Group Inquiry Project

Learning Goals

• Read primary and secondary sources to understand the fundamentals of philosophies that have had a direct influence on government and political institutions in America today.

• Analyze important social issues by comparing what different thinkers/writers have said (or might have said) about them.

• Begin understanding and thinking about fundamental social issues as part of our larger theme of Utopias/Dystopias.

• Understand and apply basic research skills (paraphrasing, summarizing, citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and listing sources referenced).

• Use effective presentation skills (Scripting, rehearsing, creating and using visuals, using technology, applying elements of formal speaking).

Introduction

Though at first glance this group project may seem more like Social Studies than English/Literature, one can hardly separate the essays, letters, and written ideas that constitute much of literature from the philosophical and social landscape they populate. In examining the rhetoric and ideas within the important documents of our nation's founders, we recognize elements of modern science and psychology (Hobbes), social pragmatism (Locke), social idealism (Rousseau and Marx), and, in the 19^th Century, balancing individual rights with social necessities to maximize personal liberty (Mill). This project is intended to introduce you to these thinkers and their influence on the political systems that created the unique institutions and practices comprising the “utopian” system we use today to address the question of what is the ideal system for people to live together.

Task

A calendar of due dates for the project is available. But to start, inquiry begins with inquiring, so the project revolves around an essential question your group will answer:

In “Civil Disobedience,” Henry David Thoreau introduces his ideas about individual conscience and social responsibilities by spending several paragraphs addressing government’s role in a society. After concluding that, since government is necessary, the best one is one that governs better, he advises, “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.”

Essential Question

So, what kind of practical government would best “command . . . respect” from your group?

Where to Start (Supporting Questions)

Addressing a complex question requiring research almost always means breaking the big issue into important supporting questions. Among the most important supporting questions here are these:

What do we essentially mean by “government?”

What role does the government usually take in society?

What kinds of governments are there?

Many of the questions as well as how they fit into the scheme of Political Philosophy are raised in John Newell’s introductory article at the following Web Site. If you or members of your group are at all unsure of how to start, I recommend reading at least the first page:

http://www.galilean-library.org/int9.html

Begin with Assignment #1 to find and present information in an organized, well-documented manner on these questions. DUE SEPTEMBER 28^TH!

Checking Your Understanding

Once your group has a solid grasp on these thinkers, use your learning to check for understanding by completing Assignment #2. DUE OCTOBER 1^ST!

Show What You Know

The biggest step of the Inquiry Project is a multimedia (preferably Powerpoint) presentation showing your group’s answer to the essential question. Details can be found in Assignment #3. (PRESENTATIONS FROM OCTOBER 6^TH TO OCTOBER 8^TH )!

Debrief & Reflect

The last part of the Inquiry Project is to complete guided handouts in which you assess your own work and learning as well as the group’s. The handouts can be found in Assignment #4 (Group Last Word and Individual Last Word). DUE OCTOBER 9^TH!