Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Mr. Zinn!
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Ideologies!
Dec. 1, 2014January 23, 2015!
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind Emerson!
In class society everyone lives as a member of a particular class, and every kind of thinking,
without exception, is stamped with the brand of a class Mao Tse-Tung.!
In this humanities track class we look ideologiescoherent and encompassing belief systems that
explain great questions in life and provide a rationale for action and conduct. Through careful
reading, class discussion, and independent research, we will explore particular ideologies, the ways
in which ideologies shape our lives, and the relationship between ideologies and freedom. We begin
with Ralph Waldo Emersons essay, Self-Reliance and then examine two influential examples of
20th century ideological thought: Sigmund Freuds Civilization and its Discontents and George
Orwells novel 1984. We will also look at other theories of social and individual freedom. Each
student is expected to investigate and give a report on some modern ideology and also to develop,
outline, and present their own ideology.!
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Critiques (20%) You are expected to prepare three critiques (typically, 2-3 pages), one on each of the three
major readings (Emerson, Freud, Orwell). It is especially important that you begin to work on your
assignments promptly and complete them on time. Late assignments will not receive credit. !
Ideology Report (20%) You will research and present a report on a specific modern ideology of your
choice (see the list below). !
Personal Ideology (30%) You will develop a personal ideology over the course of the block and
present your ideology in class during the final week. Your personal ideology should be presented in
a an expressive format of your choiceas a pamphlet or video, for exampleas long as it clearly
explains your beliefs and your reasons for holding those beliefs. Your personal ideology will include:!
!!A statement that explains your basic principles in narrative form (I believe because ). !
!!A description of the social/political forms and consequences of your ideology if taken up by large
numbers of people!
!!A flag, logo, or visual symbol of your ideology!
!!A slogan or creed that summarizes your ideology (i.e. Think globally, act locally)!
!!A list of sources and influences books, movies, songs, essays etc. that influence and inspire your
ideology!
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Week
Date
Reading
Week One!
12.112.5
Week Two
12.812.12
Week Three
12.1512.19
Week Four
1.5-1.9
Week Five
1.12-1.16
Week Six
1.19-1.23
Other ideologies
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Below is a list of books that express and define particular modern ideologies. To receive Honors credit,
choose and read one of these books (or suggest another) and write a brief report (23 pages) explaining
the books point of view. !
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