Americanists....worldwide!

From Lugano to La Jolla....what a remarkable amalgam of ideas, insights, and perspectives. Welcome to this site. Mr. Izsa (TASIS) and Mrs. Shaul (LJCDS) invite you to join us in our conversations about the history and the realities of America's history and culture--from a decidedly international perspective.

Each month a new series of questions will be posted here by Mr. Izsa and Mrs. Shaul. Please click on the blog posts and write in your comments for the questions below, per your teacher's instructions.

Please make certain that entries are thoughtfully written (check for typos and grammatical faux pas), as erudite as you can make them, and appropriately worded for a school-related activity (note: students from other parts of the world may not share your same philosophies or your same sense of humor, so please be mindful of our differences).

With every blog session assigned, one or two can be direct responses to the questions, but at least one MUST respond directly to the students who have already written posts, answering one thread per question (more is welcome, this is the minimum requirement).Be specific. Explain why you might agree or disagree with their (his/her) opinions. Feel free to "debate" or "discuss" with your international counterpart. Make sure we can identify you with your name so you can receive credit for your contributions.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

November's Question #1: States Rights and Federal Expectations, now and then

The Federal government of the United States has taken a stand against illegal drugs, yet some states have passed laws allowing for the legalization of marijuana, in certain circumstances.  How does this  conflict compare to the debates regarding other state-fed scenarios (National Bank, interstate roads, the slavery debate)?
Posted by at 13 comments:

November's Question 2: States Rights and Federal Law, 2013


Should individual states be allowed to legalize "gay marriage" or does this violate the Constitution and/or the United States' Judeo-Christian mantra?  Should the Federal government create an amendment determining this one way or another—and if so, what would that amendment look like?
Posted by at 12 comments:

Friday, September 27, 2013

The Creation of a New Nation Question 1


Consider what you've studied about the creation of the earliest colonies.  It is rather amazing that religion (Massachusetts) and economics (Virginia) eventually came together into one country.  With that in mind, consider which influences the United States  more today: religion/morals or the pursuit of economic prosperity?
 
Posted by at 35 comments:

The Creation of a New Nation question 2



Should more time be devoted to studying Native Americans in a US history class?
Are the Native Americans worthy of "reparations" for all the harm that was done to them in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries in particular?  Why or why not?  How would these reparations be meted out?

    
Posted by at 13 comments:

Monday, February 11, 2013

February Question #3: What is YOUR question?


What question would you like students from your partner school to answer?
Posted by at 89 comments:

February question #2: Immigration

In an era of globalization, some academics argue that borders mean less than they did even just 10 years ago (think EU). As the world attempts to move toward more unification and cooperation, should there be fewer immigration restrictions? What, in your opinion, are reasons to deny people entry into your own country? Why? What is the best way to discourage/end illegal immigration?
Posted by at 39 comments:

February Question 1: Nativism today

 Nativists of the 19th and early 20th century often complained of immigrants because they took away jobs from "native" Americans, were uneducated (didn't speak English), poor and utterly different (leading to discomfort). Are such nativist arguments heard today in your own country? Is there any validity to such arguments? I
Posted by at 44 comments:
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