ICL 7659: Civics Chapter Review

Module 7: The Character of Our Era – The Advantages of Socialism

Module Description: In module nine, you will evaluate a civics chapter from East Germany and a research paper on an East German Civics Lesson. The chapter is from a 10th-grade civics book discussing the advantages of socialism. As we continue our brief examination of socialist pedagogy, you will review this chapter from 1988. In addition, you will write a short chapter review. Details of the writing assignment are below.

CHAPTER REVIEW GUIDE

Total Point Value = 12 points

ASSIGNMENT: Write a review of Character of Our Era – The Advantages of Socialism from the chapter reading link in module nine.

Read Using Classroom Recordings in Educational History Research: An East German Civics Lesson in module nine TO ANSWER THE WEEKLY DISCUSSION.

Read Character of Our Era – The Advantages of Socialism TO COMPLETE THE BOOK REVIEW.

STYLE: The Review must be four pages in length, typed in the 12-point font, single-spaced with

1-inch margins on all sides. Failure to adhere to length requirements may result in either a point reduction or no credit. Attach a cover sheet that includes: your name, the course name, and the title of the chapter review. For example: 'The Character of Our Era – The Advantages of Socialism (value = .5 point)

The Review must include the following:

1. Introduction and thesis: In the introduction, summarize the chapter's topic and tell

how it relates to this course. Also, state the thesis of the chapter—the author's primary

point/conclusions in the chapter. (value = .5 point)

2. Main points: Explain four significant points and tell how the author supports each

point—evidence, sources, etc. Write separate paragraphs for each main point

(the Review is another type of essay). (value = 8 points)

4. Your evaluation: Please answer the following as you describe your assessment:

· What was most interesting about the chapter that provided new insights or

perspectives? (value = .5 point)

· What did you learn from this period/episode of history? (value = .5 point)

· How did the chapter supplement the material in the text and the lectures? (value = .5 point)

· What—if any—issues, situations, policies, personality types,

etc., in this chapter are still a concern in today's world? (value = .5 point)

Conclusion: Did the author accomplish his/her purpose for the original intended audience? Would you recommend this piece be required reading for high school government/civics students — why or why not? (value = 1 point)

Required Assignment

1. Online Web Discussion - Read each of the questions below.  Answer the questions using CANVAS STUDIO to record your response(s) to focus your discussion.  Please make one thoughtful response to the original posting ( a direct response to your selected question) and at least one response to classmates' posts. 

Original Student Video Response due by Thursday, 2 March, no later than 11:59 p.m.

Response to a peer(s) due by: Monday, 6 March, no later than 6:59 a.m.

Discussion Question 1: After reading the chapter dealing with socialism from 1988, do you believe the information is compelling because it would provide American students with an alternative view of socialism? Furthermore, what of the more compelling arguments/points made in the reading grabbed your attention?

Discussion Question 2: What stands out to you after reading the article Using Classroom Recordings in Educational History Research: An East German Civics Lesson and examining the transcribed class discussion (at the end of the article)? Is this line of discussion foreign from a typical civics lesson found at your school? Please explain.

2. Chapter review – Please complete a review of the chapter found in module nine. Use the guidelines provided in this module to write you Review . Your Review is due no later than 6:59 a.m. on Monday, 6 March. Please drop your Review in the dropbox titled 'Chapter Review.'