Extra credit history events in Richmond today, Saturday, 17 April

A few folks have either stopped by my office or emailed about ways to bring up a class participation grade which might be suffering or to earn a few more points to move a "B" to an "A."  My advice, as always, is to ask questions, so I can help you do your best in the course and to look to the extra-credit page.

I build in the extra credit because in an online course there are some teaching objectives it's hard to reach without it.  From your SDV course, some of you know you are kenisteitc learners, that is, you're more likely to learn and retain information if you absorb through physical experiences linked to the learning.  Visiting the Capital  Jefferson designed and 14th and Cary, where he argued Virginia into accepting the "Statue for Religious Freedom," can help folks learn about the time period, the authors, and the lit we've read in ways I can't hope to mirror through reading and writing assignments alone.

Today's a good day to earn up to five points extra-credit towards your final grade.  Today Richmond celebrates its history, especially as tied to the Civil War.  :Seventeen locations have open doors today, and they're free--today only.  There's also a host of special programming from Segway and Canal Boat rides to talks about slavery and African American labor in Richmond industries.  Places from the John Marshall house to the Maggie Walker house will be open for business.  You could do much worst than touring a few spots, like Brown Island on a Segway, on a nice Spring day and get half a letter grade boost toward your learning.

Here's the link:

http://futureofrichmondspast.org/events/april17/Civil-War-Emancipation-Day-schedule.pdf

Here's what you need to do to earn the extra credit.  Visist two or more of the sites and events over the course of the day.  Take pictures.  Write up a review in which you connect the sites and events to the reading for the course, tell your classmates if you liked what you saw, and then tell us a little about your visit.  That's it--a few paragraphs, a good day connecting the reading you've been doing to the place you live, and a couple of pictures.

Enjoy.

Steve