1.  

So first you need to read chapter 5, and then answer the following 3 questions:

1. Besides the objects themselves, what are some of the sources of information that can be used to help us understand material culture?
2. How did the changes to buildings, discussed at a number of points in the chapter, reflect social and cultural changes that the US was going through in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?
3. How is the idea of a “consumer revolution” as described on page 13 (last page) reflected in the differences between the two major paintings Quilting Frolic (pg. 5) and the parlor engraving (pg.11)?

Each answer should be a few paragraphs long and fully answer all parts of the question.  Once you are done with your answers the file can be uploaded to me.

2.  

This week we begin our most significant writing, emphasizing themes. We have been practicing so we can get to this point, doing more of what historians actually do. 

As you know, historians do not memorize facts. They see trends throughout time, and use these trends to understand both the past and the present.

A historical theme is a trend, presented as an interpretive thesis, but supported by evidence from several different eras instead of just one or two. 

A number of weeks throughout the semester, we have posted evidence from one particular time-frame or era on a Primary Sources Board, but our writing this week must include evidence from multiple eras. 

Yes – the work you do here may be considered as the outline for your final assignment, so long as you are happy with your subject!

Themes are narrow enough to have a point of view, even though they are broad enough to cover several eras. They show a repeating trend, rather than progress over time. 

One way to begin a theme is to focus on a topic area, such as fashion, sexuality, class differences, cloth-making technology, the role of philosophy, ways in which literature reflects society, sports, games, furniture design, domestic architecture, dancing, political conflict, holiday celebrations, religious texts, expressions of spirituality, mass communication – the possibilities are endless.

Format

For this assignment we start with a theme (in bold text), and use six sources in pairs with a topic sentence (in italics) that covers them both. The format will be like an assignment, with no numbers or letters:

I. Historical theme
II. Topic sentence that supports the theme
     A. Primary source #1 with explanation
     B. Primary source #2 with explanation
III. Topic sentence that supports the theme
     A. Primary source #3 with explanation
     B. Primary source #4 with explanation
IV. Topic sentence that supports the theme
     A. Primary source #5 with explanation
     B. Primary source #6 with explanation
V. Brief conclusion

Avoid problems with themes

Here’s a list of common problems to avoid for themes:

•    The progressive theme problem.
The theme features advancement or improvement over time, when it needs to focus on a repeating trend.

•    The “throughout history” problem.
The theme should not use phrases like “throughout history” or “across the ages”. 

•   The “and” problem.
The theme should not try to cover more bases by using “and”, unless everything in it is proven in every paragraph. 

•    The “or” problem.
The theme should not contain “or”, which encourages paragraphs that focus on only part of the theme. 

•    The so broad it’s obvious problem.
This is similar to the big, factual thesis problem.

Writing assignment instructions (50 points, 45 points for your original post & 5 points for your reply):

Create an outline with a theme and three topic sentences, each supported by two fully-cited primary sources from various Primary Sources Boards, with a brief explanation of how each source supports the topic. All sources must be from a Primary Sources Board (you may add any fully cited sources to any Board at any time).

• The After the Fact assignments are graded credit/no credit

 In this assignment, you will develop social material for a public awarness campaign on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Your target audience is middle and late adolescents and you plan to use social media. You will address the siigns and symptoms, where to go if you think you might have one, and how you can protect yourself from them. 

1#  When examining the various risk factors that adolescents face, such as child abuse and neglect, eating disorders, drug use and abuse, delinquency and antisocial behaviors, as well as academic problems, it can be challenging to determine which poses the greatest risk. However, after careful consideration, I believe that drug use and abuse may present the most significant danger to adolescents.

Drug use and abuse can have far-reaching consequences for young individuals, affecting their physical and mental health, social relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, impaired cognitive function, increased risk-taking behaviors, and even potential legal issues. Moreover, the use of illicit substances can often be a gateway to more severe substance abuse problems and addiction later in life.

While child abuse, neglect, eating disorders, delinquency, and academic problems are undoubtedly serious concerns, the potential long-term effects and widespread impact of drug use and abuse make it a particularly critical risk factor for adolescents. It is crucial for us to address this issue comprehensively by implementing prevention programs, providing education and resources, and fostering a supportive environment for at-risk individuals.

Question for the class: What do you believe are effective strategies that can be employed to prevent and combat adolescent drug use and abuse within our communities? 

2#  There are many risk factors that adolescents face daily. Drug abuse, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, obesity, child abuse, unprotected/risky sexual activity, youth violence, underage drinking, thoughts of suicide, & illegal activities are some of the many factors that adolescents face. 

I believe that suicide thoughts/attempts and self-harm pose the greatest risk to adolescents because these behaviors often lead to the death of the child. Self-harm and suicidal thoughts/attempts can be a sign of mental health issues, depression, worthlessness, hopelessness, extreme emotional pain, and lack of control. Adolescents who self harm or have suicidal thoughts/attempts most times do not wish to die, they just want to escape the pain of their reality. It is very important as mental health workers and parents that we are non-judgmental and take time to listen to what these children are feeling and have to say. 

I am raising my 14 year grandson who has been recently diagnosed with Prodromal schizophrenia Disorder, ADHD, and Bipolar disorder. My grandson has self-harmed himself on numerous occasions. He has threatened suicide in the past and I have had to call 211, 911 and even voluntary services from DCF. I have had my grandson placed in an impatient mental health facility and also an outpatient program. He is currently in an emotional supported private school. I have raised 7 daughters, several other children and also grandchildren who have have various issues growing up. Self-harm & suicidal tendencies have been the hardest thing for me to have to deal with. I have to keep my home safe and free of anything that he may try to use to hurt himself. He has cut himself for a period of time, he has experimented with drugs, and also risky behaviors in school and in the community. He is currently on medication and sees a psychiatrist every 2 weeks. He is constantly on his phone and he doesn’t seem to understand the seriousness of his inappropriate social media posts and interactions. It has and continues to be a challenge to get him the help he needs, I worry about him daily. I have buried one child (my daughter Kiara), I don’t want to bury another. 

Do you think peer pressure and/or social media are factors that contribute to the risky behavior in adolescents?

1#   Understanding physical development and brain functioning is crucial for adolescent mental health therapists. Adolescence is a period of significant biological and neurological changes, making it essential for therapists to have a comprehensive understanding of these processes. By understanding physical development, therapists can recognize the impact of hormonal changes, growth spurts, and sexual maturation on an adolescent’s emotional well-being.

Knowledge about brain functioning allows therapists to comprehend how the adolescent brain develops and functions. The brain undergoes substantial structural and functional changes during adolescence, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Understanding these changes helps therapists tailor their interventions and support strategies to meet the unique needs of adolescents.

Additionally, understanding physical development and brain functioning helps therapists recognize the potential impact of mental health conditions on an adolescent’s overall well-being. Some mental health disorders, such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety, can manifest differently in adolescents due to their changing bodies and brain development. Therapists who are knowledgeable about these processes can identify early warning signs, differentiate between normative and atypical behaviors, and provide appropriate interventions. A comprehensive understanding of physical development and brain functioning equips adolescent mental health therapists with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide effective support and interventions that address the specific needs of their young clients.

Question to the class: How might an understanding of physical development and brain functioning contribute to the development of effective treatment plans for adolescents with mental health concerns?

2#  It is important to understand the physical development of adolescents because it is ever-changing until they reach a certain age, and with the changes, there are different actions and feelings that come with the changes, there are thoughts they may not understand or changes in the body that cause a reaction to others that they are not ready for or understand, also the brain is growing and trying to absorb all this stuff that is happening, one must understand how the adolescent may be thinking and what actions one might experience.