Premise
For millennia human beings have been slowly advancing; physiologically, technologically, and in the manner in which we organize our economic and governmental structures. We have moved from tribal based hunting and gathering, to villages, to city-states, to feudalism, to nation states, and to empire. We have been driven to organize ourselves by clan or tribe, by territory and geography, by ethnicity, according to various religious beliefs; and more recently, by ideology. Yet slowly over the last thousand years, and more rapidly in the past century; the nation-state has emerged as the most accepted and “natural” way for humans to organize and identify with.
In the past two decades, the advent of a truly global economy and rapid advances in telecommunications have to a certain extent begun to “blur” these lines drawn in the sand that delineate one nation from another. Thus for some, our assumptions have been drawn into question. In some cases, the sentiment of “Nationalism” is waning, and in others it is gathering strength. A handful of nation-states have either failed already, or are on the verge of collapse. And so several questions arise: Is the nation-state the most efficient manner in which to organize our polity? Does the nation-state offer the best way to manage macro-economic activity and provide for the greatest public good? What other options do we have?
These questions have been pondered by some of the greatest minds in our long history, and are being pondered today by many thinking people. Investigating these questions, and forming opinions about them will form the basis of our inquiry into government. By the end of this course, you will be able to formulate your own suggestions for the most optimal way for humans to proceed in the 21st and 22nd centuries. And, you will have the wherewithal to substantiate your position with both sound reasoning and evidence.
Process
Preparation will include specific readings, research into various ideas and philosophies, current nation-state governmental structures, the preparation and presentation of a one-act play, interviews, discussion, debate, and oral presentations. The process will culminate with the writing of a thesis paper spelling out your position.
Module 1: The Nation State (Jan 23 – Feb 16)
A. The Founding. A one-act play on the formation of the U.S. Constitution
B. An inquiry into the structure/pros/cons of the U.S. Federal Republic
C. An inquiry into the structure/pros/cons of the British Parliamentary Model
D. An inquiry into the structure/pros/cons of various other national models
Module 2: The City State (Feb 21 – Mar 16)
Reading and Analysis: Community and the Politics of Place, by Daniel Kemmis
We will read and discuss Mr. Kemmis’ book and prepare a written summary of the main points, as well as look at successful city states both past and present.
Module 3: Watershed (March 19 – Mar 30)
Reading and Analysis: Coming into a Watershed, by Gary Snyder
We will read and discuss Mr. Snyder’s essay and prepare a written summary of the main points. An attempt will be made to synthesize the ideas of Snyder and Kemmis.
Module 4: State and Local Government (Apr 10 – Apr 30)
Research, interviews, debate and formulation of a model for local government, including an in depth analysis of an issue of your choice and the preparation of an “Issue Paper.”
Module 6: Thesis (May 7 - June 7)
Final Preparation of thesis, supported by oral presentation before a panel
Module 7: The 2012 Presidential Election (ongoing throughout)
We will follow the process of choosing a Republican nominee and the issues around which the general election in November will be framed.
Evaluation
It should be noted that teachers do not “give” grades, but rather students “earn” them through their own efforts. It is therefore the student’s responsibility to seek out the teacher for any missed work due to absence. On occasion, there will be limited opportunity to turn in a late assignment for 75% maximum credit.
Grades
Grades will be assessed according to the following categories:
Assignment Categories |
Letter Grades |
| Oral Presentations |
20% |
A: |
90% or above |
| Written Work |
15% |
B: |
80% or above |
| The Founding |
15% |
C: |
70% or above |
| Tests/Quizzes |
15% |
D: |
60% or above |
| Thesis Paper & Presentation |
15% |
F: |
59% or below |
| Issue Paper |
15% |
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| Study Period |
5% |
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Hints
Make good choices. Strive to be a good household manager. Remember that I am a resource. Advocate for yourself.
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