Course DescriptionThe purpose of this class will be to examine:
This class will not only be about government structure or economic theories—though they will be important to know—but about how those interact with the pressing issues and concepts of today like: the 2016 election, immigration, the prison-industrial complex, civil rights, civil liberties, citizenship, money in politics, unions, climate change, and corporations. We will try and understand where we are, how we got here, and where we can go. |
First and second Quarter THemes
1. Are we living up to the ideals of the US constitution? Is our government Ideal? What does an ideal government look like?
2. What is Free Speech? How does the Supreme Court use judicial review to limit or outline what free speech looks like?
3. Is America Afraid? How does gun violence policy in Oregon and the United States interact with fear, media, race, and constitutional principles?
4. Why do people go to prison? Who benefits from our criminal justice system? Who is harmed?
5. What is our immigration policy? What should it be?
6. War. What is it good for?
7. Is the United States a plutocracy?
Ongoing: Who will you support come 2016 in the Presidential election? (We will watch the debates in class and do some additional research to stay informed)