Summer Reading

Welcome to AP U.S. Government & Politics '07-'08.

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT:

1. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) The Republic by Plato (I recommend the 2003 Penguin Classics edition, ISBN: 0140449140), and do the “Republic Reading Guide” at http://216.101.58.17/hs/mgwaltney/apusgovt/files/Plato%20Republic%20Reading%20Guide.pdf

2. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Federalist Papers #10 & #51 (available at many sources online and in the course textbook), and write a one page response with at least three (3) quotes for each of the two essays.

3. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Hardball: How Politics is Played by Chris Matthews (updated in 1999, ISBN: 0684845598), and write one page of critical review or a personal response including three (3) quotes for each chapter.

SUMMER READING WORKSHOPS

Everyone has to do the reading and writing. It's also a good idea to sign up for a Summer Reading Workshop - the advantage is that we'll go over the reading together and you'll be prepared specifically for the Summer Reading Exam given on the first day of class. It's worth $100. Be sure to come to the workshop with the reading finished (you can do the writing after the workshop if you'd like). Choose from the following two dates:

Thursday, Aug.9, 8:00-3:00
or
Thursday, Aug 16, 8:00-3:00

If you have questions, email me at mgwaltney@chaminade.org

Gwaltney's AP US Gov goes Web 2.0 for '07-'08

In August '07, Gwaltney's AP U.S. Government & Politics class will go "Web 2.0".

Web 2.0 refers to the second-generation of web sites. Based on online communities and various web services like blogging, social networking, and RSS feeds, Web 2.0 sites facilitate collaboration and sharing between users.

The new website for my class will complete my move from an "information silo"-style website (Frontpage site I began in 2000) to a series of sites created by an unlimited number of people within the American body politic, all generating and distributing content, characterized by open communication, decentralization of authority, freedom to share and re-use information - essentially a marketplace of ideas. The goal will be a rich, interactive, and user-friendly interface allowing democratic participation.