CPW4U World Politics

Philosopher’s Salon: Political Philosophy and International Relations

Introduction: Politics is everywhere. In this classroom we have limited resources; only half the number of textbooks we require, not enough computers for each group of tables, and only one teacher for a large number of students. There is also the issue that there is a large group of individuals with the ultimate goal of making as much gain as possible for themselves. There is intense competition to get the highest mark possible to benefit the future of every individual.

The Reality: With these realities, throughout the term you will be required to not only live for yourself, but you will only be able to benefit with the help of the political philosophy you choose to follow and the help of the people around you. Each table will become like a “country” of individuals. The tables and the class as a whole will become an “international community”.

Task: To create the ideal society that benefits the individual, the group and the class as a whole. You will be required to study the philosophy of the great political thinkers.

• Each country will be given textbooks and it will be up to you to decide how to cover the information required for evaluation (as a country).
• You will also need to establish rules with the other countries for computer use, and see if there is a way to use technology to benefit the community as a whole.
• The final task that everyone must complete as individuals is a Salon Test.

	Task	Date	Value
1.	Analyzing Political Systems Study the Political Philosophers and Systems of Government of the past. Report your findings, what are you favouring as a group? Country Name and Symbol		10
2.	Where do you fit? International Relations & Diplomacy Based on initial workings of the group where do you fit as individuals and as a country? Provide specific examples. Using diplomacy organize a way to communicate with other countries. First meeting to discern the status of the international community.		10
3.	Select a Leader, create an –ism Who is the leader of your country? Create an –ism, what are the basic tenets of your philosophy? Report your findings and explain to the international community the benefits and limitations of your system.		10
4.	Resource Collection Time to prepare for your first test. Will you go it alone? Work with other countries? Its up to you.		10
5.	Salon Test A test of your knowledge on the material listed.		60
			100