
Labor unions are good! Would favor the pro-labor positions of the AFL-CIO and similar groups.

MINIMUM WAGE

I support increases in the minimum wage.
I oppose increases in the minimum wage.

SOCIAL SECURITY

We should keep it a governmental program, a non-private entity, possibly adjusting the earnings ceiling and/or the retirement age, etc.
We should consider other options, including and especially privatization.

TRADE ISSUES

I support free trade policies. Free trade is a system in which the trade of goods and services between or within countries flows unhindered by government-imposed restrictions [such as] taxes and tariffs, non-tariff barriers, quotas.
I support fair trade policies. (Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering developing country producers and promoting sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards... More at Wikipedia)

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

I support federal expansion of embryonic stem cell research.
I oppose federal expansion of embryonic stem cell research.

ABORTION

I support the pro-choice positions of organizations like NARAL.
I support the pro-life positions of organizations like National Right to Life Committee.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

I support the death penalty.
I oppose the death penalty.

GUN CONTROL

I support gun control legislation recommended by groups such as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
I oppose gun control legislation, agreeing with groups such as the NRA and the Gun Owners of America.

MARIJUANA laws

I not advocate any sort of legalization of marijuana.
I support legalization for doctor prescribed medical use of marijuana.
I support a general decriminalization of marijuana.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE

We should "repeal and replace" the health insurance reform bill signed by Obama (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).
We should support the health insurance reform bill signed by Obama (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).

ENVIRONMENT & PROPERTY RIGHTS

I favor positions of environmental groups like the League of Conservation Voters.
I support positions of property rights advocating groups like the American Land Rights Association.

ARIZONA'S IMMIGRATION LAW - Arizona SB 1070 is the broadest and strictest anti-illegal immigration measure in decades. Some see it as a necessity to stop crime and illegal immigration. Others are concerned about racial profiling and constitutional issues.

I oppose Arizona's new illegal immigration law.
I support Arizona's new illegal immigration law.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

I oppose both marriage and civil unions for same sex couples.
I support both marriage and civil unions for same sex couples.
I support civil unions for same sex couples.

MODCIV 11/28/11 - Nationalism Heightens or "This Place About to Blow"

2011-11-28T14:39:00.001-08:00

MODCIV - Vocabulary Project

2011-11-28T08:19:00.001-08:00

Please refer to the list of Vocabulary Projects to choose the assignment that is right for you:

http://mrippolito.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary-projects.html

If you want to download a quick and easy vocab template, you can find it here:

http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/44905355/Vocabulary%20Vocab%20Blank%20Sheet%202011.pdf

Here are your terms. They can be found in Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10. This assignment is due FRIDAY, December 2.

realpolitik
anarchist
"The Sick Man of Europe"
pogroms
penal colonies
home rule
Zionism
imperialism
paternalism
Armenian Genocide

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Chapter 11, Section 1 - "The Great War Begins"

2011-11-27T22:29:00.001-08:00

Listen to Mr. Ippolito narrate your reading!
11 - 1 - The Great War Begins - Whtmw by Mr Ippolito Listen on Posterous

Minute Waltz - Fryderyk Chopin

2011-11-25T21:08:00.001-08:00

Minute Waltz - Chopin.mp3 Listen on Posterous

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Morning from Peer Gynt - Edvard Grieg

2011-11-25T21:07:00.001-08:00

Morning' From 'peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg Listen on Posterous

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Ma Vlast (My Country) - Bedrich Smetana

2011-11-25T21:06:00.001-08:00

Má Vlast (My Country): Ii. Vltava (The Moldau) by Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra & Antal Doráti Listen on Posterous

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Slavonic Dance #8 - Antonín Dvořák

2011-11-25T21:05:00.003-08:00

Slavonic Dance #8 - Dvorak.mp3 Listen on Posterous

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Finlandia - Jean Sibelius

2011-11-25T21:05:00.001-08:00

Finlandia by London Philharmonic Orchestra & Sir Adrian Boult Listen on Posterous

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Pines of Rome - Ottorino Respighi

2011-11-25T21:02:00.005-08:00

Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of Villa Borghese (I Pini Di Villa Borghese) by Berliner Philharmoniker & Herbert Von Karajan Listen on Posterous

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Walther's Prize Song - Richard Wagner

2011-11-25T21:02:00.003-08:00

Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg: "Morgenlich Leuchtend" by Ben Heppner, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, José Van Dam, Karita Mattila, René Pape & Sir Georg Solti Listen on Posterous

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The Ride of the Valkryies - Richard Wagner

2011-11-25T21:02:00.001-08:00

Wagner The Ride Of The Valkryies by Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Semkow Listen on Posterous

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Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland

2011-11-25T21:00:00.001-08:00

Fanfare For The Common Man by Philaedelpia Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, St Louis Sympony Listen on Posterous

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GOVT - "The Conspirator" Extra Credit

2011-11-23T07:11:00.001-08:00

Now that you have viewed the film The Conspirator, pretend you are a movie reviewer of the 19^th century (you therefore must also pretend that movies exist in the 1800s as well J). Write a one-page, typed newspaper editorial from the point of view of:

Ø a Northerner (if your last name is A-M)

Ø a Southerner (if your last name is N-Z)

Explain, in your Northern or Southern point of view, how the film portrays our system of criminal justice in America. Remember that you are writing a commentary on the film from a specific (Northern or Southern point of view) and not necessarily commenting on the facts of the case itself. Use specific examples from various points in the film to support your argument. This assignment is due by next Friday, December 2, 2011.

MODCIV 11/22/11 - Musical Nationalism

2011-11-22T13:10:00.001-08:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

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GOVT 11/21/11 - The Conspirator, Pt I

2011-11-21T12:54:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 11/18/11 - German and Italian Nationalism

2011-11-21T12:50:00.001-08:00

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AGENDA 11/17/11 - Written Exam

2011-11-17T20:23:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV 11/16/11 - Roots of German Nationalism

2011-11-16T15:04:00.001-08:00

We began today with our journal, then read 7:1 together in the textbook. We finished by reading an excerpt from Otto von Bismarck's "Blood and Iron" speech, and did a short activity on that. You can download a copy HERE. For homework, read 7:2 and prepare for a reading quiz Friday.

GOVT 11/15/11 - PPACA and Bill of Rights Wrap-Up

2011-11-15T13:59:00.001-08:00

We started with the PPACA journal. We read this reading HERE. The topic was:

"What is the PPACA and why has the Supreme Court agreed to rule on it? What are the potential outcomes of the case? What impact could it have on the 2012 Presidential election?"

We then finished the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" packet, discussing the outcomes of key Supreme Court cases as they deal with the Bill of Rights. You can find that packet HERE. These cases are VERY important to the exam you will take Thursday.

In those classes that had time remaining, we went over the Citizenship Test answers. Your homework is to study for Thursday's big written exam. Good luck!!

GOVT - Written Exam Questions for 11/17 exam

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 17, you will take a written exam covering all we have learned in the past five weeks. The following questions (some or all) may appear on Thursday's written exam. In each response, I will expect you to use specific examples and details from what you have learned:

THE PRESIDENCY
1. The President of the United States has many roles in our government. Describe three different roles the President has and what he does in each of those roles.
2. Explain how the Electoral College works, what a candidate needs to win the Presidency, and how it's possible for the most popular candidate in an election to lose the Presidency.

THE SUPREME COURT
3. Explain the concept of judicial review, and the story of how the Supreme Court first exercised this power.

THE BILL OF RIGHTS
4. Describe the rights and limitations held within the principle of "Freedom of Speech." Use an example of at least one Supreme Court case that demonstrates protected speech (what you can say) and one case that demonstrates unprotected speech (what you can't say).
5. Explain the difference between the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause.
6. Describe three different Supreme Court cases you have learned about that deal with an issue other than free speech. Name the case, explain the details (including the specific amendment it deals with), and give the outcome of the case.
7. List and explain the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment.
8. If there were a "Bill of Rights Museum," chances are the First Amendment would get the largest section of the museum. In your opinion, what other amendment (besides the First) should be prominently featured in the Bill of Rights Museum? Why is this amendment so important to Americans? Explain your answer.

CURRENT EVENTS

9. On Election Day, Mississippi citizens voted on an amendment to the Mississippi State Constitution, Amendment 26. What was Amendment 26 about, what specific changes would it have made, and what was the outcome of the vote?
10. What is the PPACA and why has the Supreme Court agreed to rule on it? What are the potential outcomes of the case? What impact could it have on the 2012 Presidential election?

MODCIV 11/14/11 - Industrial Rev Written Exam

2011-11-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

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GOVT 11/10/11 - Bill of Rights, Pt III

2011-11-10T11:04:00.001-08:00

Class began when we read two articles about next year's Presidential election. The two articles are in the Digital File Cabinet. We watched a quick video from last night's Republican Presidential debate here:

And then we answered the journal topic titled, "Who Will Win?"

Finally, we completed the Bill of Rights PowerPoint. If you were absent, you can get the PPT in the Digital File Cabinet.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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MODCIV 11/9/11 - Industrial Revolution Wrap-up

2011-11-09T15:04:00.001-08:00

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MODCIV - Industrial Revolution One Slide Projects

2011-11-09T10:28:00.001-08:00

Period 2 Presentations - thank you Nicky Reynolds for being our Slide Collector!

Period 4 Presentations - thank you Franchesca Picar for being our Slide Collector!

GOVT 11/8/11 - Amendment 26, Bill of Rights Pt II

2011-11-08T08:21:00.001-08:00

First, we read the article titled "Mississippi Personhood Amendment Poised to Pass" (digital copy available in the Digital File Cabinet). Then we watched this video from CNN.com.

The we responded to this journal prompt:

Finally, we continued our notes on the Bill of Rights (PowerPoint also in the DFC) and reviewed the Citizenship Test questions #1-40.

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MODCIV 11/7/11 - Karl Marx and Socialism

2011-11-07T14:23:00.001-08:00

We STARTED the Karl Marx reading, but not finish it, nor did we start the questions today. You can find the Marx reading, just like all handouts from this class, in the Digital File Cabinet.

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MOD CIV - Industrial Revolution Written Exam

2011-11-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

The following questions (some or all) may appear on Monday's written exam on the Industrial Revolution. In each response, I encourage you to use specific examples from what you have learned:

1. How did advances in agriculture contribute to the Industrial Revolution?
2. In your opinion, what were the three most important scientific advances of the Industrial Revolution? Explain the importance of each.
3. Explain how the textile industry was transformed by the Industrial Revolution.
4. What was life like living in a tenement?
5. How did the Triangle Fire tragedy represent the worst of working conditions in the Industrial Revolution?
6. Why did child labor become so common during the Industrial Revolution?
7. Why did Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels write The Communist Manifesto? What was their message?
8. How did the ideas of Jeremy Bentham, Thomas Malthus, Adam Smith, and David Ricardo contribute to the Industrial Revolution?

GOVT 11/4/11 - The Bill of Rights, Part I

2011-11-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

We began with a journal entry with this prompt:

"What does it mean to have freedom of speech in America? What should we be allowed to say? What kind of speech should NOT be allowed in this country?"

We then watched (in some classes the Internet connection was better than others) a video from Time Magazine on the First Amendment, here:

Finally, we began our discussion on the Bill of Rights. We didn't get very far today, but we did get a good start on the First Amendment. This presentation will take multiple days, but here's the PPT if you'd like to check it out:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47724196/Bill%20of%20Rights%202011.pptx

Finally, for homework you have the same United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Civics Test that is given to immigrants seeking US citizenship. This will be half of your FINAL EXAM at the end of the semester, so please take it seriously. Answer questions #1-40 by the time we have our next class. You can download the exam here:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47724222/CitizenshipTest2011.pdf

There are some great resources to help you with the Civics Exam right on the USCIS website. I would encourage you to try to answer the questions for yourself FIRST, before simply getting all the answers from the website, but do what you think is going to help you learn the best. That site is here:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.749cabd81f5ffc8fba713d10526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=982a309186e89210VgnVCM10000025e6a00aRCRD&vgnextchannel=c242df6bdd42a210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

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MODCIV 11/3/11 - One Slide Presentations

2011-11-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

Haven't yet finished the readings?

The Engels reading is in the textbook.
"How the Other Half Lives" is here:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47578612/HowtheOtherHalfLivesbyJacobRiis-IndustrialRevolution.pdf
"Child Labour in England" is here:
http://mrippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/47578613/ChildLabourinCottonFactoriesinEngland-1807.pdf

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GOVT 11/2/11 - The Supreme Court

2011-11-02T15:50:00.001-07:00

We began class today with a journal entitled "Conflict." Here's the prompt:

"How does conflict shape who we are as individuals? Thinking back at the history of our nation, how has conflict shaped the United States into the country we are today?"

We then began reading, in class, about the Supreme Court and the power of judicial review. We took notes as a class, and you should pay particularly close attention to the Marbury v. Madison case, as it helped to shape the concept of judicial review. The homework is to finish reading and taking notes on the rest of 18:3.

We concluded class by watching a video about the 2000 Presidential election, where a serious conflict about the counting of ballots ultimately had to be settled by the Supreme Court. You can watch the video here:

MODCIV - "Beyond Their Years" - Children in the Industrial Revolution

2011-11-01T17:16:00.001-07:00

MODCIV 11/1/11 - Labor in the Industrial Revolution

2011-11-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Engels reading is in the textbook.
"How the Other Half Lives" and "Child Labour in England" reading and questions are both available for download in the "Mod Civ Handouts" section of the Digital File Cabinet.

For the "Wall Post" homework, please remember that once an image has been posted to Facebook, you cannot repeat it. Make sure you get your first choice posted ASAP!

See the full gallery on Posterous

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MODCIV - The History Place - Images from the Industrial Revolution

2011-11-01T10:25:00.001-07:00

Here's the link to the site with the great photos from Lewis Hine.

http://www.proteacher.com/redirect.php?goto=4787

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GOVT 10/31/11 - Presidency Wrap-Up

2011-10-31T23:35:00.001-07:00

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MODCIV 10/28/11 - Triangle Fire

2011-10-31T23:34:00.001-07:00

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GOVT 10/27/11 - The Electoral College

2011-10-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

First, we watched this video from Disney Education. Yeah, it's Disney, but it was really good!

Then we had a presentation on the Electoral College before doing our simulation.

Then we had our simulation! You can do the same thing at home by going to http://www.270towin.com. Congratulations to our Presidents of the United States!

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