Right or Wrong?

Blog #5
After watching Munich, can you draw analogies to the current War on Terror? Is there an answer to this war? How do we win? Can we lose? You may comment on these or any other aspects of or questions on the subject raised by the movie. Keep in mind that we will also be watching the Tony Blair speech at Georgetown University from 5/06.

DUE FRIDAY!!!

Terrorism Response

What is terrorism? Is there such a thing as a 'just cause?' (Blog #4)
Based on your research and our webquest, answer the above questions. You should also reflect on the process of reaching a definition and how such definitions are applied. What other questions arise based on your work or our discussions?

Additional Questions (You need not respond to all of these, but should consider them as we explore this topic?

• How do we respond to terrorist acts?
• To what extent should we act to prevent terrorism?
• Is torture at times acceptable?
• Do we have to rethink the manner in which we view civil liberties to successfully fight terrorism?
• Should terrorist be afforded rights?
• Is collateral damage a necessary byproduct of the war on terror?
• How should we deal with states that sponsor terrorism?
  

Can YOU think of additional questions?

SOME GOOD WORK ON THE RESPONSES

(For those of you who are posting) I have read some very reasoned and insightful responses. Remember, if you read other responses prior to your posting, you are free to agree/disagree with positions taken. Keep up the good work.

Interpretation of the Marshall Plan and the Cold War

What is your analysis of the argument put forth in The Tragedy of American Diplomacy? Rethinking the Marshall Plan? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this thesis? Limit your responses to 2 pages MAX. There is an excellent site, http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/ , that includes video interviews with several key figures in Cold War politics. See in particular Episodes 2, 3 & 4.

Required Blog #3 - DUE WEDENSDAY 4/12!!!! I will NOT accept them after this date.

Week of 3/20 - Road to WWII

As historians, how should we view the Second World War. Are we fair in viewing it as a distinct entity, or should we focus more on the interpretation that it was really a continuation of the Great War? What about the Cold War?

Required Blog #2

The Treaty of Versailles and Beyond

I have decided to use this blog as a forum to exchange ideas on essential questions or broad themes. As a result, I will be posting several topics per week. I will tell you which responses are required, but will give additional credit to those who respond beyond the weekly requirement. I will not give credit for half-baked drivel, and will apply the rubric for reflective responses. Scores of A/B will receive credit. I WILL NOT penalize you for attempting to respond, but I will not give credit for substandard responses. In essence, it cannot hurt you. You have already completed this weeks mandatory response. Other topics that came to mind:

• How did our Treaty compare to the original? Did we make some of the same mistakes? Why weren't we more willing to compromise, as we certainly had no real stake in the outcome?
• I thought it interesting that the "colonial powers" fought defining parameters on the granting of self-determination (no time limits), and that current geo-political debates echo similar refrains.
• How many of you were aware of the link between the conflicts in the Persain Gulf and decisions made at the conclusions of the First and Second World Wars?

Versailles Conference

Reflective Journal Response. The rubric for evaluating your reflective writing is in the public folder. PLEASE NOTE: I cannot access the rubric from home either. Sorry. Also, I have to publish the post, so if it doesn't show up right away, don't worry.

Required Response #1 - Respond to the following prompts: (Due by Tuesday 3/14)

Did the Versailles Conference process enhance your understanding of the political, social and economic issues facing the world in the aftermath of the Great War? What aspects did you find particularly engaging? Was negotiating difficult? (If so, what might this tell us of the circumstances facing nations who were truly invested in the process?) Were problems left unresolved? What questions or issues were left unaddressed? What would you change? What other issues would you like to raise in the post-conference class discussion?

Keep in mind, I am looking for quality responses that satisfy the requirements of the rubric. Length is up to you.