The Development of the Nation State

In thinking of the development of the Nation-State it is important to get some backdrop. Philosophers have been developing their positions on this concept for some time. Let's read a few articles that articulate the ideas that undergird the nation-state. Summarize the arguments of authors below. Not only consider what they argue but why they argue at that moment in history.

Thomas Hobbs (2) areas

The Laws of Nature and the Social Contract http://www.iep.utm.edu/h/hobmoral.htm#SH5b

Why Should we Obey the Sovereign
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John Locke http://www.iep.utm.edu/s/soc-cont.htm#SH2b

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau http://www.iep.utm.edu/s/soc-cont.htm#SH2c

Reformation Outlines: Due 9/24

A significant component of doing history is organizing clear ideas through writing. We are going to begin to address this skill set while using evidence and examples from the Reformation unit. With each unit of study you will be confronted with overarching thematic questions. The list on the back of your quiz represents this well. Many effective writers begin the challange of writing by composing an outline and thesis. As such when it is time to write they have a skeleton or blueprint. I am confident you have been taught this method. Here is what you need to do step by step for this blog posting.

1. Check to see what question you will be doing. Evan #1, Emily #3, Brittany #4, Ariel # 2, Ian#7, Callie #8, Kate #5 ( I chose these randomly)

2. Define a thesis...One to two sentences. What should a solid thesis look like? Remember not to inject presentism or personal emotions into the thesis. Take a look at the test taking strategy to the left of the essay questions. Also take a look at this link to refresh yourself of what an effective thesis might look like: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

With the question you are addressing lie buzz words that are usually verbs. They need to be the foundation of your thesis and how you answer the question. For example, "analyze" and "discuss". Or "compare and contrast".


3. Outline what a 5 paragraph might look like...Include specific example, proper nouns. This outline should be in the blog so that we may all review.


Outline of an Outline:

I. Thesis, and introduction of the topic (include time frames)

II. Body Paragraph 1. (body paragraphs should reveal specific evidence to prove your assertations)

III. Body Paragraph 2.

IV. Body Paragraph 3.

V. Closure. Revisit thesis...but do not add new material.

Again you are not writing the essay at this point...just framing an outline and thesis.

Dissecting European Art...Making Meaning of Art in the Renaissance

Part of studying history is making meaning of primary sources of a particular period. Moreover, artistic expression can indeed help bring a contemporary audience closer to understanding history. One of the powerful byproduct of art is that it typically reveals a "point of view". In other words how "they" saw and understood their own world. The handout that I gave you this morning is meant to provide us with a common framework with how to look at art for historical purposes.

In the blog you will note I have some websites bookmarked on the right. Open up "Art History Resources". Open that link and scroll down the left hand column. I would like you to pick one artwork from the Italian Ren...and one from "outside the Italian Ren.". Complete the handout. Be prepared to explain both of your works to the class using the prompts on the handout tomorrow 9/9. You do not need to respond to this blog prompt as it was only meant to provide you with instructions.
Happy birthday Emily.

I can see you now...your first assignment on the first day of school.

1. What's the value in learning European history? In other words, why bother? (I think I know this answer in the summer months)



2. Explain the meaning of this quotation using an example? "History is philosophy teaching by examples." authored by Dionysius of Halicarnassus (1st Century B.C.)

Russia v. Georgia

I can't resist...I know I have you doing some other things but let's dissect this conflict...this is interesting set of events that indeed have historical roots.  

Russia v. Georgia?  

Is there a history of Russia knocking down smaller states that launch a bid for independence?  Think Cold War...1954 and 68.  

In this case how are geo-politics connected to Russia's commitment to crush the movement?  If you get the New York Times (your parents might) there is a great piece on this on August 11th.  

Are you watching the Olympics?  Any event you are really interested in?  

Hope Fall sports kicked off well today.  

MZ 

Middle Ages...So What?

So what are the big themes that can be harvested from your research (the three research questions)?  In history we of course want to make meaning out of the evidence.  What ideas from the Middle Ages might shape a European Renaissance?  What ideas might be questioned, reassessed and perhaps not survive?  So let's set some parameters from responses...(I want them to be candid and supported...approx 1 paragraph or so).  

I will come back with an example response to my own question.  Ian I hope you are enjoying the beach.  I am taking in a few days myself.  MZ

The Middle Ages

Your first assignment will be to investigate the middle ages. This gives us a backdrop to many of the critical developments that define modern European history. Our first conversation will be about Christianity and the church. No such thing as sep of church and state. This is also pre-reformation. There is no such thing as toleration for "other" understandings of how Christianity was to be practiced.

How would you evaluate the papacy's grip on European politics, economy, and culture in the 13c and 14c?

What were the issues at stake in the controversies between Pope Boniface VIII and the king of France?

Why was Dante's Divine Comedy considered to be a synthesis of the medieval world view?


You can look these topic up in Speilvogel. Record them as notes and then we will have a conversation on the topic in the blog.

Opening Act July

Ok kids...a blogging we will go. Yes, 21st Century communication has arrived in my class. No doubt we can make some good use out of blogger. How? Share ideas...have discussion...view sources...make fun of the things we say in class. Serisously I could not have picked a better assembly of kids to spend 9 months with working on an amazing topic.

First thing is first. I want you to confirm you accessed this blog and have a password / login. The next entry will have the first set of questions you need to address. You should have your book now. Please use a user name that we can identify too. I will be mark z. I want you to record your responses in a notebook of some sort...and then we will follow up with a blog conversation. The blog will allow us to self assess, raise questions, examine primary sources....as mentioned above. So your first entry should be to remark with a "just testing" to this posting. Thanks. MZ