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Standard Deviants
The Standard Deviants - American Government, Part 1

The Standard Deviants - American Government, Part 1

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Features:
  • Color


Description:

An unorthodox lesson in civics is presented by the Standard Deviants, a cast of energetic young performers, in this video, which is designed as an extensive review guide for a course in American civics. Starting with the ethics of Aristotle and quickly jumping forward to philosophical concepts espoused by Locke and Hobbes, the performers present the basic background of American democracy in skits and recitations that are often oddball mnemonic devices. Topics covered include the theories behind democracy, the grievances the American colonists had against the British, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and the eventual drafting and ratification of the Constitution. The landmark legal cases and the principles of civil rights are also covered. The approach to the subject matter may not be to everyone's liking, and at times the performers do seem to trivialize matters that are generally approached with some solemnity. However, this video has academic advisors including professor Larry Sabato (a familiar name to viewers of public affairs programs), and if the presentation is sometimes off-the-wall, the actual material is very solid, and even then it comes with a disclaimer that it is intended as a review guide and is not a substitute for attending class. --Robert J. McNamara
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