The Boulder....

As we begin our study of the Exploration Period in class this week, I thought it would be interesting to discuss what you believe would be a "Boulder Event" that would have a dramatic change on the Earth, dramatically effecting humankind, much like events that took place during Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution and the Exploration Period.

Due in large to the Scientific Revolution, the Exploration Period was able to take place due to the advancements in technology - the development of the compass, the sextant, the astrolabe, and a number of key advancements.  With these major advancements in tools of navigation, people began to expand outward and to explore the world, which had positive and negative results.

So, with that theme in mind.....


This Week's Topic Question is:

What "invention" would revolutionize the world today and create a major "Boulder Event" that would have not only an immediate effect, but would also have a major impact on humankind years beyond?

What's "Right"? What's "Wrong"?

A historian's job isn't to determine what events in history are "right" or which ones are "wrong" - but the problem that lies with this approach is that historians are "human," and by that fact alone, it is often difficult to separate the human element from the simple recording and "objective" evaluation.  Yet, philosophers, of which there are many great examples (such as Socrates, Aristotle, Hegel, Locke, Hobbs, etc.), on the other hand have the ability to look at a wider perspective of events.  They often provide us with bits and pieces of wisdom that we, ourselves, can devour and analyze.

For this week's topic, we are going to take the words of such a philosopher and you, the great and awesome members of Lord Gehm's WCH class, are going to do the "devouring" and the "analyzing" of his bit of wisdom.  Remember, you don't have to agree (for, as we know, we all have opinions), but we do have to defend our point of view.

This Week's Topic:

"Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right or wrong. They are conflicts between two rights." (Georg Wilheim Friedrich Hegel) - Analyze this statement.

Cause and Effect

Throughout our study of history, one thing always remains constant - Cause and Effect.  As we have often discussed in class, history does not happen in a vacuum.  Every single event, from the "Big Bang" to more recent events such as 9/11, had a beginning and something caused that event to happen. Not only did something cause the event to happen, the event had an effect.  All of you are completely familiar with the concept of.... wait for it.... get ready.... "RIPPLES!!" We discussed the grain of sand effect (almost unnoticeable ripple effect) to the bolder (very large ripple!) within the "pool" of time and history.  This week, we are going to look at the "bolder effects" on history.

TOPIC: What event in history do you think has had the greatest impact on mankind?  Why?

Remember, each of you are required to post and each of you should comment on others post - you may or may not agree with someone's opinion, but keep in mind that each one of you of you have the right to your own opinion.  All post and comments must be done respectfully and written in proper English (sorry, not text message lingo!).

Welcome to WCH Blogging!!!!

This blog is to help students to be able to "discuss" topics beyond the classroom and hopefully be beneficial to them when discussing current affairs, historical topics, and yes, with your writing. Keep in mind that this is to be an additional tool that helps you in this class and should NOT be considered something that was designed to create more work on you.

With that said, each student is expected to contribute to the conversation.  You will receive a quiz score for your contribution to each topic that is posted.  Each one of you must post an original post (your own thoughts and opinion) and you must comment on at least three (3) other fellow student's post - provide feedback - both positive and negative (respectful criticism, at all times).  Each one of you will be scored on the contribution you make and the responses you make to others' post.  Please note: responses to someone else's post does not include comments such as "nice post," "I fully agree," or any form like those.  Your responses must be insightful and thought out.

Keep in mind that at times, some of the topics can be controversial and it is extremely important that you always respect the opinions of others.  Any student that purposely belittles another student's post will be dealt with in accordance to school policy. The rule of thumb is: "Agree to Disagree."  All of us have the right to our opinions and just because you do not agree with someone else's point of view, does not make them "stupid" or "dumb." Present your arguments intelligently and your counter-arguments respectfully.

Proper grammar DOES COUNT and you need to write in complete sentences.

So, here we go on this new adventure in learning from each other - let's have fun with it, but at the same time, learn.

Good blogging!