Unit 5 offers a contemporary understanding of democracy in the United States, particularly how democratic ideals and principles play out in a complex, globalized world. Readings and discussions continue the conversation about the necessity of war in defending democracy, both at home and abroad, and offer the opportunity to think critically about what the preservation of democracy requires from its citizens.
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Learning Objectives:
Understand contemporary challenges and threats to democracy and how they are similar to and different from previous challenges and threats.
Further exploration of the necessity of conflict to maintain democracy, focusing on 20th and 21st Century events.
Consider varying accounts that argue for the need for responsible citizens to practice and preserve democracy.
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.
Dempsey, Martin. “Transition Letter.” February 2, 2015.
Duckworth, Tammy. “What I Learned at War,” Politico Magazine, July/August 2015.
Eisenhower, Dwight D. “Military-Industrial Complex Speech.” AKA “Farewell Address” (January 17). His ‘reading copy’ preserved by the Eisenhower Presidential Library,
Abilene KS. 1961.
Kennedy, John F. “Inaugural Address.” (Washington, DC, January 20.) 1961.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. “Loving Your Enemies.” In The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Volume IV: Symbol of the Movement, January 1957–December 1958, edited by
Clayborne Carson, Tenisha Hart Armstrong, Susan Englander, and others. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000.
Washington, George. “Washington’s Address to Congress Resigning his Commission.” In The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 6, 21 May 1781–1 March 1784, edited by
Julian P. Boyd, 411–412. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1952.
What Students Know:
In previous units, students explored foundational concepts of American democracy. Unit 1 delved into the ideals of democracy within the American Revolution, while Unit 2 focused on their implementation in the Constitution. Unit 3 provided historical context by examining conflicts in ancient Greece, prompting critical reflection on leadership, freedom, civic duty, war, and historical narratives. Unit 4 returned to fundamental questions about equality and political power in American democracy, focusing on political rights in relation to the ideals of the Declaration and the principles laid out in the Constitution. Students also completed a unit on analytical reading taught by fellows.
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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