Welcome to DelColle's House of History and my blog!

I will be asking you from time to time throughout the semester, to log on and leave some comments based on current events and class discussions. You will need to answer in at least one well written paragraph, and you will receive a grade for your work.

Rules for blogging:
1. No foul language/stereotypes. You know how I HATE that.

2. Safety first. First names ONLY. If there is someone else in class with your first name then you may use your first name and the initial of your last name. Don't forget to put your block number.
3. Read what you have written before you post it, if it does not make sense to you then it will not make sense to us.
4. Any rude or inappropriate comments will be dealt with severely! Don't make me come find you.

Make sure that you respond to the appropriate blog. Look for U.S.II or World History at the top of the page!

Please remember that the posting will be available for the whole class to see. The key to an exciting class is your participation. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Let the adventure begin!
Ms. D.

People Who Make A Difference

U.S. History II

Welcome to U.S. History II.  In this class we will be talking about US History from the early 20th century until the present.  In that time, there have been many changes in this country in the areas of technology, civil rights, women's rights, immigration, economics, the environment, education, and of course sports and entertainment.  At some point or another we will be talking about all of them.

Your task for this first blog is to pick someone that you believe has had a major impact on the history of America in the last 100 years.  Tell me who they are/were, what they did, who they affected and then explain what kind of influence they have had on this country.  Make sure you justify your answers. 

Make sure that you put some thought into who it is that you choose and why.  You are expected to answer in at least one paragraph using 5-7 well developed sentences, although you may certainly type more.  I would suggest typing your answer in word or Google Docs to spell check it before you cut and paste it into the blog. 

You will have two weeks to post.  If you do not have internet access at home, check out the Library during your lunch. If you already have what you want to type written out, it will take you no time at all to post.  I am also available after school if you need to stay for a bit to make sure you post on time.  Please remember that once you post, your work will be available for the rest of the class to see and you will get a grade for your work.  Use formal speech please, no text speak.

Good luck and good typing!

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

World History

One of the things we discussed last week was stereotypes and how damaging they can be.  In the uproar about building mosques and burning Qu'rans, we found out that the majority of Americans do not know anything about Islam, and yet vehemently oppose it based on erroneous stereotypes.  Have you ever been stereotyped?  How did it make you feel?  Were the stereotypes correct?  Why do you think that people believe stereotypes rather than search out the truth?

All the recent drama in the news led me to the question, what does it mean to be an American?  Socially, what do we look like?  Economically, what is the American dream?  Politically, do our voices matter?  What are American values?   If we are a melting pot and a nation full of immigrants then why are some people so opposed to foreigners?  Is it xenophobia?   

After pondering these questions, I expect you to develop some theories about what it means to be an American. In at least two paragraphs using 5-7 well developed sentences per paragraph, (although you may certainly type more), take a stand and support your point of view with some facts. There is no wrong answer as long as you can justify your argument. I would suggest typing your answer in word or Google Docs to spell check it before you cut and paste it into the blog.

You will have two weeks to post.  If you do not have internet access at home, check out the Library during your lunch. If you already have what you want to type written out, it will take you no time at all to post.  I am also available after school if you need to stay for a bit to make sure you post on time.  Please remember that once you post, your work will be available for the rest of the class to see and you will get a grade for your work.  Use formal speech please, no text speak.