History Essay #3 Blog Reflection

1) Group Interaction
2) Use of Contract
3) Use of Wiki
4) Individual Progress....?

Throughout the time that was given to write the essay, there was group interaction, but not enough. Usually, every time we interacted, we would get off topic and some of us would try and focus, but the other(s) would become a distraction. I believe that within the time given, the group could have met more frequently and during the meetings, spend the time more conservatively. Over Thanksgiving break, Carolyn had e-mailed us and tried getting us together, but things just didn't work out; not to mention Britta was in Minnesota. So during the break, everyone just went off on their own researching and finding useful sources for the essay. When the essay had been first proposed by Craig and Ben, I got a start on it right away. I found literally about nine different sites, and narrowed it down to 3-4 sources. While I had been doing this, I saw the rest of my group, kind of just sitting around and multi-tasking. As they were researching information, they were carrying on conversations about random things and what not. I remember Craig had to come by and tell my group to quiet down a couple of times. Later I had shown what I have researched, to the rest of my group, and it became quite useful.

Although the group had many crazy things going on, I believe that we still somewhat maintained to follow the contract, even if it wasn't completely followed. Carolyn and Britta were the final editors for this paper, but later on it became Carolyn and Ben. Everyone did collect information, though the information I had found was mainly used. We divided the work evenly and I'm not really quiet so sure as to whether or not EVERYONE contributed their work on time. I'm sure everything was, but I made sure that for my part, I distributed to the rest of the group members right away, two days prior to the due date. In our group's contract, all members agreed to contribute equally, be punctual with work, and the quality of the work must be at least good.

I'm not so sure as to whether or not the use of wiki was constant. When I researched information, I added the sites to the wiki. Carolyn had also done this. Though, Ben and Britta had not. We referred back to our wiki to get the sites, but that was about it. For me, I didn't really need the wiki, meaning that I didn't need to constantly go back on forth just to check the information and what not because I had printed all the documents ahead of time, so I just used the printed copies.

INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS:

As for my individual progress, I believe that from the recent essay, the 2nd one, compared to this one, my individual work and what not decreased. For the 2nd history essay, I believe that I had done a lot more work and spent more time on the 2nd essay than what I had done for the 3rd one. From my point of view, I also believe that I put more effort into the 2nd one than I had for the 3rd essay. I'm not exactly sure of why this happened, but I'm sure laziness has something to do with it. I believe that I took advantage of the break that was given for Thanksgiving, in a not-so-productive kind of way. For this, I regret. Therefore this is why I believe that my individual progress had not progressed in the way I wanted it to.

History Essay Final Draft #3

Carolyn Shaw, Ben Zuidema, Britta Wischer, Angela Kim

New Jersey as a whole was a state that was rich with culture and forward thinking individuals. As they watched history progress, the people of New Jersey started to realize that there were many problems with the way that their government was beginning to be run. The New Jersey people began to come to the realization that if all of the states did not join together and form a government that would support all states that the end result might turn out to be chaos and mayhem, not to mention that America had just won its way out from under Britain's wing, and they did not want to be reabsorbed! The people of New Jersey decided to start this process of positive change by being one of the first states to ratify of the constitution. They knew that this move was somewhat of a risky one, but the majority also believed that such a calculated risk was worth the possibility of failure. In short, they were saying that though they understood where the Anti-Federalists stood, they could not doubt the need of the people for a strong centralized government.

During 1787 and 1788 the main topic was that of the possible ratification of the Constitution. Many of the states had mixed reactions which slowed down the process even more, but New Jersey was one of the states whose people almost completely supported it. The main reason for their support, as stated above, was their pure belief in the need of the people for a strong government. They knew that if they did not have a strong national government, anarchy or political disorder would triumph. These people were pretty certain that only a strong national government could ever truly protect the new nation. They believed that it would solve not only internal problems but also would keep the nation safe from their enemies, protecting their land from intruders with a clear set of rules that all were expected to follow.

When the whole issue of ratifying the constitution came up there were many different beliefs that both sides of the table held, and many of those same beliefs were dear to the other side of the argument as well. Federalists themselves thought that this was the only way that they would ever truly prosper as a country. It was there belief that the only way they could ever start a nation that was truly wonderful and better in every way then Britain was to make a new government. But for this new nation to succeed they needed to start a new form of government that while it still had many of the British government stuff in it, it as itself was different enough that it would cause true order to start. It was their belief that if they simply changed the way power was distributed that it would cause order in every shape and form. They thought that they would be able to have a better society by having people decide more what is best for them then having one figure head in charge trying to do what only he himself thought was best. This quote best shows what the federalists were thinking. “Enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations…” (James Madison, The Federalist, No. 10.) James Madison here is just saying exactly what most New Jersey Federalists were thinking. That a body of citizens in almost all causes will be able to make better decisions then a king could. The Anti-Federalists however believed this as well but they were more afraid that they would just make the mistakes of the British government system all over again. The Anti-Federalist’s were more thinking along the path that power corrupts. A famous quote by William Pitt the Younger says it best. "Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it" (http://www.number10.gov.uk/output/Page161.asp). This quote is one that the Anti-Federalists probably thought about a lot. It simply shows how they thought that any form of central government always results in some one getting corrupt or greedy and then goes and starts to do what is best for him instead of what is best for the general public. This was one of the most important beliefs Anti-Federalists had that made them think the way they did. They were in no way wanting to start a new government that would in the end give the citizens themselves no power. So with these ideas in their heads they would do what ever they could to try and keep away from a central government and try to only care about their own individual sates. Many Anti-Federalists’ feared that “A consolidation of this extensive continent under on government [under the Constitution of 1787] cannot succeed, without a sacrifice of your liberties.” – Brutus. Brutus was a pseudonym for a man or group of men who put out the Anti-Federalist version of the The Federalist Papers, expounding upon the reasoning behind their beliefs. Many an Anti-Federalist deeply agreed with what Brutus said, using quotes from his literature in their arguments against the Federalists.

Many Anti-Federalists in America thought that the ratification of the constitution was a great nuisance. After years of having to deal with the British Government, the colonist’s minds were uneasy with the thought of a centralized power, one that could possibly bring the reign of the Britons back to America. And although they knew that they needed a strong form of government, the idea of people holding too much power disturbed them deeply. Early federalist such as Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay spent much of their time trying to convince that if there was not a strong national government, than only anarchy or political disorder would be possible. The main problem that Anti-Federalists have is that they fear that with a central government in place it will only lead to a new kind of Britain that is full of tyranny and people not having their voice heard. These beliefs however do not warrant enough of a reason to not ratify the constitution. This is because America as it was during this time had no government at all to truly keep order. They needed some kind of document to do this for the people. This was the constitution, it would allow the American people to finally start off as being an independent country that can truly fend for it’s self. So the reason why Anti-Federalists were viewed as wrong was pretty much because America needed to start off with some kind of Structure, this was the constitution, and while it probably would have many problems with it at first over time as a country there would always be the ability to change it as long as it would cause the county as a whole to benefit. The Constitution was finally finished on September 12, 1787 and made public. An issue brought up by the Anti-Federalists was that of the economics of the South based mostly off of slave labor. This problem came to be the fact that the Southern states thought that when they did ratify the constitution that the Northern states would start to try and stop using as much slave labor. The south thought that this would only cause their economy to fall and was a huge reason why they decided to be more Anti-Federalists. This however was not really a problem for the federalists. They still would not do anything to make their economy suffer. So of course slave labor would be there because no one wanted to see their country start to fail. So this is just another fear that Anti-Federalists had with ratifying the constitution. Pretty much Anti-Federalists believe the way they do off of fears that in reality never would really come true.

When it comes down to it the issue of anti-federalist verses federalists was an issue that lasted a while. New Jersey was one of those states however that very quickly decided to be federalists and in the end their decision was one that only made their state better. They went into ratifying the constitution without truly knowing what the end result would entail. They just said we want change with the way we are currently being run so they decided the constitution would only help them in the long run. This decision did however very soon start to pay off and it caused the federalists of New Jersey to finally see a more successful way of living within their new nation.

Personal responses:

Ben: In my own opinion I think that being federalists was the only real thing that would make the American public ever truly prosper. It was the only possible option that would ever cause the chaos to stop and bring order to the people. The truth is that men in their natural state are complete animals. If they are left to do what they please then they will simply do what is best for them without thinking about what might happen to the rest of the world. This is why I believe that they need some form of government and laws to keep them in check. And that is all that the Constitution was doing. It was making it so that states no longer just did what was best for themselves, but to instead help create a country that makes sure every citizen is in some way contributing to form a more peaceful and happy society for all to live in. To put it simply this type of central government was exactly what the people of America needed to finally start and try to create a stable and self functioning country. So federalists were doing what they could to change the country for the better and the Anti-Federalists were afraid of this change and not ready to truly see the big picture.

Carolyn: In our society there is no real "Federalist" or "Anti-Federalist", at least not at the level of the distinction that there was in the late 1700's. In spite of this lack of real-world application, I think I would have been an Anti-Federalist. In my reality, the Constitution is a mark of pride, something that has kept our country going for over 200 years. But, were I a person of that time, I'm sure I would have reacted differently. I am a great advocate of free will and every person's right to choose as I have always been, and to me that is what the Anti-Federalists signified. At the beginning I took my typical Protagonist vs. Antagonist stance, choosing the Federalists as my Protagonist characters and the Anti-Federalists as my Antagonists, but over time and with much research my views began to change. The Federalists were a group that actively yearned for structure, for someone to tell them what to do and when to do it, while the Anti-Federalists wanted to be able to control themselves and their lands.

Angi: Overall I would side with the Federalists, but there is just one thing that I have to agree with the Anti-federalist's. I believe that a Bill of Rights is needed with the Constitution because although eight states already had such bills in their state constitutions, what about the other states? Though, I agree and fully support the Constitution. Each and every state are individually different, but that does not mean that each state is capable of growing and prospering on their own, to the way they want, without any means of help. In order for the states to grow, I believe that the states require help and support from the other fellow states. The Constitution binds all these states, and the majority have agreed and signed to it. "The Federalists believed in a strong and effective government that would ensure commercial growth and international prestige; the Anti-federalist's saw such goals threatening liberty and preferred local control." (Source of Quote) Although I see both arguments from both groups, I still agree with the federalists because leaving all the "dirty work" with one strong government, would be more reasonable to me, than having smaller groups trying to solve certain issues with their disagreements. I believe that with smaller governing groups, comes more responsibility, more time is needed for meeting with other groups, and it would be more complicating to come to an official agreement.

Britta: In my experience with writing this essay I think I would have sided more with the Federalists. I think this because while writing this essay I learned a lot about how much trouble existed within the colonies. By having all states being part of one central government it would only promote a better environment for the American people. Having the constitution in place only makes life better for the Americans. It made it so people could live their lives as they please within reason. And in the end as we can clearly see today, it did work and our country is better because of it.

1st Quarter: AOD Blog #7 and #8

AOD Blog #7: Building social capital - developing relationships within the community, drawing on people's talents and resources for the good of the community

Building social capital. I think that this basically means to open up, make friends, and use other people's talents effectively to help the community. For example, I have played piano since I was in 3rd grade. Ever since 7th grade, I started to play for my church's praise. I would play the praise songs for the children's service first, then later on, for the youth group service. My church friends and pastors are like my family because we bond and we help each other through rough times. Things have been like this for about 4 years now. Since my church is not THAT big, it really does feel like a family; we do everything together; we're always hanging out over the weekends outside of church. Therefore my church members and I have developed a relationship and they used my talent for the better, just as I have used their talents like playing the guitar, playing the drums, playing the bass, singing, harmonizing, etc, for the better.

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AOD Blog #8: Mentoring - supportively guiding others in learning these arts of public life

I believe that mentoring is crucial for students. As students go on with their learning careers, its extremely helpful to have a mentor there to walk them through the process, giving them tips and advice. For example, in the mentor groups that were formed, my mentor Diana Lee, has helped me through my time here at PSEC. When I was a bit stressed out with everything going on, Diana was there to help me and walk me through the steps I should take in order to prevent these stressful times as must as I can. She would ask the groups about the teachers and how the assignments are going. For me, I think the quarter started out pretty okay, then as time progressed, things got tougher, and I just didn't like it. Diana gave me certain advice and studying tips so that I could get back on track because I was majorly procrastinating. Thanks to Diana as well as help from my fellow students and great instructors, I was able to get through this quarter. (:

History Essay #2 Reflection

1) Your progress from essay 1 to essay 2.
2) How did your process mesh with your partners? If you had it.
3) How did you handle creative conflict? If you didn't, what made your collaboration work?

1) I believe that my progress from essay 1 to essay 2 was tremendously great! For the second essay, I had talked with Craig a LOT more for advice and tips as well as asking questions like "Is this okay?" and "How should we do this?". I think that actually talking with the teacher and showing that this essay was important, helped me to work harder than I had before on the first essay. In comparison, the time that I had spent on the second essay was much greater than on my first essay. I really went over the story and made sure to include every detail necessary.

2) & 3) My process meshed with my partner well. We both contributed our own thoughts and ideas which worked greatly. I don't believe we had any conflicts between us because we both agreed and supported one another's ideas. When Ramila gave an idea, I added on my ideas to hers. When I gave an idea, Ramila added her on thoughts onto mine. This allowed our essay to become very creative from two different people's perspectives. We made sure that during every class period, we engaged into necessary conversations and commented on one another's opinions. Because we hadn't wasted our time, I believe that our essay turned our to be a success. When outside of school, we would constantly e-mail one another at home and added our own sides to the story, then when we came back to school, we would talk about the contributions we've made and mash together our ideas.
At first when I became partners with Ramila, I was unsure on how well we would do. I thought to myself, "I don't really know her that well and the way we think seems to be opposite from one another." Little did I know that once we were given the rubric, we got a start on the essay right away! We starting spilling out a bunch of ideas and in the end agreed to write a mini-play. There was none of that "she contributed more than the other" and whatnot. We both equally put in our own thoughts into the essay, which I'm really happy about. For once, there was NOTHING to complain about with my partner, Ramila. She did her part and I did mine and we both helped each other out. Now that I look back and think about the progress I've made, and also developing a friendship with my partner, I'm very glad that I had became partners with her. (:

History Essay #2 Final Draft

Angela Kim & Ramila Gulieva

November 11, 2007

Writing 101

History Essay #2 – Mini play

Final Draft

SECRET’S OUT

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Elizabeth Ann James: The protagonist of Secret’s Out. Elizabeth is a twenty-seven year old loyalist, who married a patriot man. Though she is a strong, courageous woman, she fears greatly of being exposed of who she truly is. She spends her days at home working in the garden, cleaning, cooking, and other house wife duties. Elizabeth hides her secret in New York with her husband, hoping that no one will find out that she is a loyalist. Her true identity is that not only is she a loyalist, but she is also related to the King. She hopes to live peacefully and happily with her husband with no interruptions of anyone finding out.

Andrew Owen James: A loyal husband to Elizabeth Ann James. He supports Elizabeth and himself as a New England merchant at age thirty-one. He is a hard-working patriot who despises loyalists.

Lady: A middle-aged woman who happens to be a loyalist and gets taken away by the authorities.

Child: The son of the middle-aged woman who also happens to be a loyalist and also gets captured by the authorities.

Police: A spectator of the town who is a patriot that happens to carry a conversation with two colonists passing by.

Colonist #1: A young lady who is also a patriot that loathes loyalists is surprised to know that there are loyalists existing in the town.
Colonist #2: A friend of the young lady [Colonist #1] who is also a patriot that hopes to exterminate all loyalists in the town.

Police Officer #1: A curious man of authority that is a patriot who wants to know where Elizabeth lives.

Police Officer #2: Another curious man of authority that is also a patriot, partner of Police Officer #1, who also wants to know where Elizabeth lives.

Ruth Bensen: A middle-aged woman who is a friend of Elizabeth’s, but is a patriot. Once she found out who Elizabeth really was, she wants nothing to do with her.

[Summary: Little before the American Revolution, in the southern side of New York, was a cozy, small, wooden house full of love and life. Next to the house was a cute little garden with beautiful flowers. Inside this house lived a middle class newly wed, trying to start a family. The wife was named Elizabeth Ann James, a housewife at age twenty-seven. Her husband, Andrew Owen James, was a New England Merchant, living at age thirty-one. They have been married for about two years, hoping to live happily ever after. But little did they know that their quest of living “happily ever after” would have many hardships as well as difficulties.]

ACT I: SCENE I

Enter Elizabeth.

[One beautiful morning, Elizabeth went outside to work in the garden. She wanted to prune the plants in the garden so that they would grow beautifully.]

Elizabeth: Oh my! How beautiful these roses have grown!

[While working in the garden, Elizabeth hears shouting across the neighborhood.]

Lady: No! Let go of me!

Child: Momma! I’m scared! Are they going to kill us?

Lady: What are you doing with my child?!

Exit Lady, Child, and Police.

[Elizabeth turns her head towards the noise and sees a woman and her child being taken away by the authoritative figures who were patriots. So she pondered to herself.]

Elizabeth: What’s going on? Why are they being taken away?

Enter Police, Colonist #1, and Colonist #2.

[After the woman and child had been captured, she hears another conversation going on between a police and two colonists.]

Police: Those damn loyalists.

Colonist #1: I’m surprised they were even here this long.

Colonist #2: How can they be for the King?! That’s just preposterous!

Police: Well good riddance.

[Immediately Elizabeth runs inside her house to speak with her husband.]

Exit all.

ACT I: SCENE II

Enter Elizabeth and Andrew.

[Panting, trying to catch her breath, Elizabeth shouts Andrew’s name.]

Elizabeth: Andrew! Andrew!

Andrew: What’s wrong Elizabeth?!

Elizabeth: A horrible thing has happened!

Andrew: What is it?!

Elizabeth: Just outside, while I was gardening, the authorities captured this woman and her child!

Andrew: Why?! How could they?

Elizabeth: Well, I over heard a couple of people talking with the police, and it seemed to me that the woman and her child were loyalists.

Andrew: What were those despicable creatures doing here?!

Elizabeth: Oh…I’m not quite sure, but they’re gone now.

Andrew: You don’t feel bad for them, do you?

Elizabeth: Oh of course not! I hate those filthy vermin.

Exit all.

ACT II: SCENE I

Enter Elizabeth.

[It is evening and while Elizabeth was reading her favorite book, she recalled the incident of when the loyalists had been taken away. As the thoughts all came back to her head, she started to worry. She walks over toward her nightstand table and opens a book. Inside the book was a gemmed box holding within it, a valuable family heirloom that had been past down for generations. This heirloom happened to be a golden ring with “God save the Queen” engraved on the inner part of the ring.]

Elizabeth: What do I do?

[Elizabeth hears a knock on the door]

Andrew: Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: Just a second!

[Quickly, Elizabeth tries to put everything away.]

Enter Andrew.

Andrew: Elizabeth? Is everything ready for supp..what was that?

Elizabeth: What was what?

Andrew: That. You just had it in your hand a few moments ago.

Elizabeth: Oh it’s nothing really. But yes supper is ready so shall we go and eat?

Andrew: …Alright.

Exit Elizabeth and Andrew.

ACT II: SCENE II

Enter Elizabeth and Andrew.

[Ever since the incident that had happened before supper, Andrew could not stop thinking about what she had been hiding from him. He was so curious that he wanted to check it out for himself when Elizabeth wasn’t around. One morning, while Elizabeth was sleeping, he started to rummage through her belongings. After a few moments of searching, he finally had found the book, but before he could open it, Elizabeth had woken up.]

Elizabeth: Darling, what are you doing?

Andrew: Oh, just looking for my socks, that’s all.

Elizabeth: It is in the second drawer next to the chair.

Andrew: Thank you dear. Well I’m off to work.

Exit Andrew.

ACT II: SCENE III

Enter Andrew.

[When Andrew came home from work, once again, Andrew attempted to find out what was hidden inside the book. While Elizabeth was out back in the garden working, he went through the drawer again.]

Andrew: Let’s see here. I think it was in this drawer.

[Andrew takes the book out and opens the book.]

Andrew: There’s a box here.

[He was so anxious to see what was inside the box that he immediately went in to open the box with no hesitation.]

Andrew: A ring?! What is this?!

[Andrew was very shocked to see this majestic ring. While he was observing the ring, he came across some engravings on the inner part of the ring.]

Andrew: “God save the Queen”? Could it be?! My wife a loyalist?!

[Andrew was so traumatized by this that he stormed out of the room with the ring and went out to the garden to confront Elizabeth.]

Exit Andrew.

ACT III: SCENE I

Enter Elizabeth (She is gardening).

[Elizabeth is pruning the garden, trimming the plants, and pulling weeds, happily.]

Andrew storms in.

[Andrew shouts Elizabeth’s name]

Andrew: ELIZABETH!

[She is startled by her husband’s voice, and wonders what is wrong.]

Elizabeth: What is wrong dear?

[Andrew holds out the ring.]

Andrew: What is the meaning of this?!

[Worried that the neighbors would hear, she asks him to go inside.]

Elizabeth: Andrew please! Let’s take it inside.

[Both Elizabeth and Andrew walk toward the house and goes inside.]

Exit Andrew and Elizabeth.

ACT III: SCENE II

[Confused Andrew and fearful Elizabeth came inside the house.]

Enter Andrew and Elizabeth.

Andrew: I don’t understand!?... Explain Elizabeth!

Elizabeth: I wanted to tell you about this, but could not.

Andrew: How could you?

Elizabeth: I saw how you reacted to the other loyalists and that made me fearful. But Please! Don’t be angry with me.

Andrew: I am not angry but I’m puzzled. What good did you find in the English king?!

Andrew: He established so many acts that take away our liberty, rights and now we have to let in those despicable British soldiers to our house.

Elizabeth: I realize that but he established this law to pay the depth after the last war and taxes in America is less than England. We must be grateful that our King is so kind that he protects us.

Act III: Scene II

[Confused Andrew and fearful Elizabeth came inside the house]

Andrew: I don’t understand!? … Explain Elizabeth!?

Elizabeth: I wanted to tell you about this, but couldn’t.

Andrew: How could you?

Elizabeth: I saw how you reacted to the other loyalists and that made me fearful. (Elizabeth begs) Please! Do not be angry with me.

Andrew: I am not angry. I’m just very frustrated. (Andrew pauses) What good did you find in English king!? He established so many acts that take away our liberty, rights and now we have to let in those despicable British solders to our house. (http://0-find.galegroup.com.catalog.kcls.org:80/gvrl/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GVRL.americanhistory&docId=CX3425000037&source=gale&userGroupName=kcls_web&version=1.0)

Elizabeth: I realize that but he established this law to pay the depth after last war that we fought against French. (http://0-find.galegroup.com.catalog.kcls.org:80/gvrl/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GVRL.americanhistory&docId=CX3411900124&source=gale&userGroupName=kcls_web&version=1.0)

Andrew: It is not fair; we are English too but cannot enjoy the same rights as the English in Britain without having representatives in Parliament. (http://0-find.galegroup.com.catalog.kcls.org:80/gvrl/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GVRL.americanhistory&docId=CX3425000037&source=gale&userGroupName=kcls_web&version=1.0)

Elizabeth: I doubted that it was possible for people who lived so far from the parent country could enjoy the same liberties as people in the parent country. We should be grateful to the King of England because we pay fewer taxes here than people in Great Britain. (http://0-find.galegroup.com.catalog.kcls.org:80/gvrl/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GVRL.americanhistory&docId=CX3411900124&source=gale&userGroupName=kcls_web&version=1.0)

Andrew: Elizabeth. Answer me. Why did the King make us care for and allow English soldiers live in our houses?

Elizabeth: Because he sent these soldiers to protect us.

Andrew: I believe that America should become an independent country without any tyrant.

Elizabeth: I do not agree with you because if America will separate from Britain it will not have any protection from the enemies. (http://0-find.galegroup.com.catalog.kcls.org:80/gvrl/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GVRL.americanhistory&docId=CX3411900124&source=gale&userGroupName=kcls_web&version=1.0)

Andrew: This is why I hate loyalists; they think so different from patriots.

Andrew: Elizabeth you should have told me a long time ago that you were one of those loyalists. We married by love and promised each other that we will be together no matter what until death, but now look what happened.

Elizabeth and Andrew exit the stage.

Act III: Scene III

Elizabeth on stage.

[Everyday in the morning, Elizabeth went to a small market to buy groceries. However, this morning the weather was cloudy hence Elizabeth put on a long raincoat. While she was coming home, Elizabeth overheard a conversation between two police officers and woman named Ruth Bensen. This woman, though, is actually a friend of Elizabeth.]

Police Officer #1: Do you know where Elizabeth Ann James lives?

Ruth Bensen: Oh, what seems to be the problem officers?

Police Officer #2: We found out that she is a loyalist.

Ruth Bensen: Is that so?! Who would’ve known! That devious child! I’m sorry but I do not know who this Elizabeth Ann James is anymore, nor do I wish to know her. Good day to you sirs.

Police Officers: Very well then, carry on.

Exit Ruth and Police Officers.

ACT III: SCENE IV

Enter Elizabeth.

[At home, the terrified Elizabeth sits and worries. She had hoped that no one would ever find out, but turned out to be the total opposite of her expectations. She sits in the living room crunched up, thinking about what will happen to her.]

Elizabeth: Oh, my goodness! Everyone is after me!

[With fear in her eyes, Elizabeth stood up and started pacing.]

Elizabeth: Andrew! Andrew! Where are you?!

Enter Andrew.

Andrew: What’s the matter?

Elizabeth: They’re after me!

Andrew: Who is after you?

Elizabeth: The police! They found out somehow because I over heard that two men dressed in uniform asked for my location.

Andrew: Really? Then Elizabeth, shall we leave this town together and move to another town where no one will be able to find us?

Elizabeth: You would do that for me?

Andrew: I told you. I made a promise. I am willing to go anywhere with you.

Elizabeth: (relieved) Thank you dear.

Andrew: Let us go pack our stuff then.

Exit Elizabeth and Andrew.

[The next day, Andrew and Elizabeth part from the town without a say to anyone, hoping to truly live happily ever after.]

THE END

1st Quarter: AOD Blog #3, #4, #5, #6

AOD Blog #3: ACTiVE LiSTENiNG - encouraging the speaker and searching for meaning

I believe that active listening is when someone truly focuses on what another is saying. When one is actively listening, their brains are engaged into what is being said and they are really paying attention. Though it may not be as easy as one would like, it is an important key to success. For example, in school, one must actively listen to the class lectures in order to understand what is being taught. By actively listening, one is able to catch certain things that are said, and if someone gets confused, that person can ask effective questions that other students probably also might have. Sometimes its hard to actively listen all the time because one can be tired from not getting enough sleep last night or the lecture might just bore them. This may be true, but it vital that one tries to at least pay attention as much as they can. From listening to certain senior's past experiences at orientation, if a student does not pay attention in class, they'll be "screwed" for finals.

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AOD Blog #4: PUBLiC DiALOGUE - public talk on matters that concern us all

Public dialogue is another key factor to success. I believe this because we must be able to share publicly, relevant and intelligent things thought in our minds. During classes in school, we should comment on the topic that is being taught to show the teacher that we have an understanding of the lesson, and to also share and open up what someone thinks about this or that. In order for one to share comfortably what they want to share, I believe it is not only the teacher's job, but also the students', to allow that person feel comfortable by showing that they care about that person's thoughts/inputs. For example, in History 121, sometimes I won't share a certain thought running through my head because I feel like its dumb. Then a couple minutes later, another student raises his/her hand and says that same thing that I wanted to say. Meaning, that I just missed my chance on sharing and participating. Almost all the time, a thought or question that is relevant to the topic will not only be running through just one person's head. I'm sure that there are at least one other person thinking the same thought, but is just too shy to share.

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AOD Blog #5: Public Judgment - public decision making that allows citizens to make choices that they are willing to help implement

I believe that public judgment is also important. Public judgment, to me, is another word for good criticism. For example, when I wrote my first essay for Craig, it was not as good as it could have been. I received a NP+ meaning I barely passed. Craig gave comments to every student to give feedback on how they did on their first essay. My feedback, however, was very uhh.. I guess you can say blunt? It was very straight forward, and obviously not what I wanted to hear, but it helped me because it allowed me to realize why I got the grade I got. I knew from then what NOT to do on my second essay, and basically the essays I would have to write in the near future. Craig did not write these comments to be "mean", but to help us and critique us on our writing. The criticism that he gave helped me improve my writing skills and I'm sure it helped other students also.

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AOD Blog #6: Negotiation - problem solving that meets some key interests of all involved

I was very low on gas, to the point where my gas light came in. I asked my mom if she can give me money to fill it up and she gave me 20 dollars. 20 dollars doesn't fill up my tank ALL the way, so I asked if I could just take her credit card instead cause that's what I usually did, that way I could fill it up completely. She said no though. Then we started arguing because she only gives me money for gas once a week and 20 dollars doesn't even fill 2/3 of my tank, so I was like, "How am I supposed to get around in a week with such little gas?" And it went on an on like that. Eventually, she gave me 30 dollars because I negotiated with her. I told her that I go straight to school, then the library, then home everyday, so how was I suppose to do that with only 20 dollars? So she gave me more money.

Loyalism vs. Patriotism, 1760s & 1770s [Part 2]

Wife hides from the husband that shes a loyalist.
Later husband finds out and helps wife hide from colonies finding out.

Wife is actually related to the King by cousin's nephew's aunt's niece's etc. and husband did not know that she was of royal family but later finds out.


SITESSSS


Spy Letters of the American Revolution