JA 8 B Civics: March 1-5

This week we will continue our investigation of the Bill of Rights, with an emphasis on the 1st Amendment and how people struggled to earn their rights throughout our history. We will spend some time examining the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's as well. Towards the end of the week we will discuss the duties and responsibilities of citizens in the U.S. and how citizens play different roles in their communities.

Street Law: March 1-5

This week we will continue to examine the different defenses available to people accused of crimes. Some hot topics for this week are self-defense and the insanity defense. We will also begin looking at the criminal justice process, which begins with the investigation. Items to be discussed will include arrest, search and seizure, interrogations, and confessions. We will take a look at some Supreme Court cases that have changed the way criminal investigations can take place in our country as well.

World History: March 1-5

This week we will investigate the rise of Islam and its expansion throughout the Middle East. We will discus its effects on culture and politics as well. This week we will also research the Byzantine Empire, which was the eastern half of the Roman Empire that lasted long after Rome fell. Towards the end of the week we will take a look at the Mongol conquests throughout Asia

JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 22-26

This week we will begin looking at the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments give Americans some of their most basic freedoms and we will spend some time looking at each one in detail. We will discuss each of them and how they affect our lives on a daily basis. We will also investigate how the Bill of Rights did not originally apply to everyone; including women, African American, and Native Americans. We will also investigate how people struggled to earn their civil rights, and how the Constitution has been amended to include them over the years.

Street Law: Feb. 22-26

This week we will continue our investigation of Criminal Law and the different types of crimes that are a part of it. We will continue to discuss the different types of crimes against the person, and property. There are so many different categories of crimes and students will need to stay sharp this week during the readings and discussion. Towards the end of the week we will examine the different types of defenses that are available to people accused of crimes. Remember, the burden is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant has commited the crime.

World History: Feb. 22-26

This week we will finish our investigation of the Roman Empire and begin looking into the empires of the East, India and China. We will examine the development of them and the influence they had on the culture, religion, and government of their peoples. We will also examine the civilizations of Africa, especially the Aksum Empire. Towards the end of the week students will examine early mesoamerican civilizations and how the earliest American civilizations influenced future societies and cultures.

JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 15-19

This week we will continue our investigation of the U.S. Constitution. We will examine the structure of the Constitution and the debate between the Federalists and anti-Federalists at the Constitutional Convention. We will discuss the Great Compromise as well as the principles that make up our Constitution. Towards the end of the week we may begin examining the Bill of Rights and their significance in our daily lives.

Street Law: Feb 15-19

This week we will begin examining criminal law. We will discuss the different types of crimes that fall under criminal law. We will also investigate crimes against the person, whether it be murder or assault, these crimes affect us on a daily basis. Towards the end of the week students will examine crimes against property. We will discuss arson, vandalism, and other crimes.

World History: Feb. 15-19

This week we will continue our investigation of Ancient Rome. We will discuss and examine how Rome went from a republic to the most powerful empire of the ancient world. We will continue to look at the advancements and lasting impact of this great civilization. We will also investigate the emergence of Christianity and the impact the religion had on culture, society, and politics. We will also discuss the causes for the fall of the Roman Empire towards the end of the week.

JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 8-12

This week we will begin investigating the U.S. Constitution. We will discuss the Articles and why they were written in the fashion that they were. We will discuss how it affects our lives on a daily basis, even if we do not realize it. We will discuss the importance of separation of powers and checks and balances that are such a vital part of our government. We shall also begin looking at the three different branches of government in the United States as well.

Street Law: Feb. 8-12

This week we will continue investigating our Crime in America unit by looking at the causes of crime in the United States. We will also discuss the different types of crime, and the relationship of drugs, alcohol, guns, and gangs as well. We will spend some time researching why violence is so prevalent in certain areas of the country and discuss what can be done to stop it.

World History: Feb. 8-12

This week students will wrap up their Ancient Greece projects and present them to the class. Then we will begin examining Ancient Rome. Rome, just like Greece, had a major impact on all civilizations that followed it, especially the United States. We will look at the cultural, political, and other advancements of Ancient Rome, along with the beginning of one of the dominant world religions, Christianity.