Social Studies Summer Assignments

11th Grade AP USH

Students must read A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage, omitting the first two sections -- “Beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt” and “Wine in Greece and Rome” --  (pages 7-90).  Students must also read the book’s introduction and epilogue.  On the second day of school, students will write an essay describing the impact of rum, coffee, tea, and Coca Cola on American history.  
And for your viewing pleasure…
            You are not required to see a movie, but these are good if you are in the mood for history (fact, fiction, and/or a sprinkle of both).
Last of the Mohicans, 1776, Friendly Persuasion, Glory, Red Badge of Courage, Dances with Wolves, Skylark, O Pioneer, The Jazz Singer, Citizen Kane, All Quiet on the Western Front, Casablanca, The Little Dictator, Schindler’s List, State of the Union, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Animal Farm, Twelve Angry Men, China Syndrome, All the President’s Men, JFK, Thirteen Days, Good Night and Good Luck, The Long Walk Home, Fly Boys, Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, Platoon, Fahrenheit 911
Recommended foreign films:  Das Boot, The Lives of Others, Joyeux Noel

12th Grade AP Government

I.  Hardball essay [Due first day of class]

In the book Hardball, Chris Matthews defines the title term:
Hardball is clean, aggressive Machiavellian politics. It is the discipline of gaining and holding power, useful to any profession or undertaking, but practiced most openly and unashamedly in the world of public affairs.
In essay format, support Matthews’ Machiavellian theory of politics.  Find two politicians from the book who were successful due to their Machiavellian style and one politician who lacked the Machiavellian instinct.  Discuss how each attempted to acquire power.  Use quotes to support.  Be sure to include the political maxims used by Matthews. (Listed below)

Political Maxims-
*What've ya done for me lately?                              *All politics is local
*Triangulation                                                            *It's better to receive than to give
*Dance with the one that brung ya.                          *Keep your enemies in front of you
*Don't Get Mad; Don't Get Even; Get Ahead        *Leave no shot unanswered.
*Hang a Lantern on Your Problem                           *Politics = Power
*Only talk when it improves the silence                   *Retail politics

II.  Government Movies Due September 9th

Watch one of the following movies and write a one-page typed movie criticism. A movie criticism is a reaction paper, and it should be to the point.  Summarize the movie in the first paragraph.  In the second paragraph critique the movie as it relates to American Government.  It is up to you to choose your focal point, but do not waste my time on criticizing the actors or script.

If you would like to add a movie to the list, or if you have any questions, please email me at misty_leclerc@charleston.k12.sc.us

12th Grade AP Microeconomics

Students should read two of the following by Marshall Jevons:

Murder at the Margins
Fatal Equilibrium
A Deadly Indifference