Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Politics of God Reading Guide and the Wilson textbook

A Reading Guide to help you with the reading and comprehension of Mark Lilla's "Politics of God" article has been posted to the Course Calendar. Be sure to click on the link to get the guide.

I will not be collecting your responses, but will likely be checking that you've done the guide.

As of this moment, there are 21 "used and new" copies of the Wilson textbook at Amazon.com (21 of them indicate immediate/fast shipping). You have the first chapter of reading due first day back next week, so decide if you want to purchase one of these or wait for Varsity.

Click on the "comments" link under this post if you have a question or comment.

~Mr. G

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Welcome to AP U.S. Government & Politics and "This Week In APUSGOV #1"

Congratulations! You've reached the last year of high school and the course that will bridge the gap between childhood and life as an adult: you will learn what it means to be a "citizen" this year.

Each week I will begin with an update on this blog page - the update will preview the topics of the week, remind you of the readings and homework, and give you my comments. Be sure to check it often.

This week we begin our study of American government in a philosophical way. You'll be reading Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke - some of the biggest players in our sport. Take good notes! We'll finish the week by examining the current question of religion in politics, from here to Iraq as we read "The Politics of God" from the New York Times. Of course, you'll be doing some writing too.

Make it your regular habit to check this page for constant updates and the COURSE CALENDAR link at the right of this page. The calendar will indicate the readings and homework for the course.

You can ask a question or make a comment by using the comments link below this post. Or you can just email me.

Enjoy the course!

~Mr. G.