Griots of Africa

I would not want to learn history the way the griots of Africa did. First off, it would be far too difficult to remember things via songs or orally. Next, it would be easy to make a mistake after several recitations of a story. If text was written correctly the first time - it would be good for a long period of time because it does not have to be re-told. Additionally, I have gotten used to reading as opposed to listening. Not to mention, reading is faster

Ideal Shape of History

The ideal shape to consider the progression of history until this point in time would probably be the usage of charts (rectangles, squares..). This is because a line would not suffice for all the various regions that have established civilizations that grew independently of each other. Likewise, I do not feel as if something like a graphic organizer (the one with bubbles, etc) would be good enough either. The chart provides a nice template, more space, and makes it easier to see the differences/similarities between regions.

Essays Progress

https://docs.google.com/a/bps121.org/document/d/1jAoqJxm2gFSnH_gcPzfxHL2guTMuCEtb0Axa4G5cEOc/edit

Above is the link to my essay progress spreadsheet (Only accessible to Mr. Whitten's email). Looking at the data, I have noticed that starting off in term one, I was missing the analysis part of the compare essay the most, which lead to me not getting any of the expanded core points. Same issue with the global context for the COT. I was not clear enough on the first one, therefore did not proceed onto the expanded core. For the mid-terms, they were better than the essays I have written in the past - however could have been better if I had managed my time better, since the time limit on the midyear was very constraining. Additionally, I think I will focus more on making sure I get all the normal core points before focusing on trying to get the expanded core.

Trial is over

I think the trial was pretty interesting, I did learn from the other characters about what they did, and a lot for my own character - Mongke. However, I wish I got called up for cross examination because I prepared to answer any kind of question that was thrown at me.

1/13 update

trial went pretty well today...ripped up part of my script because I did not want the persecution obtaining some information that would harm me. Additionally, going to prepare to talk with the cross examiner today.

Weekend update

sorry...should have posted this earlier. Only thing I really did in regards to the trial is prepare for questions that the cross-examiner would have asked me. Additionally, started making a study guide with some friends for the mid-year. 

Trial update 1/10

Made note of some stuff that would hurt the persecution during the trial today.

Trial update 1/9

Just made up answers to questions the cross examiner might ask me today. Hopefully I don't blank out tomorrow on a question...

Trial update 1/8

Today, just working on finding a decent source to draw information for Mongke from. I discovered that wikipedia will not be a good idea because there is a large amount of information in which the other team can pull out information from, and use it against me. So I will look for a better source.

Trial update 1/7

Things are getting intense, the persecution team has started trash talking. Just realized Mongke is insignificant...so I will have to use external sources now- which I will do today

Trial update 1/6

Today I did research and thought of ways to answer questions that I would expect from persecutors.

1/5 Trial Update

Didn't really do much regarding the trial today...looked over the instructions carefully and thought about tactics on how to win.

Mongol Trial Process (daily work over 2 weeks)

In this blog post, I will list everything that I have done over the course of 2 weeks regarding the Mongol Trial. I did research on each of the main characters (defense and prosecution) in order to get a better understanding of their background. I wrote down information (4-5 sentences, main points on each, more for my character - Mongke). I also re-watched the videos in order to jog my memory.

12/22 - did research on Guillaume Boucher (P)
12/23 - did research on Abbasid Caliph al-Mustasim (P)
12/24 - did research on Pope Innocent IV (P)
12/25 - did research on Subedei (D)
12/26 - did research on Ogodei (D)
12/27 - did research on Hulegu (D)
12/28 - did research on Mongke (D)
12/29 - did research on Berte /Kublai/ Yelu Chucai (D)
12/30 - did research on Friar John on Plano Carpini (D)
12/31 - started "World Conquerors"
1/1 - finished "World Conquerors"
1/2 - watched all of "Tartar Crusaders"
1/3 - started "Khan of Khans"
1/4 - finished "Khan of Khans"

Additionally, I have reread chapters 1-5 and starting re-taking notes (since my notes for 1-6 were not that good) for the mid-year exam.