American Presidents

[Mutanatia]

This will be a course featuring 5 American Presidents:
Jefferson, Lincoln, Wilson, FDR, and finally....JFK. The goal of this class is to learn the shortcomings and the successes of each president. At the end of the 5 weeks, there will be a quiz posted online, at FunTrivia.com, which will be the second of three factors that will match up to your grade:

33%: Midterm (also on FunTrivia)
33%: Final (on FunTrivia)
33% Class participation (Post once/week, you have this made).

[Carrartopia]

Why just American presidents, what about other leaders, the world doesn't live in a vacume lead only by the USA! While the US and it's economy is significant the history especially of WW1, WW2, and current wars show the US really as under preforming nations! i.e. ww1 the us started in 1917, 3 years after the war started, the only significant contribution was the navy blockade of Germany! ww2 (this is where my argument falls down, in the pacific at least, as far as Europe goes I honestly don't know, havening said this as far as the pacific war goes the first Japanese loss WAS NOT midway by the US it was on the kokoda track by the Australian and New Zealand Armies. Haveing said this the US did make a major contribution to the Pacific campaign, I doubt that the allies would have won if it wasn't for the US help, but that is not to understate the major contribution the Australian, New Zealand, English and other millitary forces made!

My point, in summary is while the US did make a major contribution , and much respect for it, it IS NOT the only significant contribution, the problem I have at least is that other major contributions by other nations are ignored by the Hollywood spin.

I do acropolises, looking back I do seem to have waffled off the direct topic, (this is of course a test to see those who have actually read my post). Which to be honest I think will be a minority (I have an ex girlfriend who is American, so I know the posts I will be getting).

The second major point what about other world leaders? Australian and English leaders can be just as interesting as the American ones!

How many of you who aren't Australian can tell me with out referring to Google or other sources about the Australian PM Harold Hault? How many assassination of pollies have there been in Australia? What are the Bush rangers (the ozi equilivant of the US out laws like), I can guarantee you there are more canable ozi ones then in the US.

Any way, enough of my largely irrelevantly rant (and please don't tell me this is irrelevant, i know it is). If you don't like it please do ignore it!

Major and final point the US isn't the only culture and history worth knowing in the world!

[Twobagger]

carraratopia said:

Any way, enough of my largely irrelevantly rant (and please don't tell me this is irrelevant, i know it is).

As long as you know, then.
Also, most teachers do try and limit their classes to subjects they are familiar with... an American would, most likely, be familiar with American leaders.

Major and final point the US isn't the only culture and history worth knowing in the world!

You are, of course, more than welcome to teach a course on this subject if you feel so strongly about this.

[Mutanatia]

Is anyone taking it?

I'm not saying they made a direct contribution to U.S. or Foreign affairs (nor the biggest). I'm say: these are who they are, this is what they have done, now let's teach it.

[Canton Rouge]

Fine, just to please you, I'll join.

[Lichto]

I'll join, not just for the sake of joining, but also because I have an interest in American government and politics. Sounds like a lot of fun.

[Twobagger]

I'll take it also.

[Estayland]

Count me in!

[Estayland]

When and where does this start?

[Mutanatia]

This, like all other classes, begins on April 25th...and is a five-week course.