0.111 Module 0.100 - Week 1- Introductory Discussion: About You

What to Do--Your Story and Family History

We all have our own personal and family history. These experiences help build a foundation for your worldview and attitudes towards government authority and justice. Recognizing these factors will help you better understand and formulate your own opinions and perspectives. Self awareness never hurts!

First, I will share my story with you, then at the Prompt, you will share yours. Don't be shy, you'd be surprised how many students may have similar stories.

MY STORY and FAMILY HISTORY

I wanted to tell you something about how and why I became involved in law and government. My grandparents were born in the 1880s in Eastern Europe. Countries were ruled by kings, and people’s rights were either non-existent, or taken away at the king’s whim. This was especially true of religious/ethnic minorities. As Jews, my grandparents were routinely persecuted and Jews were often killed “just for the fun of it.”

By 1905, they immigrated to the United States. But they never forgot their roots and fully appreciated the benefits of living in a constitutional republic. Growing up in their home (my dad was born in 1915), all three of the boys studied law or politics, served in World War II, and became politically active; one conservative, two liberal. I also grew up with political awareness, starting with the 1960s’civil rights movement, and then turned 18 (draft age) during the Vietnam War.

Prompt Deadline 1

YOUR STORY 

Unless you are Native American, you too are from an immigrant family, perhaps escaping from poverty or religious/ethnic persecution. What informs your worldview? It could be anything from family, church, organizations and life experiences. These underlying factors mold our developing political views, even if you are unaware of them!

Reply to Peers - Deadline 2 (two days after Deadline 1)

Please reply to two other students' stories. Your comments should be polite, thoughtful and highlight any similarities and differences between your life experiences and theirs.

Discussion Guidelines

Please see Discussion Guidelines in Module 0.

Grading

To view the grading rubric for this discussion, click the menu (upper right, three vertical dots) and then click Show Rubric.  How to find the Discussion Rubric in Canvas

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