Role of Civic Engagement in a Republic
Learning Objective: Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidts Three Great Untruths are examined: 1) life is a battle between good people and evil people, 2) what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker, and 3) always trust your feelings. Civic engagement is the antidote to the divisiveness and self-centeredness that belief in these untruths fosters.
Please note: Additional requirements for the Primary Assignment can be found by clicking on the Course Assignment Comments headline (above).
Students should reflect upon the Primary Question of the course: Who wants to live in a good society? Give yourself enough time to think deeply about how the ideas and themes in the assigned readings, and specifically the values discussed in them, contribute to creating a good society. Be sure to connect the weekly reading assignments back to the KSS’s objective: encouraging positive, engaged citizenship. Look for connections between values and behavior.
Words & Music.
Its been suggested that a photograph is worth a thousand words. So imagine what a video is worth!
For your Primary assignment this week, post a music video that demonstrates your thoughts on the importance of civic engagement. In at least 600 words, analyze the songs lyrics and images to help the reader make the connection between the song and the need for civic engagement. Use the assigned course reading materials to support your argument.
You can choose your music video or select one of these. If you select a music video that is not on the provided list, you are responsible for its appropriateness. If in doubt, dont. Be sure to link the video to your assignment.
Band/ Act Song Title Genre
Black Eyed Peas w/ Justin Timberlake Where is the Love? Hip Hop/Rap
Green Day American Idiot Punk
Lady Gaga Born This Way Pop Vocal
Billie Holiday Strange Fruit Jazz
Dixie Chicks Not Ready to Make Nice Country
The Who Wont Get Fooled Again Classic Rock
Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA FM Rock
