Friday
Februrary 3rd, 2012
Congratulations you made it, we are more then half way done. Lets charge forward into the fray and attack the second half of the year with all the excitement and dedication necessary to be the success I know we can be.
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Department
American History I
Constitutional Law
Advanced Placement US Government and Politics
Introduction to the Broadway Musical
  You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
— Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
My question to you is this, in your opinion are you working as hard as you can to attain success? Your grades will provide the answers will you be happy?
Mr John Odin
Rahway High School
Social Studies Dept.
Hello and welcome to my website. I have taken out the respective listing for each day and have given an overview of the week. Hopefully this will be easier to read and less boring. Each respective class has its own area as well as common areas of interest. You will find interesting things that will keep you informed as well as what you need to know. Please take a moment to check back on a daily (if not more so) basis because I use my site constantly for keeping in touch with my students. parents and any other interested persons (and not so interesting). Again look around there are pictures from class trips, club and team information, etc.
Looking for extra credit take a look at the following quote and reflect on it!!
Welcome to my, "what is the quote completion". I am changing the rules abit to offer more students that chance to particpate. If you are looking for extra credit to pull up a grade or make your present grade better read the following quote and reflect on it in wrting then turn it in to me that day after I have posted it. I will add 5 points to your next quiz.
"You come in here with a skull full of mush and you leave thinking like a lawyer".
— Professor Kingsfield from the movie, The Paperchase
 2011 - The John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest
"The true democracy, living and growing and inspiring ... will not condemn those whose devotion to principle leads them to unpopular courses, but will reward courage, respect honor, and ultimately recognize right."
--John F. Kennedy
For all the students that entered the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest I would like to than you for your efforts. Dedication to learning defines who you are and what you are willing to sacrifice to accomplish your goals. Again, Thank you.
With the above quote it is obvious that President John F. Kennedy placed an enormous amount of importance in conducting ourselves both; courageously and ethically. Even when it may not be the popular tact to take and could cost us popularity, a carer, an elected office, etc.
Both Constitution Law and Advanced Placement American Government and Politics will be participating in this years competition.
From here you can navigate your way to the competition requirements, etc.
Assignments for February 3rd, 2012
Check below for the questions for the Constitutional Law Test on Dred Scott and also the Introduction to the Arts - Broadway Class!!
 Mrs. Campenelli and I walking in the "Walk to Cure Diabetes" on Sunday, October 4, 2009. We are walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and had a great time!
The Current Event do on Friday - 2/03/11
Protesters Mark 2 Months for Movement
By ANDY NEWMAN
More than 200 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested in New York; others demonstrated peacefully in Foley Square, above, and on the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Article can be found on the New Times Web Site: NYTIMES.COM
Homework and Class Activities
American History #1
All periods; 7, 8 and 9.
Outline Chapter #12, Sections #2 and #3. This is do tommorow, September 20, 2011
 Constitutional Law
Period #2
Test #1 - Plessey v. Ferguson (1857), 2/3/12
Mr. John Odin – Constitutional Law
AP Comparative Govt and Politics
Period #4
Tommorow's material on China, (2-03-12):
Make sure all year answers are clear, in complete sentences and to the point. They cannot be vague they must be to the point.
AP Daily Questions for February 1st, 2012
Chapter #8 - China (#1) – Mr. John Odin
Answer all questions in as complete a fashion as possible. Be sure you keep an eye on your time. You have 20 minutes to complete the assignment.
4. Define a Communist party state. Pay special attention to providing the components of the Communist Party State.
Warlords, Nationalists and Communists, (1912 – 1949)
Introduction to the Arts
History of the Broadway Musical
Period #9
Introduction to the Arts the Broadway Musical - Questions for February 3rd, 2012
Test (#1) – Mr. John Odin
Answer all questions in as complete a fashion as possible. Be sure you keep an eye on your time. You have 15 minutes to complete the assignment.
Class Announcements and Reminders
Overall Announcement
We are in the second week of school, lets make sure we are on the correct course for success.
Yours Truly,
Mr. Odin
1. Current Events Friday: We are returning to our Current Events Friday assignment. The assignment is the following; You are to look for an issue during the week, then do a 400 - 450 word reflective essay. I do not need the article(s) cut out of the paper,
you are to state the issue and provide me at least two articles from the newspaper this week that deal with it. The information provided should be the following: The title of the articles, the newspaper(s) you found them, and the date of publication(s). This can be on any topic you want current events, sports, entertainment, etc. You are to then e-mail me the essay and it will count as a homework/ quiz grade.
2. Mock Trial Team:
3 Middle States Planning Team:
4. National Honor Society:
5. Model United Nations:
6. Swim Team:
Class Rules for all classes - You are responsible for all of the following material
Mr. John Odin’s
Classroom Rules and Grading Policy
Rahway High School, Social Studies Department
Voice Mail: (732) 340-1653 X 4546
E-Mail:jodin@rahway.net (the best way to contact me)
Dear Student,
First let me say welcome back and I could not be happier that we will have the opportunity to spend the year together. I hope you had a restful, enjoyable and productive summer. The beginning of the school year combines, anticipation, curiosity and apprehension. Hopefully the excitement will continue all year, the anticipation will lead to the enjoyment one finds in knowledge, the curiosity will motivate you to search for new sources of wisdom and the apprehension will be replaced with the satisfaction of a job well done.
My greatest responsibility is to provide you the best possible learning experience; to make my classes interesting, stimulating, well ordered and most importantly to provide an environment where the student that wants to learn may do so shielded from misbehavior, unruliness and disrespect. I assure you this will happen, all students that want to learn will and those that do not will be dealt with accordingly.
The following are my class rules and grading policy. These rules are to be read and followed without deviation. If we are all in agreement on the path to take we will arrive at our destination having attained the highest grades possible and gained the knowledge necessary to become a productive member of society. If you plan your studies to address the enclosed grading policy you will have a successful year. I have also included a copy of these rules on my website as well as all of my class syllabuses thusly you will be able to refer to them when ever necessary.
The most important activity we take part in is learning. I recognize the importance of extracurricular activities such as the performing arts and/or sports and wholly support them as especially important to the high school experience. When combining these activities with a solid academic commitment I have no doubt you will be prepared to lead a productive life after high school whether in college or the working world.
I assure you this upcoming year will be the best you have ever had at Rahway High School, if you fulfill your part in the process. Your task is to come on time, ready to learn, to respect all those you come in contact with and to behave in a fashion that fosters a climate for learning.
In closing, let’s look to the future. Just think how magnificent it will be in June when we look back on our year and say we gave our best effort and were successful beyond our wildest dreams.
Yours truly,
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Dept.
Rahway High School Class of 1970
Classroom Rules
Lateness/Tardy/Cuts
It is mandatory that you be on time for class. On time means in your seat when the bell rings; not standing in the doorway, hall or walking around the room talking to someone. Being late without permission is a tardy and five tardies will result in a cut. In accordance with school policy being more then 5 minutes late will result in a cut being sent down to attendance and appropriate action being taken. All cuts and tardies will be dealt with in accordance with school policy. I find cuts insulting and will not tolerate them.
Personal Music Systems and/or Cell phones
As per the school policy: Cell phones and all electronic devices (personal music devices, etc) are prohibited from school. There has been a nationwide discussion regarding cell phones in the schools and the consensus is that they are a huge distraction to the learning process. These distractions range from cheating, taking and receiving calls, harassing other students, etc., as well as the entire issue of theft and loss of personal property. For this reason all cell phones will be confiscated and only returned to the respective student’s parent/guardian. If there is a need to reach a parent or child during the day for an emergency, you may use one of the main office telephones to make this contact. In as much as these items are banned from
school, we will not be held responsible for any loss or theft. All these issues will be dealt with in accordance with school policy.
Class Dismissal
Do not pack up to leave or get out of your seat until I tell you to. I will make every effort to give you sufficient time to get ready to move to your next class.
Class Materials
You will need the below materials for class by the third day of class:
I do not supply pencils, pens, papers, tissues, etc. Periodically I will check for these supplies; if you do not have your notebook, textbook, a pen/pencil, you will receive a grade of zero for class preparedness and/or call your parents.
Pass Policy
There will be no passes issued ten minutes from the beginning or ten minutes from the end of the period in accordance with school policy, do not ask. If I detect a pattern where a student repeatedly asks for a pass I will contact that student’s parents and request a conference. Students requesting to leave the room for tissues will have this counted as a pass and it will be treated as such.
Eating and/or Drinking in Class
There will be no eating or drinking in class without my permission. I understand the building is hot at certain times of the year and I will try to accommodate student needs.
Inappropriate Clothing
Any student wearing inappropriate clothing to class, in accordance with school policy as stated in the school dress code will have that article confiscated, such as a hat or will be sent to the attendance office. It should also be noted that no student is to be wearing a winter/over coat to class. Students have lockers, use them. Wearing inappropriate clothing to class will result in the student being sent to attendance, a zero for the day and a call home to a parent. It should be noted that I will not tolerate students wearing pants in fashion that is too low exposing undergarments. If I have to consistently instruct a student to adjust his/her clothing I will call a parent or guardian and conference will arranged. I have more important things to do then tell a student how to dress and
will not waste my or other students time.
Never leave your seat when class is in session
Leaving your seat when class is in session is unacceptable without permission. This type of behavior will result in a phone call to your parents and if necessary disciplinary action being taken,
Note Book
You will take notes every day, I will teach the Outlining System and I expect it to be used. I will be checking notebooks periodically and your notebook grade will count as a test grade.
Profanity
Profanity of any type will not be tolerated. If this behavior continues I will call the student’s parent/guardian and a conference will be scheduled and it will result in a referral. It should be noted that there are certain words that are ugly and demeaning but have fallen into favor and for some obscene reason have been given a perverted degree of acceptability. An example of one of these words would be “nigger” under no circumstances is this acceptable. Under no uncertain terms will I tolerate the use of this word in my classroom. This is offensive and will not be tolerated. Additionally having used this word or having broken any other rule to respond with the term, “My Bad”, will not exonerate the person of having behaved in an
unacceptable manner. We must prepare for a successful life after high school and “my bad” is not acceptable.
Respecting others
Every person deserves to and will be respected. That includes any faculty or staff member that enters the room. Any incidence of disrespect will be dealt with swiftly in accordance with school policy in addition to a phone call to the offender’s parent/guardian and a conference or referral.
Writing on desks/ defacing school property
Any writing, drawing, tagging, etc., on desks and/or any other school property will result in a referral and a call to a parent or guardian.
Note: If this graffiti is of a gang nature it will be dealt with in accordance with school policy and the authorities (police) called.
Inattention and/or sleeping during class
If I see you talking during class, I will instruct you to stop. Sleeping in class is rude and unacceptable. Any sleeping or talking in class will result in my requesting a conference with your parents/guardian and if the sleeping continues the offender will be sent to the school nurse in accordance with school policy.
Access to the school computer system
It is mandatory that you posses a password and maintain your computer privileges at Rahway High School. We will be using the computer system for research and to successfully participate in this work you will need to have your own computer access. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade on all projects. You will also need computer access to check my homework website. You can not share someone else’s password.
Rahway Public Library Card
It is mandatory that you have a Rahway Public Library card. You will have one week from the first day of school to obtain one. A parent may have to accompany you to the library to obtain your card so one week is more then sufficient time to accomplish this. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade on all research projects.
Student Identification Cards
It is mandatory that you have your Student Identification Card with you at all times. If I ask you for it you must present it. Failure to do so may result in a referral.
Teacher Website
You are to check my homework website daily for any assignments, upcoming events or information important to our class. My website can be found through the Rahway High School website/staff section. If you do not have a computer there are computers available for your use here at Rahway High School (the Academic Success Center and the Tech. /Computer Center), Rahway Middle School after school (till 4:00 p.m.) and the Rahway Public Library. There is no excuse not to fulfill a computer requirement.
Turnitin and Grade Mark
All work will be turned in to the above website(s) and grading will be in accordance with protocols set up there. You will be given instruction in the use of these two powerful tools. Turn It In deals with plagiarism an enormous problem in academia and Grade Mark will allow you to turn in your work electronically and I will be able to expedite the grading process. This will be extremely helpful in our goal of academic excellence and you becoming the best student you can be. It will also be an outstanding opportunity to utilize technology in a way that will benefit your studies in a positive way.
School Rules and Policy
All school rules and policies will be adhered to and under all circumstances.
Grading Policy
The following grading policy will be followed for the respective area(s). Please refer to this often as well as my website and this will provide you the information necessary to maximize your chances for success and earning the best grade possible.
1. Advanced Placement U.S. Govt. and Politics & Comparative Govt. and Politics
To include problem solving, projects, notebook, group work, and skill applications, both in school and at home.
To include asking and responding to questions; offering relevant comments, and being prepared (bringing text books to class, etc.).
To include tests, quizzes, unit tests, and long term projects.
2. Constitutional Law
Includes essays, projects, skill application and research.
Preparedness, promptness as evidenced by asking and answering questions, offering relevant comments, respect of teacher and authority; being prepared and on time to class.
May include tests, quizzes, long term assignments/presentations and projects.
3. American History I
To include problem solving, essays, papers, research, “Do Now”, reading applications both in school and at home.
To include asking and responding to question, offering comments. Respecting authority of teacher/classmates and overall preparedness (bringing materials; text book to class
May include/chapter tests, quizzes, and long-term projects
4. Introduction to the Arts/the History of the Broadway Musical
Includes essays, projects, skill application and research.
Preparedness, promptness as evidenced by asking and answering questions, offering relevant comments, respect of teacher and authority; being prepared and on time to class.
May include tests, quizzes, long term assignments/presentations and projects.
Class Sylabusses for all classes - You are responsible for all of the following material
Course Syllabus
American History I
Mr. John Odin
Rahway High School, Social Studies Department
“Civilization is a movement and not a condition, a voyage and not a harbor.
History not used is nothing, for all intellectual life is action, like practical life, and if you don’t use the stuff – well it might as well be dead.”
A.J. Toynbee
Voice Mail: (732) 340-1653 X 4546
E-Mail: jodin@rahway.net (The best way to contact me)
Rahway High School Staff Website: Additional information can be found on my Rahway High School Staff website.
Course Curriculum: American History I is an examination of the events that have shaped America; historically, socially, economically, and America’s dynamic role in the world community. The period that we will examine encompasses; post Civil War Reconstruction up to, but not to include the Great Depression. Examples of events to be examined in depth are; post Civil War Reconstruction, the Great War/World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Harlem Renaissance, and Prohibition, to name a few. We will also examine the role of literature, theatre, etc., on America Society. This rigorous course of study will hone your proficiency in the following areas; Analyzing Information, Sequencing, Categorizing, Identifying Cause and Effect, Comparing and
Contrasting, Defining the Main Idea, Summarizing, Making Generalizations, Drawing Inferences and Conclusions, Identifying Points of View, Supporting a Point of View, Identifying Bias, Evaluation, Problem Solving and Decision Making. I will also utilize two programs designed by the New York Historical Society; the American Musicals Project where American history is examined through the interpretation and portrayal of musical theatrical productions and Slavery and the Making of New York (City), where the role slavery played in building New York City is examined. These specific and general areas of study will lead to a deeper and thorough understanding of the times and issues under examination.
It should also be noted that the text offers an overview of American History from; discovery and colonization, to the period we will begin our in-depth examine (above) that we will also utilize. This will set up our studies and provide the student with a strong base to build on and will commence at the beginning of the school year.
John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest: All students will participate in the “John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest”. The requirements of this competition can be found on the internet at; wwwjfklibrary.org. I will provide you with information at the beginning of the year and again this is mandatory, no exceptions and again no excuses.
Writing: I place an extremely high level of importance on the ability to write effectively. For that reason we will constantly look to increase our ability to write clearly, cogently and concisely. (Mr. Odin’s “three Cs of writing”)
Turnitin/Grade Mark: All students will utilize turnitin when instructed to do so. This will provide a high degree of discipline to your writing and prepare you for college. It will also demand computer skills beyond face book and surfing the internet. I will supply you with the information at the beginning of the year. Finally I will have the ability to determine when a piece of writing was plagiarized and plagiarism is a serious offense as per the Rahway High School Academic Rules as stated in the Student Hand Book. When it occurs and all penalties will be assessed. You will file a Parental Computer Permission Form with me in addition to the form you file in homeroom.
Additional Activities: There will be a number of field trips if it is determined that they will benefit our studies and students conduct will be appropriate. In the past we have taken trips to the New York Historical Society, Woodstock, NY, and Broadway shows. I am a firm believer in students having the opportunity to attend cultural and historical exhibitions, etc., it provides the chance to experience things that they may not unless supported by the school. These field trips will be followed by a discussion and written assignment describing what was observed and how it is relevant to our American History. It should be noted that taking part in these field trips is a privilege and I reserve the right to deny any student the opportunity to participate that has demonstrated
behavior that will be problematic, may cause a disturbance on the trip or endanger the safety of the other students and/or staff.
Pedagogy/the means by which we teach and learn: Class discussion, cooperative learning, directed and independent research, short and long term projects, technological methodologies/the internet, computer based activities-word processing-data analysis. There will also be a number of research projects and book reports. I will also be using PowerPoint for the majority of the year which will demand that you take detailed and complete notes from the lecture as well as the PowerPoint presentation.
Assessment: Grades will be determined utilizing the following; Class participation, homework, quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests, midterm/final examinations and participation. Each of these areas will count for a percentage of the semester and final grade. Refer to, Mr. Odin’s Classroom Rules and Grading Policy for specific and additional information.
Text: The Americans, Reconstruction to the 21st Century. McDougal and Little, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005, Evanston, Ill.
Library Card: It is mandatory that you have a Rahway Public Library Card. There will be no exceptions. You must have this by the end of the first full week of school. It may be necessary for a parent or guardian to take you to the library and that is why I provide a full week of school to take care of it. I will give you the date in class.
Additional Readings: The importance of building an appreciation for reading demands that students be exposed to as many different forms of literature as possible. For that there will be mandatory outside reading and book reports.
Class Rules: There are two basic and non-negotiable rules:
In closing: The beginning of every school year is full of promise and challenges. Within this promise and these challenges is the need to exert the maximum effort necessary to be successful academically. Success though is based on more then your commitment to academics, it is contingent upon your being an active member of the Rahway High School family. I ask you to be an engaged member of our school community and one of the best ways to do this is to be an enthusiastic participant in school activities. Our school offers activities that will enrich your high school experience intellectually, socially, and physically. By taking part you will deepen not only your time at Rahway High School but also add to our community.
The question is will you sit on the side lines and be a spectator or will you become an active contributor, someone that challenges our school to be a place where a dynamic learning environment is the norm and not the exception? I suggest you be the kind of student that after you graduate those of us that remain at Rahway High School recall your tenure here fondly as one that made it a better place and your periodic visit back is greeted warmly and fondly.
Welcome back, I know we are going to have a great year!!
Warmest regards,
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Dept.
Rahway High School Class of 1970
Course Syllabus
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
&
Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics
Mr. John Odin
Rahway High School, Social Studies Department
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.”
James Madison, Federalist No. 51, February 8, 1788
Voice Mail: (732) 340-1653 X 4546
E-Mail: jodin@rahway.net (the best way to contact me)
Rahway High School Staff Website: Additional information can be found on my Rahway High School Staff website.
The Courses: Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics and Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics are stand alone courses taught over one school year. They work from separate texts and culminate in students taking Advanced Placement Examinations in both at the end of the year. Descriptions of these courses are as follows:
Course Curriculum: The AP United States Government and Politics course will provide a challenging and instructional experience. Each student will develop and perfect an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course will include both the study of general concepts used to interpret the U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It will also require familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the U.S. government and politics. The workload and expectations will be demanding. Students can expect numerous directed reading and writing assignments. The class is designed to
gain a clear understanding of the workings of the American Government and Politics, which cannot be done without examining pertinent documents, and the writings of scholars in the field. An ancillary benefit to this demanding course of study is students will develop their reading strategies and writing skills, which will be used in this course as well as through out their academic career. All effective learning is inter-connected and inter-disciplinary; this course will work to build all the skills necessary for academic success. The course is designed to prepare students for the upcoming AP Examination. Consequently, students will be expected to complete all reading and writing assignments, all of which were carefully selected to prepare the students to confidently take and successfully complete the (AP) College Board Examination. In addition to the above, students will gain a clear understanding of the theoretical perspectives and explanations for various
behaviors and outcomes.
Course Curriculum: AP Comparative Government and Politics course will provide the student a challenging and instructional experience. Each student will develop and perfect a critical perspective capable of analyzing and comparing governments and politics. The course will introduce students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and out comes of politics in a variety of settings. The course will illustrate the rich diversity of political life, demonstrate available institutional alternatives, explain differences in processes and policy outcomes and lastly show students the importance of examining global political and economic changes. The use of comparison
assists both in identifying problems and in analyzing policymaking. This will in the final analysis provide the student the opportunity to examine these issues and learn the importance of being an informed member of the global community.
The course will cover the major concepts used to organize and interpret what we know about political phenomena and relationships and will also analyze/compare specific countries and their governments. There will be six countries that will form the core of our analyses and comparison; China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria and Russia. By utilizing these six countries, the course can drive the discussion of concepts from the abstract academic analysis to definition and concrete examples. The workload and expectations will be demanding. Students can expect numerous directed reading and writing assignments. The class is designed to develop each student’s ability to perfect a critical perspective capable of analyzing and comparing governments
and politics. This cannot be done without examining pertinent documents, and the writings of scholars in the field. What will be an ancillary benefit to this demanding course of study is students will develop their reading strategies and writing skills, which will be used in this course as well as through out their academic career. All effective learning is inter-connected and inter-disciplinary; this course will work to build all the skills necessary for academic success. The course is designed to prepare students for the upcoming (AP) College Board Examination. Consequently, students will be expected to complete all reading and writing assignments, all of which were carefully selected to prepare the students to confidently take and successfully complete the (AP) Examination. In addition to the above, students will gain a clear understanding of the theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes.
Pacing Guides: There will be Pacing Guides that will describe our study of both of the above courses; giving important dates and where students should be in the preparation for upcoming assignments, examination and ultimately the (AP) Examination in May. This will be included on the course website.
Course Website: There will be a course(s) website for students to utilize that will provide all students tools and resources that they will find enormously helpful.
John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest: All students will participate in the “John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest”. The requirements of this competition can be found on the internet at; wwwjfklibrary.org. I will provide you with information at the beginning of the year and again this is mandatory, no exceptions and again no excuses.
Writing: I place an extremely high level of importance on the ability to write effectively. For that reason we will constantly look to increase our ability to write clearly, cogently and concisely. (Mr. Odin’s “three Cs of writing”)
Turnitin/Grade Mark: All students will utilize turnitin when instructed to do so. This will provide a high degree of discipline to your writing and prepare you for college. It will also demand computer skills beyond face book and surfing the internet. I will supply you with the information at the beginning of the year. Finally I will have the ability to determine when a piece of writing was plagiarized and plagiarism is a serious offense as per the Rahway High School Academic Rules as stated in the Student Hand Book. When it occurs and all penalties will be assessed. You will file a Parental Computer Permission Form with me in addition to the form you file in homeroom.
Additional Activities: There will be a number of field trips taken to advance our study in the above areas. These field trips will be followed by a discussion and written assignment describing what you have observed and how it is relevant to our study AP United States Government and Politics and AP Comparative Government and Politics. It should be noted that taking part in these field trips is a privilege and I reserve the right to deny any student the opportunity to participate that has demonstrated behavior that will be problematic or may cause a disturbance on the trip.
Pedagogy/the means by which we teach and learn: Class discussion, cooperative learning, directed and independent research, short and long term projects, technological methodologies/the internet, computer based activities-word processing-data analysis. There will also be extensive use of the internet and dialoguing on same which will be mandatory at stated times. All students will participate in these dialogues to increase the depth and breathe of their knowledge. There will also be a number of ongoing directed study groups that will be formed to keep the class up to date on specific issues that are important to our study of these issues. Examples of these directed study groups would be; team that will provide in-depth analysis
of the specific countries under examinations in AP Comparative Government and Politics. I will also be using PowerPoint for the majority of the year which will demand that you take detailed and complete notes from the lecture as well as the PowerPoint presentation.
Assessment: Grades will be determined utilizing the following; Class participation, homework, quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests, midterm/final examinations and participation in debates and mock trials. Each of these areas will count for a percentage of the semester and final grade. Refer to, Mr. Odin’s Classroom Rules and Grading Policy for specific and additional information.
Advanced Placement Examination(s): It should be noted that students enrolled in this course will be taking both AP Examinations; AP United States Government and Politics and AP Comparative Government and Politics. This will be demanding but with your dedication and a strong work ethic you will be a resounding success.
Text(s):
Library Card: It is mandatory that you have a Rahway Public Library Card. There will be no exceptions. You must have this by the end of the first full week of school. It may be necessary for a parent or guardian to take you to the library and that is why I provide a full week of school to take care of it. I will give you the date in class.
Additional Readings: The importance of building an appreciation for reading demands that you be exposed to as many different forms of literature as possible. There is also the need for the student to immerse themselves in the material and for that reason there will be a great deal of additional readings and examination of pertinent, books, periodicals, essays, etc. There will be in many cases reflections written, etc.
Class Rules: There are two basic and non-negotiable rules:
In closing: It is daunting for any high school student to take on the workload of an Advanced Placement course. It is especially impressive that you have taken on the daunting task of taking a course of study that truly is a college level course(s) from the standpoint of each course being one semester as is the case of a college course and the need to stay up with an enormous amount of work to be grasped. Anything worth having is worth working hard for and your effort will be commensurate with your level of accomplishment and again I applaud you. It is imperative that you maintain your focus and strive for excellence and from this commitment will come success.
The beginning of every school year is full of promise and challenges. Within this promise and these challenges is the need to exert the maximum effort necessary to be successful academically. Success though is based on more then your commitment to academics, it is contingent upon your being an active member of the Rahway High School family. I ask you to be an engaged member of our school community and one of the best ways to do this is to be an enthusiastic participant in school activities. Our school offers activities that will enrich your high school experience intellectually, socially, and physically. By taking part you will deepen not only your time at Rahway High School but also add to our community.
The question is will you sit on the side lines and be a spectator or will you become an active contributor, someone that challenges our school to be a place where a dynamic learning environment is the norm and not the exception? I suggest you be the kind of student that after you graduate those of us that remain at Rahway High School recall your tenure here fondly as one that made it a better place and your periodic visit back is greeted warmly and fondly.
Welcome back, I know we are going to have a great year!!
Warmest regards,
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Dept.
Rahway High School Class of 1970
Course Syllabus
Constitutional Law
Mr. John Odin
Rahway High School, Social Studies Department
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure Domestic Tranquility, provide for the Common Defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
The United States Constitution
Voice Mail: (732) 340-1653 X 4546
E-Mail: jodin@rahway.net (the best way to contact me)
Rahway High School Staff Website: Additional information can be found on my Rahway High School Staff website.
Course Curriculum: Constitutional Law is an examination of the American Legal System and the significant role it plays in the lives of every American. The year will begin with an examination of the United States Constitution from the standpoint of; why it was written, authors and the historical context. An examination of the United States Supreme Court from a historical context and the impact it has had on the adherence to and interpretation of, the United States Constitution will follow. There will then be an examination of Landmark Supreme Court rulings that have had a profound effect on American Society with students debating these issues and in-class Mock Trials to culminate in
a year ending full day Mock Trial. Importantly there will also be an examination of the Criminal Justice System. This rigorous course of study will hone your proficiency in the following areas; Analyzing Information, Sequencing, Categorizing, Identifying Cause and Effect, Comparing and Contrasting, Defining the Main Idea, Summarizing, Making Generalizations, Drawing Inferences and Conclusions, Identifying Points of View, Supporting a Point of View, Identifying Bias, Evaluation, Problem Solving and Decision Making. There will also be an examination of the landmark Amistad ruling by the Supreme Court and how it is still worthy of our study today.
John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest: All students will participate in the “John F Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest”. The requirements of this competition can be found on the internet at; wwwjfklibrary.org. I will provide you with information at the beginning of the year and again this is mandatory, no exceptions and again no excuses.
Merck Partnership: Rahway High School through the Constitutional Law class has entered into a partnership with Merck Company. There will be Merck employees coming to Rahway High School to provide information on a number of legal issues. In the spring there will also be a field trip to the Merck Company Headquarters, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889 – 0100 USA. Attendance on this field trip is mandatory.
Writing: I place an extremely high level of importance on the ability to write effectively. For that reason we will constantly look to increase our ability to write clearly, cogently and concisely. (Mr. Odin’s “three Cs of writing”)
Turnitin/Grade Mark: All students will utilize turnitin when instructed to do so. This will provide a high degree of discipline to your writing and prepare you for college. It will also demand computer skills beyond face book and surfing the internet. I will supply you with the information at the beginning of the year. Finally I will have the ability to determine when a piece of writing was plagiarized and plagiarism is a serious offense as per the Rahway High School Academic Rules as stated in the Student Hand Book. When it occurs and all penalties will be assessed. You will file a Parental Computer Permission Form with me in addition to the form you file in homeroom.
Additional Activities: There will be a number of field trips taken to observe the judicial system in operation and to gain a greater appreciation for the world around us. These field trips will be followed by a discussion and written assignment describing what you have observed and how it is relevant to our study of Constitutional Law. It should be noted that taking part in these field trips is a privilege and I reserve the right to deny any student the opportunity to participate that has demonstrated behavior that will be problematic or may cause a disturbance on the trip.
Pedagogy/the means by which we teach and learn: Class discussion, cooperative learning, directed and independent research, short and long term projects, technological methodologies/the internet, computer based activities-word processing-data analysis. In addition to the above ALL students will participate in debates and mock trials. I will also be using PowerPoint for the majority of the year which will demand that you take detailed and complete notes from the lecture as well as the PowerPoint presentation.
Assessment: Grades will be determined utilizing the following; Class participation, homework, quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests, midterm/final examinations and participation in debates and mock trials. Each of these areas will count for a percentage of the semester and final grade. Refer to, Mr. Odin’s Classroom Rules and Grading Policy for specific and additional information.
Text: Street Law, A Course in Practical Law
Library Card: It is mandatory that you have a Rahway Public Library Card. There will be no exceptions. You must have this by the end of the first full week of school. It may be necessary for a parent or guardian to take you to the library and that is why I provide a full week of school to take care of it. I will give you the date in class.
Additional Readings: The importance of building an appreciation for reading demands that you be exposed to as many different forms of literature as possible. For that reason we will examine the writings that deal specifically with our study of law. We may also examine connected forms of literature that deal with the law, etc.
Class Rules: There are two basic and non-negotiable rules:
In closing: The beginning of every school year is full of promise and challenges. Within this promise and these challenges is the need to exert the maximum effort necessary to be successful academically. Success though is based on more then your commitment to academics, it is contingent upon your being an active member of the Rahway High School family. I ask you to be an engaged member of our school community and one of the best ways to do this is to be an enthusiastic participant in school activities. Our school offers activities that will enrich your high school experience intellectually, socially, and physically. By taking part you will deepen not only your time at Rahway High School but also add to our community.
The question is will you sit on the side lines and be a spectator or will you become an active contributor, someone that challenges our school to be a place where a dynamic learning environment is the norm and not the exception? I suggest you be the kind of student that after you graduate those of us that remain at Rahway High School recall your tenure here fondly as one that made it a better place and your periodic visit back is greeted warmly and fondly.
Welcome back, I know we are going to have a great year!!
Warmest regards,
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Dept.
Rahway High School Class of 1970
Course Syllabus
An Introduction to the Arts/the History of the Broadway Musical
Mr. John Odin
Rahway High School, Social Studies Department
“Ladies and gentlemen, my mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you”!
George M. Cohan
Voice Mail: (732) 340-1653 X 4546
E-Mail: jodin@rahway.net (The best way to contact me)
Rahway High School Staff Website: Additional information can be found on my Rahway High School Staff website.
Course Curriculum: An Introduction to the Arts/the History of the Broadway Musical will be an introduction to the important role that the Broadway Theatre in general and the musical theatre specifically have played in American History. It will also examine many of the most formidable players in the theater as well as the plays that have had an addressed many of our most important issues. The musical theatre is a prism for us to view society and to address issues in a way that allows for creativity and the opportunity to analyze issues beyond our normal vantage point. Individuals such as George M. Cohan, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Lorenz Hart, Leonard Bernstein, Stephan Sondheim, Arthur Laurents and Jonathan Larsen to
name a few will be examined to give us a greater appreciation for their accomplishments and impact on the theatre. Plays such as; 1776, Oklahoma, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Company, Big River, Show Boat, On the Town, South Pacific and Rent to name a few will also be examined to give us a greater appreciation for the authors work as well as their importance to the American Experience.
The class will also increase the student’s ability to analyze and to present their thoughts in a way that is not only informative but interesting to an audience. This will be done by each student preparing a presenting a number of speeches, progressing in complexity and length and analysis.
Lastly the class will fulfill the State of New Jersey requirement for each student to take and successfully complete a performing arts class prior to graduation from high school.
Note: This class will be a one marking period class that will be taken in succession with the other components (each one marking period).
Writing: I place an extremely high level of importance on the ability to write effectively. For that reason we will constantly look to increase our ability to write clearly, cogently and concisely. (Mr. Odin’s “three Cs of writing”)
Turnitin/Grade Mark: All students will utilize turnitin when instructed to do so. This will provide a high degree of discipline to your writing and prepare you for college. It will also demand computer skills beyond face book and surfing the internet. I will supply you with the information at the beginning of the year. Finally I will have the ability to determine when a piece of writing was plagiarized and plagiarism is a serious offense as per the Rahway High School Academic Rules as stated in the Student Hand Book. When it occurs and all penalties will be assessed. You will file a Parental Computer Permission Form with me in addition to the form you file in homeroom.
Additional Activities: There will be a number of field trips if it is determined that they will benefit our studies and students conduct will be appropriate. In the past we have taken trips to the New York Historical Society, Woodstock, NY, and Broadway shows. I am a firm believer in students having the opportunity to attend cultural and historical exhibitions, etc., it provides the chance to experience things that they may not unless supported by the school. These field trips will be followed by a discussion and written assignment describing what was observed and how it is relevant to our examination of the Broadway Musical Theater. It should be noted that taking part in these field trips is a privilege and I reserve the right to deny any student the opportunity to
participate that has demonstrated behavior that will be problematic, may cause a disturbance on the trip or endanger the safety of the other students and/or staff.
Pedagogy/the means by which we teach and learn: Class discussion, cooperative learning, directed and independent research, short and long term projects, technological methodologies/the internet, computer based activities-word processing-data analysis. There will also be a number of research projects and book reports. I will also be using PowerPoint for the majority of the year which will demand that you take detailed and complete notes from the lecture as well as the PowerPoint presentation.
Assessment: Grades will be determined utilizing the following; Class participation, homework, quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests, midterm/final examinations and participation. Each of these areas will count for a percentage of the semester and final grade. Refer to, Mr. Odin’s Classroom Rules and Grading Policy for specific and additional information. Students will also be responsible for presenting a number of speeches that will focus on a segment of the Musical theatre that they find interesting and relevant to our work.
Library Card: It is mandatory that you have a Rahway Public Library Card. There will be no exceptions. You must have this by the end of the first full week of school. It may be necessary for a parent or guardian to take you to the library and that is why I provide a full week of school to take care of it. I will give you the date in class.
Additional Readings: The importance of building an appreciation for reading demands that students be exposed to as many different forms of literature as possible. For that there will be mandatory outside reading and book reports.
Class Rules: There are two basic and non-negotiable rules:
In closing: The beginning of every school year is full of promise and challenges. Within this promise and these challenges is the need to exert the maximum effort necessary to be successful academically. Success though is based on more then your commitment to academics, it is contingent upon your being an active member of the Rahway High School family. I ask you to be an engaged member of our school community and one of the best ways to do this is to be an enthusiastic participant in school activities. Our school offers activities that will enrich your high school experience intellectually, socially, and physically. By taking part you will deepen not only your time at Rahway High School but also add to our community.
The question is will you sit on the side lines and be a spectator or will you become an active contributor, someone that challenges our school to be a place where a dynamic learning environment is the norm and not the exception? I suggest you be the kind of student that after you graduate those of us that remain at Rahway High School recall your tenure here fondly as one that made it a better place and your periodic visit back is greeted warmly and fondly.
Welcome back, I know we are going to have a great year!!
Warmest regards,
Mr. John Odin
Social Studies Dept.
Rahway High School Class of 1970
| ||