Striving to improve? Trying to earn an A?

Tip #1: Each night, you should be assessing the evidence acquired in class by further developing your personal notes. This can take multiple forms:
- Option #1: Individually, complete Tip #2. Individual research is an essential component to being an effective historian.
- Option #2: Reassess the documents utilized in class - especially the ones that you did not directly use (i.e. jigsaw activity). Check if your notes are accurate and in-depth. This can be done either individually or with a partner. My advice is to make this social by completing it with at least one other person.
- Option #3: Share your notes online with another student to compare/contrast your research. Do not simply copy and paste their information! Instead, identify the evidence that you missed in class and add it to your personal notes. All notes acquired from another student must be reworded! Also, focus on the student's organizational structure and word choice. Sometimes, it can be easier to learn something from another student as opposed to the teacher.
Purpose in Learning:
- Notes are the most essential tool used by a historian. It is impossible to truly analyze a situation effectively without it. In fact, James Comey's notes, the former FBI Director, is now in the middle of a political firestorm that continues to further polarize this country.

Tip #2: For each topic of study covered in class, go to the Class Weebly Page and select at least one additional:
- history article or primary document to read.
- teacher lecture to watch.

Purpose in Learning:
- Regardless of the source material, you will have the opportunity to acquire additional evidence. This will enable you to gain a deeper sense of understanding on the topic. Being able to place an event in its proper historical context is essential to critical thinking.

Why We Read and Write:

We live in a time of immense political polarization. For the first time in my lifetime, we are actually arguing over the legitimacy of facts - indisputable, proven facts.
As historians, it is our responsibility to learn from the past to best help to shape the current and future political outlook.
It is your responsibility as an informed citizen, which is essential for a democracy to succeed, to become civic minded individuals that think deeply and make decisions that are based on a sound assessment of the facts.

Course Resources:

Extra Credit Assignments:

Current Events: stay up to date!

NY Times: In Rejecting Popular Paris Accord, Trump Bets on His Base
The Intercept: Top-Secret NSA Report Details Russian Hacking Effort Days Before 2016 Election
AP: A guide to global warming, Paris pact and the US role
The Atlantic: Trump's Trip Was a Catastrophe for U.S.-Europe Relations - Do you agree or disagree with the author?
PBS NewsHour: YouTube Channel

Due June 7th:

Due June 9th:

Due June 14th:

Optional Assignment Expectations
Email the link(s) to the outline(s) that you want graded to:
- tortlieb@staff.colonialsd.org

Final Exam Schedule:

Please Complete!!

Vietnam War Essay:

Essay expectations
Analysis expectations
Emails:
- Send to my Gmail account
- "Checking out" at 6pm
- Do not send documents
Meetings:
- All available times are taken.
Model Writing:

Unit I:

Unit II:

Unit III:

Unit IV:

How-to-Guides:

Grading Rubrics: