Starter 25: According
to Dr. King, what is the difference between a just law and an unjust law? How are we as citizens supposed to know the
difference between the two?
MLK's steps for a non-violent campaign for social change
1. collection of facts (to determine whether injustices exist)
2. negotiation
3. self-purification (when we acknowledge internally that personal sacrifices are needed for the sake of progress)
4. direct action
Discuss: What are the similarities between Thoreau's and MLK's theories? What differences do we see?
Seminar Rubric
Seminar Prep
Answer the following questions thoughtfully and thoroughly
(at least 1 well-developed ¶ per question) in preparation for tomorrow’s seminar. Due
tomorrow at the beginning of seminar.
(If you do not complete the prep, you cannot get an A on the seminar!)
1. Do you agree with Thoreau’s (and MLK's) view of government and the
role of an individual in creating a just society? Why or why not? Explain your answer thoroughly.
2. Are “civil disobedience” and "non-violent direct action" sound methods for promoting
social change? In what ways are these methodologies effective? What are the flaws? Is there a better way?
3. Was the Occupy Wall Street movement a good example of
civil disobedience and/or non-violent direct action? What would Thoreau
say to the OWS protesters? What advice
would you give to them?
4. Can individuals change the government? Why or why not? If so, how? If not, is democracy possible?
5. Write an original probing seminar question.
TO DO LIST:
- Additional research on Occupy or any other element/evidence of Civil Disobedience you think may be handy in the seminar.
- Edmodo conversation
- Review google doc
- Seminar Prep Questions (HOMEWORK if you don't finish in class!)
- SLC Prep