Computer Lab Self-Evaluation

Please give yourself a score on the top of your entry, between 1 (not much work accomplished) and 5 (lots of work accomplished). Then, write a one-paragraph explanation of why you deserved the score you received.

Occupy Portland: A Social Movement?

In our unit on Social Movements, we discussed the characteristics of social movements--groups of individuals and organizations that unify around a common purpose or goal. We considered the purpose, methods, context, actors and important causal factors of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. After reading about the Occupy Portland movement (link to OregonLive.com here), please respond in one paragraph to the following question:

• Is "Occupy Portland" a real social movement or just a group of law-breaking youth with nowhere else to go? 

Your online commentary is due by ___________. 

Far and Away -- what's missing?

Today on The VerBlog: Please watch the video clip below, considering the following questions. Please post a comment online by _____________.

Questions to consider:

1. The clip is depicting the Oklahoma Land Rush of the late 19th century. Thinking of westward expansion, what is one reason why individuals left the east coast for the west?
2. Remember that the essential question of the unit on Manifest Destiny is How do we remember history? How do they depict the land rush? How would you describe the land that is to be taken? Do we know whose land it was prior to new settlement?
3. What is the responsibility of film makers to bring in the perspectives of native americans at the time of the land rush? Should they consider the atrocities committed during the period, or is that just the job of history teachers? 

Elections in Nicaragua!

Today on The VerBlog: Elections in Nicaragua are currently underway. Read the whole story! Early reports suggest that Daniel Ortega, a famous foe of the United States, is likely to win. When reading, consider the following questions:

1. What does the election of Ortega suggest about the struggle between nationalism and liberalism that we discussed in our course textbook, Born in Blood and Fire? 
2. How is this struggle playing out in Nicaragua? 
3. Which side appears to be winning in Nicaragua and Latin America?  
4. How should the United States react to this election? Should we be skeptical? Scared?

As critical consumers of social science information, your job is to respond to this article with the above questions in mind. Your comment must be at least 250 words, and must make reference to at least one of the ideas brought up by a class mate who posted before you. If you are the first to post, be the trend setter and get a good conversation going! 

You must post a comment by _____________. 

Welcome to The VerBlog!

The VerBlog is a virtual classroom discussion that connects the world around you to the topics considered in class. Your job is to be an active, mature participant in the online community. I expect you to approach your participation on The VerBlog the way you would approach your behavior in school -- the rules of Cleveland High School apply to The VerBlog.