Unit 1 explores the substantive ideals underpinning American democracy. Readings and discussions prompt critical thinking about political equality, liberty, freedom, individualism, and sovereignty of the people, all within the backdrop of the American Revolution.
Embedded Files
Learning Objectives:
Identify democratic principles that are uniquely American, how those principles emerged, and how the nation's founders articulated them.
Apply a historical lens to a modern-day reading and interpretation of the Declaration of Independence.
Understand how to read both primary and secondary sources and how to draw connections between different types of texts.
Readings
These are required readings that students complete the night before. The fellows review the readings in study groups on the morning of your seminar.
Allen, Danielle. Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality.
New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2014. (pp. 21- 38; 42-44; 72-78; 85-88).
Tocqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America. Translated by Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2000. (pp. 3-15; 45-55).
What Students Know:
As you plan for teaching Unit 1, it's important to recognize that our students come with diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience in the classroom–some have had college-level courses while others haven’t been in a classroom for some time. To prepare them for the week, participants have completed a unit on analytical reading, taught by WSP fellows. Additionally, fellows have provided students with key historical context related to Unit 1, including the Enlightenment and the American Revolution.
Writing Assignment
Throughout the week, students will be working with writing instructors and tutors to develop a 3-5 page college-level academic essay. Students are expected to use assigned readings as primary sources and are encouraged to use study groups and seminar discussions to support their writing. You are welcome to highlight any topics during the discussion that you think might be relevant to their essay writing.
Your Role
Faculty provide a core service in our academic boot camps by ensuring that WSP participants experience a college-level course in a real-life setting. This experience helps to instill confidence and prompt motivation to pursue higher education. Your role is, ultimately, to be yourself; to share your expertise with participants and to run the class like you would with traditional college students. We highly encourage you to find ways to connect with participants and to share any advice you have for them as they transition from military service to higher education.
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