Wednesday, June 1st, 2016

Pre-Circle Activity: TBA

Circle: Do you think this school would be better if we were stricter or better if we gave you more freedom and why?

Administrivia: Computers being turned in June 3rd; English final Friday, June 10th during period 5.

Hobbes vs. Locke
The last three weeks have been all about the positive side of the Enlightenment thinkers who believed that we are free and have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  These thinkers' philosophies were used to help pave the way for American democracy. However, there was an enlightenment philosopher who disagreed -- his name is Thomas Hobbes.

Challenge: You must design a school based on either Hobbe's or Locke's philosophy, with the goal of getting the most votes as "Best School" during a gallery walk on the last day of school.

Focussed Reading: Finish reading the next two paragraphs of Leviathan.  Read silently for 10 minutes, taking notes, prepare to report out to your group, then group to class.

Revising Notes: Using your understanding of Hobbes and Locke your group will create a T-Chart highlighting the differences between the two philosophers ideas.

Create the hierarchy of our school:  What does the power structure in our school look like?  Where do students fit in the hierarchy?  Why do you think it works this way?

OHCHS -- Locke or Hobbes?
Hobbes and Locke have somewhat opposing views about human nature; if each was to design  school, they would look very different. Today, you will interview one staff member asking "it would appear that after studying both John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, that school is set up consistent with Hobbes beliefs even though we live in a democracy set up consistent with Locke's beliefs.  Why do you think this is true? What do you think would happen if we gave kids more freedoms and choices?"

English Final: Choice Reading Literary Analysis Essay

1) Read

2) Think

3) Write