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Core 102 History and the Modern World
The Idea of Democracy
Roger Williams University
T, F 2:00-3:25; T, F 3:30-4:55
CAS 227
Spring, 2002
Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph. D.
Office:  CAS 110
Hours:  M, T, Th, F:  9:00-10:00
Or By Appointment
Phone:  401 254 3230
E-mail:  mswanson@alpha.rwu.edu
Syllabus, March 12 - 15
For Tuesday, March 5                        John Milton's Areopagitica, Continued

We'll pick up our discussion of Areopagitica commencing about section 11, p. 34, Considering these issues:

         In what sense is censorship a "tyranny"? (Section 11)
         What does Milton mean when he suggests "a man may be a heretic in the
truth; and if he believes things only because his Pastor says so, or the
Assembly so determines, without knowing other reason, though his
belief be true yet the very truth he holds becomes his heresy" (Section
12) Keep this section in mind when you read Kant in a few weeks.
         Why does the very public nature of books act as a safeguard against
error (Section 13)
         What is the relationship between learning, progress, and
freedom of inquiry? (Section 14 - 15)
         Why should we expect argument as part of learning? (Section 14-15)
         Why does censorship hinder national greatness? (Section 15)
         What does Milton mean when he calls liberty the
"nurse of all great wits". Do you agree or disagree? (Section 15)
         In what sense does censorship demonstrate a kind of intellectual
cowardice? (Section 16)
         What is the relationship between Truth, Falsehood, and Reason? What is
Milton saying when he says that "Truth is strong next to the
Almighty"?. (Section 16) Do you find any relationship to the i
deas put forth by Cicero? 
         If censorship is not the best way to combat error, what is? (Section 17)
         How does censorship lead to bad government? (Section 18)
For Friday, March 8 a substitute class will be held this evening

Greek Roots of American Democracy: Evidence from Popular Culture
                                                                                                                           
Tuesday EVENING, March 5
6:15, p.m.  Room 124 School of Engineering Building


We'll assemble to see an American Film Classic, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939) Directed by Frank Capra and Starring Jimmy Stewart.  The film was
written in the unhappy decade of the Great Depression and under the shadow of war in Europe.  Capra was an immigrant from Italy, and Stewart was born in
Indiana Pennsylvania, yet both were remarkably alike in their association with films portraying American political ideals and challenges or betrayals of the same.  This
film appears on nearly everyone's 100 all-time greatest list, and it should provide fruitful opportunity for discussion, which will happen the first session the week after
spring break.  Clicking HERE will take you to an excellent synopsis and discussion of the film.  Clicking on the pictures will take you to a second view.
Clicking on the names will direct your browser to biographical information on the director and to a museum which honors the actor in his birthplace city.