Core 102History and the Modern World

The Idea of Democracy

Roger Williams University

Section 01 LLC T, TH   09:30AM-10:50 AM GHH 205

Section 04 ELI  T, TH   12:30PM- 02:00 PM  GHH 106

Spring  Semester, 2016

Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph. D.

Office: GHH 215

Hours: M, W, F, 12:00-1:30

Or By Appointment

Phone:  ext 3230

E-mail:  mswanson@rwu.edu

For Tuesday, March 1

For Thursday, March 3

Download and Annotate, from the Core Canon and upload into your Drop Box

Download and Annotate, from the Core Canon and upload into your Drop Box

From the Core Cannon:  The Declaration of Independence (1776)

From the Core Cannon:  The Articles of Confederation (1777)

The Declaration of Independence may be the most famous American document (The Gettysburg Address might run a close second).  In times gone by it was common for children in schools to memorize  parts of it--typically the first two paragraphs.  Here, as in other documents we've studied, the shape of the document gives a clue to its organization.  In this case, note that there are two large paragraphs at the beginning, then a series of very small paragraphs, some not more than a sentence or two, followed by another fairly large paragraph.  Consider these as your do your analysis and prepare your document for marking up and dropping into your dropbox:

• First  create a title for the first two paragraphs--use a sticky note or writing text for this.
  

• Second  consider the second paragraph--especially the unalienable rights.  How many are there?  (Does Jefferson leave room to there to be others? (highlight the word which does if if you believe he does).  Are any of these rights what one might call "potential" rather than equal. Underline the word which indicates this.  Do you agree that this "right" needs a qualification.  Think of what the right would be without that word.
  

• Third  is there a bit of a lie buried among these "truths"?  Underline it and write a sticky note if you find one. 
  

• Fourth  Consider the middle section.  If you had to create a title for this,  What would it be?  Is guilt being assigned?  If so, who to?
  

• Fifth  Consider the last section.  What were they pledging  as the colonies went to war?  Think about the number of the persons who were delegates to this meeting.  Was it fair for them to speak for every one else?  There were Loyalists who favored remaining part of the British Empire, many of whom migrated to Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada after peace was concluded?  Should everyone have had a say?  What do you think?  A final sticky note or text-type can consider this.
  

The Articles of Confederation, is one of the least well known documents in American History.  The American Revolution was Fought under these articles, though Independence was declared earlier by nearly a year.  There are a number of discussions online analyzing the "strengths" and "weaknesses" of the Articles of Confederation.  Use one of the popular search engines, Google probably the best, search for Articles of Confederation using this phrase "articles of confederations strengths and weaknesses".  If you can, find an something which discusses these article by article.  Then, to prepare your document for your drop box,

• Compare the articles with the critiques of the articles one by one.  Using markup tools of different colors indicate whether you agree or disagree with each critique.
  

• Using a sticky not or text add-on, indicate why you agree or disagree with each.
  

From the Core Cannon:  Declaration of the Rights of Man   French Parliament after the French Revolution   (1789)

Take a few minutes to read the Declaration of the Rights of Man.  The revolution didn't last very long--for reasons won't have time to discuss this last class before the the Spring Break.  I'd like to have you watch the video below on the left before class. The documentary will provide background for this very short reading.  I don't expect much marking up. 

• First Highlight your favorite "right of man"
  

• Second.  In a sticky note, write "I read this document, I really did".
  

In our class we will Look at as much of the musical Marat/Sade   There's a a bit of music sung by the legendary Judy Collins in the video on the right.