Professor of American Government - Help Request

[Mattrmvpd]

Here is my story for those that do not know me. I am retired State LEO and while in law enforcement I obtained a double Masters ( MPA - Public Admin/Human Resource Law and A MBA Business Administration Masters). I then completed my Doctorate in Education.

I teach American Government at the College level and I know that many of you have your opinion on education and its decline but I also know many of you have great videos that are linked here.

I teach from a very neutral standpoint as many of my students either have not been taught correct history or have been taught it from an agenda.

I simply try to give the correct facts.

I am getting ready to completely re-vamp my course structure and I am intereted to see what type of info, videos you all may have. I just saw the one on here about the traffic stop from Army Jerry. I am looking for videos just like that actually.

Here is my course structure of what topics are covered. If you have a good bit of FACTUAL information or a great training/educational video, please post it or let me know.

1st Section - Colonialism - Articles of Confederation - U.S. Constitution

2nd Section- Bill of Rights - Amendments - Civil Rights

3rd Section - Congress - House of Reps and the Court Structure and System from local to Supreme Court.

Final Section- Cold War Overview to Modern Day Specifically looking at Vietnam - Korean War - Iraq/Afghanistan.

——————————————————-

I have seen some great videos and postings here so i know many of you have an interest. Others talk about how they wished certain things were covered more clearly or accurately, well here is you chance.


Thanks in advance for any help you all give. I truely care about my students recieving the truth and not the entertainment that the media tries to deliver.

Matt

 

[ArmyJerry]

May I ask what type/demographic of student body do you typically teach?

 

[Mattrmvpd]

It varies. We have dual enrolled high school students, traditional and non traditional students. We are also a good size Air Force community with many many active duty on our campus. Student population is extremely diverse as well with students from about 40/50 different countries.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Class sizes though we have managed to max out at 27. We wanted to keep the classes smaller to be more one on one. This makes it to where i teach 5 classes each quarter.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Sounds like a good gig, please teach them the BOR, DOI, and the full Constitution, teach them the federalist papers, all of them. End every class with the Buy More Ammo Motto

 

[GTOJOSH]

Help them see the definition of "unalienable" and what it really means, and the reasons given for and listed in the declaration of independence.
Take some focus on the green mountain boys of Ethan Allen and his role in their endeavors, or the onion river company. The federalist papers as mentioned. There was a great speech about what America is by Bono of U2. Yes, I put that right- crazy as it sounds. Chief Wyandanch and his lawsuit over his canoe, the District of Columbia organic act of 1871, Barbary pirate war, Berdan, Bushnell with his submarine type... oh wait you said neutral position. Maybe pick just one before we get too carried away.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I’d recommend covering “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

I will be pulling these ideas this weekend and doing some further research on them.

Also for those secretly concerned... i am a Constitutional Conservative. Family is all retired career military and LEO. I really want my students to hear the truth and do their own research through some class projects i have set up.

It is very very interesting when they realize the truth and their eyes open. It creates amazing discussion in class and amongst themselves. Do not write off this young generation yet. With a few more educators we could all make a difference.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Sticking to the text book is being neutral. Don't you get to pick the books? If so, there is your answer. Keeping it simple and fundamental is the best. Let them express their ideology in their term papers and grade them on subjective vs objective. The itineraries you have in mind, especially asking us for input, is not neutral. If you want interaction in the class then have two opposing groups that are separated with you as the neutral mediator to show how lucky we are to be living here by showing we have the freedom of open peaceful dialog where fair compromise may be achieved within reasonable accomodation. Letting them on their own deadlock on reasonable accomodation will show their personal shortcomings. That they are not working their own program and relying on or blaming the government is not the answer.

 

[_Windrider_]

Teach them about the fed and why it’s corrupt and unconstitutional to the core. Have them watch The Secret of Oz.

 

[MtnCreek]

If you wanted to liven things up, discussion on constitutionality of the civil rights act would be interesting.

 

[cattleman99]

As a student, I really dislike it when teachers sway their information one way or the other. It bothers me when professors are leftward learning, so much to the point they show it in how they teach and in the examples they use. The same goes for rightward leaning professors. In my opinion, if the professor of my civics or Constitution class shows a lean on the way he or she teaches, I don’t want to be there. Teach the Consitution how it was written. Try not to interpret it with a lean. Show good examples of both sides, and encourage discussion.

 

[_Windrider_]

If you wanted to liven things up, discussion on constitutionality of the civil rights act would be interesting.

Title II specifically

 

[ArmyJerry]

hhehehe this is a gun forum, the apex of gun forums, very few people get concerned or twirl worry beads here, ask away.

I will be pulling these ideas this weekend and doing some further research on them.

Also for those secretly concerned... i am a Constitutional Conservative. Family is all retired career military and LEO. I really want my students to hear the truth and do their own research through some class projects i have set up.

It is very very interesting when they realize the truth and their eyes open. It creates amazing discussion in class and amongst themselves. Do not write off this young generation yet. With a few more educators we could all make a difference.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

On YouTube no matter the original subject they always lead me to girl fights.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Culpepper and others,

Do not worry. I do not push a side.

For example when we get to constitutional law dealing with the Bill of Rights and specifially the 4 th Amendment, i utlize videos on how searches are good and then those that are bad. M

I show some recently cleared videos and we have discussions as to if they are good or bad and we diseect them.

I have had similar teachings from Professors where they were one side or the other and you are right, it can turn students off.

My class fosters massive discussion where everyones views/opinions are expressed. I have seen where that helps broaden their inderstanding or lack of it.

I like videos on Amendments because it shows the ways some are by the law and others not soo much. That inturn opens the discussion about liability for operating outside your employment guidelines either as a government worker or private worker violating say a first amendment issue or NDA by an employer.


Theres tons of filler that i have not mentioned that i cover in class. Im just looking for some ideas.

———————

On the Text book question:

Yes, i have the ability to decide from a list. However, you all would be suprised or maybe not just how LEANING the text are. Most are very very liberal and socialistic.

I have had to be very careful in screaning text as it is not easy. Many of the books will be in use for 5+ years.

 

[Veer_G]

If you wanted to liven things up, discussion on constitutionality of the civil rights act would be interesting.

Sounds like 3/5 of a good idea ...

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Civil Rights is a big part of a section. The students do some research on events around it and see some voting records of dems/repub in reference to their support or non support of it. Its eye opening an dintersting to hear the conversations.

 

[_Windrider_]

Culpepper and others,

Do not worry. I do not push a side.

For example when we get to constitutional law dealing with the Bill of Rights and specifially the 4 th Amendment, i utlize videos on how searches are good and then those that are bad. M

I show some recently cleared videos and we have discussions as to if they are good or bad and we diseect them.

I have had similar teachings from Professors where they were one side or the other and you are right, it can turn students off.

My class fosters massive discussion where everyones views/opinions are expressed. I have seen where that helps broaden their inderstanding or lack of it.

I like videos on Amendments because it shows the ways some are by the law and others not soo much. That inturn opens the discussion about liability for operating outside your employment guidelines either as a government worker or private worker violating say a first amendment issue or NDA by an employer.


Theres tons of filler that i have not mentioned that i cover in class. Im just looking for some ideas.

———————

On the Text book question:

Yes, i have the ability to decide from a list. However, you all would be suprised or maybe not just how LEANING the text are. Most are very very liberal and socialistic.

I have had to be very careful in screaning text as it is not easy. Many of the books will be in use for 5+ years.

Yeah no one is surprised by textbooks and their agenda.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Assign original text as written, anything written afterwards is usually evil despots in waiting trying to explain a different meaning to what the original meaning was, in other word they are excuses for violating rights.

Britannica has a set of Americana from 1980, they also have a set of federalist papers that I have used to teach my own children.

Really though the original text is clear and simple american English. If you have to think too hard on what it says you have been indoctrinated and have a bias that is not good for you.

Culpepper and others,

Do not worry. I do not push a side.

For example when we get to constitutional law dealing with the Bill of Rights and specifially the 4 th Amendment, i utlize videos on how searches are good and then those that are bad. M

I show some recently cleared videos and we have discussions as to if they are good or bad and we diseect them.

I have had similar teachings from Professors where they were one side or the other and you are right, it can turn students off.

My class fosters massive discussion where everyones views/opinions are expressed. I have seen where that helps broaden their inderstanding or lack of it.

I like videos on Amendments because it shows the ways some are by the law and others not soo much. That inturn opens the discussion about liability for operating outside your employment guidelines either as a government worker or private worker violating say a first amendment issue or NDA by an employer.


Theres tons of filler that i have not mentioned that i cover in class. Im just looking for some ideas.

———————

On the Text book question:

Yes, i have the ability to decide from a list. However, you all would be suprised or maybe not just how LEANING the text are. Most are very very liberal and socialistic.

I have had to be very careful in screaning text as it is not easy. Many of the books will be in use for 5+ years.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

I have a copy of both the Federalist and AntiFederalist. They are interesting reads. We do look at them a good bit.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Are they really overly liberal and socialistic textbooks or are they some where in the middle, which is still a bridge too far for us .

 

[Mattrmvpd]

The one i requested is pretty even. However there were several that were WAY liberal to the point of massive socialist/marxist leaning.

 

[MtnCreek]

Sounds like 3/5 of a good idea ...

The South should have held out and forced the Yankees to have them counted for a full 5/5. It might have prevented a war.

 

[CuTm]

Show the impact of press and how it has been manipulated from the beginning. Bias teachers have made some college classes hard to attend for me. Ranting about the president, guns, and how we need socialism almost every morning made it hard for me to wake up in the morning . We then had seminars and I tried to show my point of view and beliefs. Other students would walk up to me after class and say how they wanted to beat me up...

 

[pmclaine]

Sadly Paladin Press is no more but they had some great source material Primers on our founding documents and how they came to be...

https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Rights-Primer-Citizens-Guidebook/dp/1632206188

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...x=second+am,stripbooks,208&crid=2BO0TDE2KGOEY

https://www.amazon.com/American-Fre...403&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=our+freedoms+primer


Excellent original text in these so that when someone says "They didnt mean that." you will have actual quotations in the Founders words to show "Yes dear they did say that and anyone telling you differently is pushing their agenda up your ass."

It sucks these books will not be available from Paladin. I have the set in some nice leatherbound, gilded edge, pocket sized editions. The quality of the production is amazing as I dont think I paid more than $20 for any of them.

Ive given them to friends and family as gifts.

I went to college in a very liberal (small l) market, Boston. Not only is it liberal but I went to school in one of the most liberal campuses - UMass Boston.

My major was history, minor in Management with a heavy course agenda choosing political science stuff.

About 5 years ago I contacted one professor that I took a few classes with concerning the most basic of political thinking classes - religion, political parties, eugenics.

I wanted to thank her because to this day I do not know what her political affiliation is. Her teaching was that "tempered" and plain factual that I could not detect a pushing of an agenda one way or the other. Everything was just basic facts regarding various philosophy.

Be that professor.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Pmclaine,

That is me.

I get letters from the students and parents thanking me for how i do it. Its nice plus it is the way i would want my kids taught.

 

[pmclaine]

The South should have held out and forced the Yankees to have them counted for a full 5/5. It might have prevented a war.

South should have realized the words "man" and People" are universal and agreed to have their peculiar institution die a natural death. Some sort of transition that allowed them to switch from slave economy to paid labor.

North should have just bought every slave at cost and set them free. Would have been cheaper, in lives and treasury, than fighting the war.

Federal Govt failed in ensuring stronger Northern manufacturing was not using its power to take advantage of the Southern agrarian economy it was dependent on. It was only in name that we were the United States and states treating each other like foreign countries had its own problems. It was only after the Cw that for good and bad we become one country under a centralized government.

Lots of blame and stupidity to go around.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Lots more bad has come from a centralized government, its time to ring fence the evil that has grown over the past 10 decades

 

[pmclaine]

Lots more bad has come from a centralized government, its time to ring fence the evil that has grown over the past 10 decades

The pendulum started swinging in 1865 it just needs to reach its apex and start swinging the other way.

 

[bogeybrown]

I would highly recommend the book "Eagle's Cry" by David Nevin as assigned reading.

Nevin is/was? a historian and wrote a series of books on key historical periods in the format of novels where he puts the reader "in the room" with the historical figures.

Eagle's Cry is set right after The Revolution and deals with the internal battles on what America was going to be and role of its newly formed government. I learned more about our history from that one book than I did from all of the classrooms I was ever in.

 

[ken4570tc in WY]

Matt, first, thank you for your and your family history of service. Then a second thanks for asking for input from the Hide members. I see that you're including the Federalist/Anti-Federalist articles in the curriculum. I have to say that I was very affected by them in that I learned the great diligence the framers of the constitution went to in study of the preceding republic and democratic societies that came before. I also came away with a much greater admiration for our Constitution, knowing that it wasn't the result of a bunch of angry white supremacists slinging ideas against the wall to see what would stick. I hope that you'll have some students that will be open minded enough to learn the same.

 

[W54/XM-388]

South should have realized the words "man" and People" are universal and agreed to have their peculiar institution die a natural death. Some sort of transition that allowed them to switch from slave economy to paid labor.

North should have just bought every slave at cost and set them free. Would have been cheaper, in lives and treasury, than fighting the war.

Federal Govt failed in ensuring stronger Northern manufacturing was not using its power to take advantage of the Southern agrarian economy it was dependent on. It was only in name that we were the United States and states treating each other like foreign countries had its own problems. It was only after the Cw that for good and bad we become one country under a centralized government.

Lots of blame and stupidity to go around.

Had everybody taken a bit of a chill pill and not been all anxious to fight (especially the violent type of the abolitionists), within 20 years slavery would have been gone. It was an evil that has always existed and always eventually dies out as civilization progresses. All over the world at that time slavery was dying out.

The big thing however is that the civil war was NOT mostly fought about slavery, but later on that line was claimed by the north to help them feel "moral" about themselves after all their self confessed war crimes. That pretty much set the course of hatred firmly in place based on race for several generations.

 

[mtrmn]

If your students only learn the meaning of the word "infringed" they will be light years ahead of most people today.

 

[ArmyJerry]

and shall not

 

[pmclaine]

Had everybody taken a bit of a chill pill and not been all anxious to fight (especially the violent type of the abolitionists), within 20 years slavery would have been gone. It was an evil that has always existed and always eventually dies out as civilization progresses. All over the world at that time slavery was dying out.

The big thing however is that the civil war was NOT mostly fought about slavery, but later on that line was claimed by the north to help them feel "moral" about themselves after all their self confessed war crimes. That pretty much set the course of hatred firmly in place based on race for several generations.

The intractable argument was slavery.

Sure that encompassed a bunch of Cpnstitutional issues regarding states rights, private property, the market but slavery was the trip wire.

Agreed its days were numbered and waiting its inevitable demise would have been less costly. Russia ended slavery in 1865 also, there was no war.

Speaking of Civil War the owner of the ABC affiliate was on this morning with his weekly editorial.

This POS name is Bill Fine.

He came on to speak of the incivility in politics. Stated Trumps predecessors set the bar for responding to tradgedy and "shamed" Trumps response to the Temple shootings.

Fucker actually had the balls to mention a coming Civil War.

What do these fat pasty fucks think their lot will be if that comes to pass?

I excercise regularly, shoot a couple times a week, have spent a night in the woods and would still consider myself dead man walking.

Ill see if the station has his editorial on line anywhere.


Edit Add - Just checked WCVB editorials are on line but appear a few weeks behind.

 

[MtnCreek]

If the war between the States was a civil war, than so was the revolution. The next one will be a civil war. If the federal gov wins that one too I suppose they'll claim it was fought for transvestites and y'all will repeat it like gospel.

 

[pmclaine]

The Revolution was a Civil War of sorts - British subjects fighting British Subjects with one side desiring to free itself from the crown.

A Colonial War usually entails indigenous fighting to free themselves from the yoke of the colonizer.

Revolution is based on an overthrow of political status quo which is what ours was in addition to being a civil war of sorts.

 

[Srgt. Hulka]

Teach the truth. There is no left or right, red or blue, liberal or conservative, to the truth.

 

[srtsam]

Mattrmpvd is a solid person. I wish you well and thank you for your efforts.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Thanks guys for the compliments and ideas.

Keep them coming! Im currently building a list. I have classes that meet 5 times a week, so I want to make sure we have extra topics just in case.

 

[MtnCreek]

Might want to spend a couple of days discussing why Jefferson Davis was never prosecuted.

 

[Scott_RAP]

I think the following video is an excellent primer for all Americans, and particularly those trying to grasp the principles of government, on the differences between various forms of government. In particular, it illustrates the difference between a republic (the form of government our Founding Fathers created) and a democracy (a form of government many think we have and / or want, but that we absolutely do not!).

Republic vs Democracy

As a Constitutionalist, it also helps to clarify why on the whole I support Republicans (representing a republic) over Democrats (representing a democracy).

As a side note for a particular personal grievance of mine, it also clearly explains that fascism / nazism / totalitarianism are not extreme forms of conservative (i.e. right-wing, limited government) views, but are in fact the inevitable result of increasingly liberal (i.e. left-wing, total government) views. Apart from the absurdity of accusing conservatives of being fascists, or even more absurdly of being Nazis, in direct contradiction to their actions, it betrays a complete ignorance of what the terms actually even mean. A Nazi is in fact a member of the National SOCIALIST German Workers Party ... Liberals!

Wandering off topic into a rant ... mostly just wanted to point to this video in response to the OP’s request. Much respect to the OP and all those who attempt to truly educate the younger generation and encourage them to be free thinkers rather than regurgitators of false doctrines.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Democrats = Nazi Communists

 

[Strykervet]

Hey OP, my sister teaches this at HS level, she has her masters in education. If interested I could put you in touch with her maybe, but she's usually really busy. Anyway, it's possible you two could swap information, because I feel she got the patriotic programming and not the true history. I can't help but feel it's our modern mythology, because how it really works is completely the opposite. Can't tell a lie and all that shit. She does take 'em to DC every year, though I can't help but feel nothing good comes of it.

Anyway, let me know if interested. I'll ask her and see what she says. She's not on here though, you'd have to reach her through her email. Let me know if you want to, if you don't contact me I'll know you weren't interested.

Good luck! Anything you can do to get some more facts to these kids is a fucking bonus.

 

[Scott_RAP]

Sounds like a good gig, please teach them the BOR, DOI, and the full Constitution, teach them the federalist papers, all of them. End every class with the Buy More Ammo Motto

And start every class with a prayer for our nation and our leadership, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the opening monologue from “Patton” (then finish the movie sometime).

 

[ArmyJerry]

have a marksmanship component to their grade. we can get a donation of basic rifles and ammo