Philosophy of Government, Day 2 - Class Recap

The ball of yarn that we used in class today for the Class Unity Activity! Thanks for participating in this!

Dear class,

I enjoyed getting to know you all a bit better today! We had a productive time with the yarn activity and learning more about the philosophy of government at the end of the class. If you did not finish the philosophy reading and questions, it is homework. Come prepared to discuss it next class!

Learning Targets Addressed: 

SS.HS.KN.ALT.04: I can explain how different ideological movements and philosophies shape politics.

SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: "Comin' From Where I'm From" by Anthony Hamilton. Because today, we talked about where we are from and how we got to be at Westview, via our family background. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 9/9/14:
News Brief
Class Unity Activity
Philosophy
Reading

Homework: Finish the philosophy reading and questions if you did not in class. Read the blog and post a comment (if you have not already). Amanda has the next news brief.

News Brief: Seth had the news brief today and selected this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - D.E.A to Allow Return of Unused Pills to Pharmacies. We had a good talk about what the D.E.A. is, who it works for, and the actual process for regulating prescription medications. Thanks for bringing this in, Seth!

Class Unity Activity: I always love this, for many reasons. One, because I love hearing about how everyone came to be in our classroom. Two, because of how the yarn connects us all. Three, because it helps the class (and me) learn names and a little about each other! Thank you for participating in this. It can get lengthy, I know, but I value it so much more than just lecturing for that time.

Philosophy: When we got back to the classroom, we finished the section on the four philosophers we are talking about for modern government. Again, if I went too fast with the PowerPoint, here it is again (we just did slides 6, 7, and 8). 

Google Drive: Philosophers of Government PowerPoint

As I went through the presentation, I gave a few examples as to how these ideas (like the social contract or checks and balances) are used today in our country.

Reading: At the end of the class, I passed out this reading about the four philosophers and a handout to answer with the reading, that asked you to summarize the different ideas for the purpose of government, the role of government in people's lives, and ideas that are included in the current U.S. government. Here they are again if you lost your copy or missed class today:

Google Drive: Philosophers of Government Reading

Google Drive: Philosophers of Government Handout

We finished with that. Please be ready to discuss this on Thursday! Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!