"The Pianist" - Period 1

The motion picture, The Pianist is the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman who was the most accomplished piano player in all of Poland, if not Europe, in the 1930s. This film does an excellent job of explaining why it became impossible for the Jewish people living in Europe to escape the Nazis and what happened to them during the Holocaust. Post a reflective comment about the film and respond to at least one other student’s comment. Post is due at the end of the day.

"The Pianist" - Period 5

The motion picture, The Pianist is the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman who was the most accomplished piano player in all of Poland, if not Europe, in the 1930s. This film does an excellent job of explaining why it became impossible for the Jewish people living in Europe to escape the Nazis and what happened to them during the Holocaust. Post a reflective comment about the film and respond to at least one other student’s comment. Post is due at the end of the day.

Period 1 - "The Milgram Experiment"

Milgram has defined obedience as “the psychological mechanism that links individual action to political purpose.” What do you think encourages obedience? Is it fear of punishment? A desire to please? A need to go along with the group? A belief in authority? As some students watched the film Obedience, some laughed. How do you account for that laughter? Is it because something was funny or was there another reason? Those who study human behavior say that laughter can be a way of relieving tension, showing embarrassment or expressing relief that someone else is “on the spot.” Which explanation is most appropriate in this case? How did the volunteers act as they administered the shocks? What did they say? What pressures were placed on them as the experiment continued? How did they decide whether to stop? Did you identify with any of the volunteers you observed in Obedience? Post your reflective comment by the end of the weekend and be sure to make a comment to another student’s post.

Period 5 - "The Milgram Experiment"

Milgram has defined obedience as “the psychological mechanism that links individual action to political purpose.” What do you think encourages obedience? Is it fear of punishment? A desire to please? A need to go along with the group? A belief in authority? As some students watched the film Obedience, some laughed. How do you account for that laughter? Is it because something was funny or was there another reason? Those who study human behavior say that laughter can be a way of relieving tension, showing embarrassment or expressing relief that someone else is “on the spot.” Which explanation is most appropriate in this case? How did the volunteers act as they administered the shocks? What did they say? What pressures were placed on them as the experiment continued? How did they decide whether to stop? Did you identify with any of the volunteers you observed in Obedience? Post your reflective comment by the end of the weekend and be sure to make a comment to another student’s post.

Period 1 - "The Belonging"

Today you read the "Belonging" in class. Please answer the following questions:

How important is it to you to "look right?" To "act right?" To "fit in?" How do you feel when you don't belong? How does it affect your self-esteem? When in a child's development is he or she most vulnerable to issues related to "in" and "out" group behavior? Are adolescents more or less vulnerable than young children? Would you have joined the Hitler Youth if you lived in Germany at the time? Why or why not?

Period - 5 "The Belonging"

Today you read the "Belonging" in class. Pleasse answer the following questions:

How important is it to you to "look right?" To "act right?" To "fit in?" How do you feel when you don't belong? How does it affect your self-esteem? When in a child's development is he or she most vulnerable to issues related to "in" and "out" group behavior? Are adolescents more or less vulnerable than young children? Would you have joined the Hitler Youth if you lived in Germany at the time? Why or why not?

Period 1 - The Gestapo

You've been watching the BBC documentary, The Rise of the Nazis - A Warning from History. Please share your thoughts about the film thus far. Does anything stand out for you about the segment on the Gestapo that you saw today?

Period 5 - The Gestapo

You've been watching the BBC documentary, The Rise of the Nazis - A Warning from History. Please share your thoughts about the film thus far. Does anything stand out for you about the segment on the Gestapo that you saw today?

PERIOD 1 - "THE LONGEST HATRED'

You recently viewed the PBS Documentary The Longest Hatred and today you listened to Rabbi Swarttz lecture on the subject. Please share what you learned with each other and feel free to ask any question(s) that you would like answered by the Rabbi in the future.

PERIOD 6 - "THE LONGEST HATRED"

You recently viewed the PBS Documentary The Longest Hatred and today you listened to Rabbi Swarttz lecture on the subject. Please share what you learned with each other and feel free to ask any question(s) that you would like answered by the Rabbi in the future.

The Armenian Genocide - Period 1

Over the past week you have seen films and read articles about The Armenian Genocide. On Monday you heard an insightful and informative lecture about this terrible event by Father Boghosian. First, what did you think of Father Boghosian's lecutre? Second, the last stage of Genocide is denial. Given everything you've heard, seen, and read about this event, what do you think should be done to make more people in the United States aware of the Armenian Genocide?

Mr. Gallagher

The Armenian Genocide - Period 5

Over the past week you have seen films and read articles about The Armenian Genocide. On Monday you heard an insightful and informative lecture about this terrible event by Father Boghosian. First, what did you think of Father Boghosian's lecutre? Second, the last stage of Genocide is denial. Given everything you've heard, seen, and read about this event, what do you think should be done to make more people in the United States aware of the Armenian Genocide?

Mr. Gallagher

"Little Rock 50 Years Later" - Period 1

For the past couple of days we've watched the HBO Special Little Rock Central High School 50 Years Later. I would like you to tell me what stands out the most about the film and what you will take away from seeing it.

"Little Rock 50 Years Later" - Period 5

For the past couple of days we've watched the HBO Special Little Rock Central High School 50 Years Later. I would like you to tell me what stands out the most about the film and what you will take away from seeing it.

"The Children's March" - Period 1

Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film and comment on at least one other student's post.

"The Children's March" - Period 5

Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film and comment on at least one other student's post.

"In The Eye Of The Storm" - Period 5

Today, we watched the documentary, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. What did you learn from this film?. Post a reflective comment about the film and make sure to comment on one other student's post. Mr. Gallagher

"In The Eye Of The Storm" - Period 1

Today, we watched the documentary, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. What did you learn from this film?. Post a reflective comment about the film and make sure to comment on one other student's post. Mr. Gallagher

"In The White Man's Image" - Period 1

Today you watched the film, In the White Man's Image. Post your thoughts about the film and make sure to comment on at least one other student's post.

"White Man's Image" - Period 5

Today you watched the film, In the White Man's Image. Post your thoughts about the film and make sure to comment on at least one other student's post.

After The First - Period 1

After the First is a parable - a story that has a moral or teaches a lesson. To figure out the moral of the film, ask yourself what lesson Steve's father wanted him to learn. What lesson did his mother want him to learn? How do you know her feelings? What did Steve actually learn? Then decide what the film taught you.

After The First - Period 5

After the First is a parable - a story that has a moral or teaches a lesson. To figure out the moral of the film, ask yourself what lesson Steve's father wanted him to learn. What lesson did his mother want him to learn? How do you know her feelings? What did Steve actually learn? Then decide what the film taught you.

The Bear That Wasn't - PERIOD 1

Today you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post. Mr. Gallagher

The Bear That Wasn't - PERIOD 5

Today you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post.

Mr. Gallagher

Remembering - Period 1

Dear Student: I would appreciate your taking a few minutes to answer a few questions before you leave the course. Your answers will help shape future classes of Facing History and Ourselves in the years to come. Now that you have completed the first Facing History and Ourselves course at Westborough High School, please share with me any aspects of the course that were the most meaningful to you. Please consider structure, topics, specific lessons, films etc. in your response. Please do not comment on other students' posts. Thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope that you enjoyed the course as much as I did teaching it. I wish you all the best next year. Mr. Gallagher

Remembering - Period 6

Dear Student: I would appreciate your taking a few minutes to answer a few questions before you leave the course. Your answers will help shape future classes of Facing History and Ourselves in the years to come. Now that you have completed the first Facing History and Ourselves course at Westborough High School, please share with me any aspects of the course that were the most meaningful to you. Please consider structure, topics, specific lessons, films etc. in your response. Please do not comment on other students' posts. Thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope that you enjoyed the course as much as I did teaching it. I wish you all the best next year. Mr. Gallagher

Student Blogs - 2nd Semester 2009

Mark Saverhttp://muhammadyunusbiography.blogspot.com/

Tony Kisselhttp://friedrichnietzschesblog.blogspot.com/

Katie Speedhttp://speedfacinghistory.blogspot.com/

Evan Farinahttp://facinghistoryproject.blogspot.com/

kelsey tannerhttp://kelseytannersblog.blogspot.com/

Kevin Waitehttp://kevinwaitesblog.blogspot.com/

Neil Patel http://www.republicanbobbyjindal.blogspot.com/

Barnett Klane http://arthurasheblog.blogspot.com/

Andy Hwanghttp://andyhwang05.blogspot.com/

Max Tabbhttp://arielsharonblog.blogspot.com/

Justin Sorensenhttp://jgs2332.blogspot.com/

michael Makhloufhttp://anamicho.blogspot.com/

Marwa Alnaalhttp://marwalnaal.blogspot.com/

jason Cornarohttp://jasonsfacinghistoryblog.blogspot.com/

Carla Mercadohttp://makingadiffeencerobertoclemente.blogspot.com/

Elise Murphyhttp://rkennedyblog.blogspot.com/

Savina Jaggihttp://savinajaggi.blogspot.com/

Sam Bryanhttp://rickrescorlafacinghistoryproject.blogspot.com/

Brian Govehttp://briangove.blogspot.com/

Liz Sterndalehttp://fhaomotherteresa.blogspot.com/

Salik Siddiquihttp://saliksper1fho.blogspot.com/

llana Rubinhttp://rubyswork.blogspot.com/

Josh Davishttp://jimmyvalvano.blogspot.com/

Sammy Pierre-Vilhttp://williamsfannieb.blogspot.com/

Lisbeth Moraleshttp://laborleader.blogspot.com/

Alexa Raniukhttp://alexasfacinghistory.blogspot.com/

Dave Orlandohttp://davefacings.blogspot.com/

Pic Panghttp://picpang.blogspot.com/

Lina Rodriquezhttp://linamrodriguez.blogspot.com/

John Rolfehttp://johnarolfe.blogspot.com/

Cindy Depaz http://cindyd123.blogspot.com/

Gayle Heim http://gayleheim.blogspot.com/

Dev Awasthi http://devpawasthi.blogspot.com/

Ted Liska http://makingadiffvh.blogspot.com/

Joe Covino http://theodoredrseussgeisel.blogspot.com/

The Milgram Experiment - Period 1

Milgram has defined obedience as “the psychological mechanism that links individual action to political purpose.” What do you think encourages obedience? Is it fear of punishment? A desire to please? A need to go along with the group? A belief in authority? As some students watched the film Obedience, some laughed. How do you account for that laughter? Is it because something was funny or was there another reason? Those who study human behavior say that laughter can be a way of relieving tension, showing embarrassment or expressing relief that someone else is “on the spot.” Which explanation is most appropriate in this case? How did the volunteers act as they administered the shocks? What did they say? What pressures were placed on them as the experiment continued? How did they decide whether to stop? Did you identify with any of the volunteers you observed in Obedience? Post your reflective comment by the end of the weekend and be sure to make a comment to another student’s post.

The Milgram Experiment - Period 6

Milgram has defined obedience as “the psychological mechanism that links individual action to political purpose.” What do you think encourages obedience? Is it fear of punishment? A desire to please? A need to go along with the group? A belief in authority? As some students watched the film Obedience, some laughed. How do you account for that laughter? Is it because something was funny or was there another reason? Those who study human behavior say that laughter can be a way of relieving tension, showing embarrassment or expressing relief that someone else is “on the spot.” Which explanation is most appropriate in this case? How did the volunteers act as they administered the shocks? What did they say? What pressures were placed on them as the experiment continued? How did they decide whether to stop? Did you identify with any of the volunteers you observed in Obedience? Post your reflective comment by the end of the weekend and be sure to make a comment to another student’s post.

The Rise of the Nazis - Period 1

For the past three days you've been watching the BBC documentary, The Rise of the Nazis - A Warning from History. Please share your thoughts about the film thus far. Does anything stand out for you about the segment on the Gestapo?

The Rise of the Nazis - Period 6

For the past three days you've been watching the BBC documentary, The Rise of the Nazis - A Warning from History. Please share your thoughts about the film thus far. Does anything stand out for you about the segment on the Gestapo?

"The Great Depression" - Period 1

On Monday we read about the causes of The Great Depression. Today, we watched a documentary about this period of history. What similarities and/or differences did you find between then and now? Were there any lessons to be learned from how the government dealt with the economic problems that lead to The Great Depression? Do you think the government is correctly addressing the current economic recession?

"The Great Depression" - Period 6

On Monday we read about the causes of The Great Depression. Today, we watched a documentary about this period of history. What similarities and/or differences did you find between then and now? Were there any lessons to be learned from how the government dealt with the economic problems that lead to The Great Depression? Do you think the government is correctly addressing the current economic recession?

"The Armenian Genocide" - Period 1

Over the past week you have seen films and read articles about The Armenian Genocide. On Thursday you heard a schoarly and informative lecture about this terrible event by Father Boghosian. As you know, the last stage of Genocide is denial. Given everything you've heard, seen, and read, what do you think should be done to make more people aware of the Armenian Genocide? Do you think that the President should give a speech about it in order to focus more attention on this emotionally charged subject?

"The Armenian Genocide" - Period 6

Over the past week you have seen films and read articles about The Armenian Genocide. On Thursday you heard a schoarly and informative lecture about this terrible event by Father Boghosian. As you know, the last stage of Genocide is denial. Given everything you've heard, seen, and read, what do you think should be done to make more people aware of the Armenian Genocide? Do you think that the President should give a speech about it in order to focus more attention on this emotionally charged subject?

"50 Years Later" - Period 1

For the past three days we've watched the HBO Special Little Rock Central High School 50 Years Later. I would like you to tell me what stands out the most about the film and what you will take away from seeing it.

"50 Years Later" - Period 6

For the past three days we've watched the HBO Special Little Rock Central High School 50 Years Later. I would like you to tell me what stands out the most about the film and what you will take away from seeing it.

"The Longest Hatred" - Period 1

You recently viewed the PBS Documentary The Longest Hatred and today you listened to Rabbi Swarttz lecture on the subject. Please share what you learned with each other and feel free to ask any question(s) that you would like answered by the Rabbi in the future.

"The Longest Hatred" - Period 6

You recently viewed the PBS Documentary The Longest Hatred and today you listened to Rabbi Swarttz lecture on the subject. Please share what you learned with each other and feel free to ask any question(s) that you would like answered by the Rabbi in the future.

"The Children's March" - Period 1

Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film and comment on at least one other student's post.

"The Children's March" - Period 6

Today, you watched the film, The Children's March. Please post any thoughts you have about the film and comment on at least one other student's post.

"Eye of the Storm" - Period 1

Today, we watched the documentary, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. What did you learn from this film?. Post a reflective comment about the film and make sure to comment on one other student's post.

"Eye of the Storm" - Period 6

Today, we watched the documentary, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. What did you learn from this film?. Post a reflective comment about the film and make sure to comment on one other student's post.

"White Man's Image" - Period 1

Today you watched the film, In the White Man's Image. Post your thoughts about the film and make sure to comment on at least one other student's post.

"White Man's Image" - Period 6

Today you watched the film, In the White Man's Image. Post your thoughts about the film and make sure to comment on at least one other student's post.

"After The First" - Period 1

After the First is a parable - a story that has a moral or teaches a lesson. To figure out the moral of the film, ask yourself what lesson Steve's father wanted him to learn? What lesson did his mother want him to learn? How do you know her feelings? What did Steve actually learn? Then decide what the film taught you.

"After The First" - Period 6

After the First is a parable - a story that has a moral or teaches a lesson. To figure out the moral of the film, ask yourself what lesson Steve's father wanted him to learn. What lesson did his mother want him to learn? How do you know her feelings? What did Steve actually learn? Then decide what the film taught you.

"Little Boxes" - Period 1

Today you read the story "Little Boxes" in class. Please share your thoughts about the story and the class discussion that followed in a reflective post. Make at least one comment about another student's post.

"Little Boxes" - Period 6

Today you read the story "Little Boxes" in class. Please share your thoughts about the story and the class discussion that followed in a reflective post. Make at least one comment about another student's post.

The Bear Story - Period 1

Today you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post. Mr. Gallagher

The Bear Story - Period 6

Today you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post. Mr. Gallagher

The Death Camps - Period 1

Please post a reflective comment about what you saw in class today. Make sure to comment on at least two other student's posts. Mr. Gallagher

The Death Camps - Period 2

Please post a reflective comment about what you saw in class today. Make sure to comment on at least two other student's posts. Mr. Gallagher

AUSCHWITZ: Inside the Nazi State - Period 1

"What greater purpose can history have than to try and lead people toward a possible understanding of how this crime could ever have happened? Without an understanding of how it happened, you can't begin to look around the world and think why it might happen again." – Laurence Rees, Writer and Producer, AUSCHWITZ: Inside the Nazi State Please post a reflective comment on the film that you saw today and feel free to comment on at least one other student's post. Mr. Gallagher

AUSCHWITZ: Inside the Nazi State - Period 2

"What greater purpose can history have than to try and lead people toward a possible understanding of how this crime could ever have happened? Without an understanding of how it happened, you can't begin to look around the world and think why it might happen again." – Laurence Rees, Writer and Producer, AUSCHWITZ: Inside the Nazi State Please post a reflective comment on the film that you saw today and feel free to comment on at least one other student's post. Mr. Gallagher