M1 Discussion 1: Weeks 2 and 3
This discussion is an opportunity for you to start thinking about the course and its content. It will also provide you with an opportunity to look back at the end of this course and see how your knowledge and understandings may have changed or grown.
Search the web or publications for a news item or a scholarly article that suggests an ethical problem in government, criminal justice, emergency management or a non-profit agency performing a public function. This could involve a government official or agency, a public employee at any level of government, a police officer, a prosecutor, a judge, a probation or parole officer, a corrections officer, or an officer or employee of a for-profit or non-profit agency performing a public function (usually with public funds). Provide the class with a link or a copy of the article.
As an alternative, you might describe a current or historic political issue(s), such as the Watergate break-in and “dirty tricks” campaign; Trump travel ban; same-sex marriage; police and race; whistle-blowing: prayer in public schools or funding of religious schools, or abortion.
Analyze the ethical problem in terms of the constitutional ethical constructs discussed in your reading. How do constitutional provisions justify or limit the role of the government or governmental officials in the particular situation or issue you have chosen?
Your initial post should contain at least 250 words, and you should respond to my questions or the problems presented by other students at least twice. You will not receive full credit if you post only in the last few days of the discussion period; you need to give others the opportunity to respond to what you have to say. The information upon which you base your answers should come from the reading assigned. Use this forum as an opportunity to show that you have read and understood what you have been assigned to read.
M1 Reading and Preparation
The Rule of Law
“Law is not a science. It is, at least in part, a humane discipline. It is not architecture or music, but like them, it embodies an ancient and universal human need, expressed in the biblical words ‘Justice, justice shall you pursue.’ Law helps organize human beings in communities that allow them to obtain the benefits of living together productively and in peace.”
— Justice Stephen Breyer: “America’s Courts Can’t Ignore the World,” in The Atlantic (October 2018), p. 102
You must complete each of the listed activities below before attempting the Assignments for this module.
Watch “The Constitution and Foundations of Government” – Films on Demand video (26:20) accessible via ESC Library
Watch Justices Antonin Scalia and Stephen Breyer debate the Constitution – Youtube video (1:35:56)
“A more perfect union: America’s Founding Documents” – texts of Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights
Vile, John. (2014). “United States Constitution: Questions and answers”, pp. 1-98
Watch “Ethics in Public Service”, views from U.S. city managers [video; 3:35]
Watch How best to conduct America’s war on terror? – Former CIA Director Michael Hayden discusses “America’s war on terror” [video; 7:48]
Read Kennedy and Schultz, Part I – chapters 1 – 3
Last Completed Projects
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