Civics Bootcamp (Live)
In this 4-day live bootcamp, students will learn all about theories of citizenship and civic duty. They will read segments of philosophical texts, reflect on them in writing, and discuss them using the Socratic method during class meetings.
New on Outschool
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssignments
4+ hours per week. Reading assignments will be required prior to each class meeting. Daily writing assignments of around 250 words will also be offered. I will provide grading and feedback on these assignments if it is desired. In order to receive a grade or a certificate of completion for the course, students must complete these assignments. Given that this is a bootcamp, completion of the written assignments is very strongly encouraged even if a student doesn’t wish to receive a grade or a certificate.Letter Grade
Letter grades will be offered as an option for students who complete all of the written assignments.Certificate of Completion
A certificate of completion will be offered as an option for students who complete all of the written assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Course Description: In this four-day bootcamp, students will read and discuss a variety of philosophical texts on citizenship and civic duty. Class meetings will utilize a Socratic format where the instructor facilitates a discussion using guided questions. This enables students to interact with each other, the instructor, and the content more actively than in a traditional lecture-style course. Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the overview section below in order to determine if they want their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. *****All learners will be required to have their cameras on for the duration of the live class meetings. This promotes an engaged learning environment for all students.***** Assignments and Grading Policies: Each class meeting will have an assigned reading of two segments from philosophical texts. Students are free to read more of each text if they so choose, but the class discussion and written assignments will focus on the assigned passages. It is important that students do the assigned readings in order to get the most out of the bootcamp. Given the difficulty of these texts, I only expect that students have made a good faith effort to understand the content before each class meeting, not that they have successfully done so. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to submit written work for feedback and grading. In order to obtain a grade or obtain a certificate, students must write a roughly 250-word reflection and submit it before or after each class meeting. Given that this is a bootcamp, completion of the written assignments is very strongly encouraged even if a student doesn’t wish to receive a grade or a certificate. The use or aid of any AI tools or large language models is prohibited for written assignments in this bootcamp. *****Readings and written assignments are placed on the date that they are due on the syllabus, not the date that they are assigned.*****
Learning Goals
Students will hone their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, practice actively participating in group discussions, and gain a better cultural and analytical understanding of their world.Students will come away having read portions of several philosophical texts that give them a better understanding of their role in a democratic society.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Ancient Wisdom
Students will read segments from Aristotle's "Politics" and Cicero's "On Duties." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short written assignment. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Civic Discourse
Students will read segments from Frank M. Bryan's "Real Democracy" and Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson's "Democracy and Disagreement." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short written assignment. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Civic Virtue
Students will read segments from Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" and Richard Dagger's "Civic Virtues." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short written assignment. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Common Good
Students will read segments from Amy Gutmann's "Democratic Education" and Martha C. Nussbaum's "Not for Profit." We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions.
There will also be a short written assignment. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the syllabus in order to determine if they wish their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Supply List
If your student wishes to read more than the assigned portions of the texts, or if you prefer to have a physical copy of the books themselves, below are the editions we will be using in this bootcamp: Aristotle. Politics. Translated by Ernest Barker. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. Bryan, Frank M. Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How It Works. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. Cicero. Selected Works. Translated by Michael Grant. London: Penguin Classics, 1971. Dagger, Richard. Civic Virtues: Rights, Citizenship, and Republican Liberalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997. Gutmann, Amy. Democratic Education. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999. Gutmann, Amy and Dennis Thompson. Democracy and Disagreement: Why Moral Conflict Cannot Be Avoided in Politics and What Should Be Done About It. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1996. MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue. London: Bloomsbury, 2013. Nussbaum, Martha C. Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2016.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Philosophy from Northern Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Illinois Wesleyan University
I have a BA in Philosophy with minors in Political Science and Greek and Roman Studies, as well as an MA in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics and Political Philosophy. I’m the head coach of a competitive high school debate team and teach the liberal arts at a classical school. I’m also a professional creative writer and journalist.
I love helping students of all ages understand and interpret difficult subjects and learn how to crystallize their thoughts in writing and oral communication. I believe studying philosophy is a wonderful way to facilitate this kind of growth and learning.Reviews
Live Group Course
$100
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-18 learners per class
