This unit covers Native American stories up to 1800.

All of our Native American notes and stories can be found by clicking here.

This time period is rich in American history. The Powerpoint notes that we had in class can be found here. You can download it by left clicking it and choosing "Save Target As"

Some notes about the Declaration of Independence. The movie National Treasure is not all that accurate. There is something, however, written on the back of the Declaration. It reads:

Original Declaration of Independence
dated 4th July 1776.

Now, according to the National Archives, "While no one knows for certain who wrote it, it is known that early in its life, the large parchment document was rolled up for storage. So, it is likely that the notation was added simply as a label." To know more about it, go to: http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/

If you are really looking for something with a bit more of a kick, try History House's article on the Declaration entitled "Founding Fathers."
Normally History House is a great place to find little known history, but you might want to note that this particular article was published on April 1st.

Test Review

The Native American stories will be multiple choice. The most questions will come from "Little Man with Hair All Over" and only one question will come from "Glooscap." The answer to that question is "a baby." *FOR 2008 Class - only "Little Man" *

There will be some questions from the Trickster article. I would want to be able to identify other trickster figures from around the world and know what a trickster figure is. *FOR 2008 Class - no trickster article*

The section of the test on early American history will be fill in the blank. Read over your powerpoint notes a few times. *FOR 2007 Class - I did not give you the powerpoint, but the notes we wrote on the board are the same*

For Anne Bradstreet, I would want to remember the following:
1. her house burnt down
2. she was very religious
3. most poems written by her have biblical allusions in it
4. she was first American poet
5. The Tenth Muse is the start of her first book title

For Phillis Wheatley, I would want to remember the following:
1. she was a slave
2. she was religious
3. most poems written by her have mythological allusions in it
4. she wrote "On Being Brought from Africa to America"
5. she came to America in 1761

For Jonathan Edwards, remember that he was a preacher and a quote from him will NOT be in poetry verse. Basic overview of the sermon will suffice. Know the parts about God dangling the sinners over hell. He also inspired the Great Awakening.

Benjamin Franklin - Know that he wanted the national symbol to be a turkey, he messed with electricity, and he did every job possible with the newspaper. Also, review his quotes. You will be asked to interpret one of them. Actually, since you are smart enough to get on this page, you will be asked to interpret this quote:

"Genius without education is like silver in the mine."

And for the extra credit question, it will be quite simple. What is written on the back of the Declaration of Independence?

The writings that we will read are:

Class Handouts:

  • Anne Bradstreet - The front side is for notes covered in class. The back is what was taken for a grade. Read the poem and answer the questions
  • Phillis Wheatley - The front side is for notes covered in class. The back side has the poem with questions.
  • Jonathan Edwards - For this assignment, read the sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and answer the questions. Pay attention to his persuasiveness. Then find a magazine ad (one htat has a spokesperson in it) and answer the questions for it.
  • Ben Franklin Quotes - If you missed this class assignment, you only need to complete ONE of the pages.
  • Ben Franklin Virtues - This handout has the list of virtues that Fanklin tried to live his life by. On the back is a chart for you to complete one week of a virtuous life.

Ben Franklin wrote many things, but he is best known for a sense of humor. He wrote one essay with the quote, "Fart for freedom, fart for liberty, and fart proudly."

Mythbusters did a show on Ben Franklin's famous kite flight and pair it up with flatulence myths (because of the "Fart Proudly"). You can see what they found here.

Return to Lord Alford's class page