Goal for the day: To consider the importance and implementation of First Amendment protections around the world
We have talked a great deal thus far about First Amendment protections in this country and discussed how we balance these freedoms against national security. We’ve discussed limitations on speech of people and organizations and when this is okay and when it cross the line.
But our essential question is which First Amendment freedoms will be most important to the world over the next one hundred years. Today, we’re going to get out of the box and consider the role of First Amendment freedoms in the unstable and worn-torn countries of the Middle East like Iraq and Syria as our country again begins military action in the region. Here are some questions that I’ll raise in seminar:
· Are the lack of First Amendment freedoms in Iraq and Syria at the root of the problem or are first amendment freedoms a symptom of deeper issues such as colonial history, religious extremism, and environmental degradation?
· How important are our respect for first amendment freedoms in separating the U.S. from ISIS or distinguishing between ISIS and other groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood or the ANC, that have a history of using violence to achieve political ends?
· Which First Amendment freedoms are most important to solving the problems in Iraq and Syria?
· How aggressively should the U.S. support, spread, or defend First Amendment freedoms around the world?
While one half of our group is doing seminar, the other half will continue working in their Issue Groups. Here are the steps thus far on our Issues Project:
1. Defining a vision
2. Deciding what you need to know
3. Collecting and sharing information among your group members
The fourth step, which some of you might get started on today, is to analyze the dynamics of the problem. For this, creating a map of the problem is helpful. I will pass out this handout tomorrow explaining the different kinds of maps you can make. This map will help you choose an action strategy next week. If you feel you’ve done enough research, make a map during the seminar time.
Assignment for Tuesday, September 23rd
I’ve shared a list of current events and issues cropping up in the news. Add your name next to the current events you want to talk about in class and/or add another event or issue that isn’t currently on the list.
We have talked a great deal thus far about First Amendment protections in this country and discussed how we balance these freedoms against national security. We’ve discussed limitations on speech of people and organizations and when this is okay and when it cross the line.
But our essential question is which First Amendment freedoms will be most important to the world over the next one hundred years. Today, we’re going to get out of the box and consider the role of First Amendment freedoms in the unstable and worn-torn countries of the Middle East like Iraq and Syria as our country again begins military action in the region. Here are some questions that I’ll raise in seminar:
· Are the lack of First Amendment freedoms in Iraq and Syria at the root of the problem or are first amendment freedoms a symptom of deeper issues such as colonial history, religious extremism, and environmental degradation?
· How important are our respect for first amendment freedoms in separating the U.S. from ISIS or distinguishing between ISIS and other groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood or the ANC, that have a history of using violence to achieve political ends?
· Which First Amendment freedoms are most important to solving the problems in Iraq and Syria?
· How aggressively should the U.S. support, spread, or defend First Amendment freedoms around the world?
While one half of our group is doing seminar, the other half will continue working in their Issue Groups. Here are the steps thus far on our Issues Project:
1. Defining a vision
2. Deciding what you need to know
3. Collecting and sharing information among your group members
The fourth step, which some of you might get started on today, is to analyze the dynamics of the problem. For this, creating a map of the problem is helpful. I will pass out this handout tomorrow explaining the different kinds of maps you can make. This map will help you choose an action strategy next week. If you feel you’ve done enough research, make a map during the seminar time.
Assignment for Tuesday, September 23rd
I’ve shared a list of current events and issues cropping up in the news. Add your name next to the current events you want to talk about in class and/or add another event or issue that isn’t currently on the list.