Starter 10.8:  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?

Occupy Wall Street

Wikipedia Page
Occupy Wall Street

1. What are the elements of our government/society that the Occupy Wall Street movement is protesting and trying to change?
2.  Connect the Occupy Wall Street movement to specific elements of Thoreau's philosophy.
3.  Do you believe that the Occupy Wall Street movement can be an effective method to bring about change?  In what ways could it be successful?  What are its limitations?

WORK TIME:

1. Do further research on Occupy Wall Street!

2. Seminar Prep

Seminar Rubric 

Seminar Prep

Answer the following questions thoughtfully 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. What would Thoreau say to the Occupy Wall Street 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.