this semester was great, this was the best class i have taken by far. As far as Epistomolgy goes we did learn a lot about laws and writing laws. and as for techne we did watch a bunch of sweet videos on youtube and learned a bit about technology. and phronesis was awesome in the nation state game i had a lot of fun with that game and our group was awesome. and metis was also a big part of the nationstate game all in all this was an awesome course.

Class Reflections

As the semester draws to a close, it is time to reflect on what we did and learned in class. I haven't taken a class like this before (subject material or how the class was laid out), and it was a breath of fresh air so to speak. In relation to the four Greek definitions of "knowledge", we hit on 'Episteme', or 'knowledge of' by going over the Constitution in class (something everybody should know) and learning about the main separation of powers within our government. The next point we hit on was "Techne", or 'knowledge how' (technology). This came into play through the use of writing and posting our blogs online and on time. It also helped us work with a random group of people who we steadily got to know better and better throughout the year, which brings me into the third point, "Phronesis", or emotional intelligence and/or social skills. This class made you work with a group to get assignments done, and if there was a problem within the group we were told to work it out amongst ourselves first, then ask higher-ups for help, which is a great system. It helps with accountability and problem solving skills within a group too. The "This Emotional Life" series was a great thing to see too, to open our eyes to what is going around in the world and understand other people's views too. The last point is "Metis", or 'street smarts'. We touched on this through the NationState game, making deals, barters, trades, and alliances. It helped us be aware of our surroundings and to always be ready.
As I said above, the way this class is laid out is a bit unorthodox, but awesome nonetheless. I wish more of my classes were taught like this one, keep up the great job Mr. Ellerman!

Dance and Reflection

http://youtu.be/HPITyfdIiKI

Dance on YouTube

Reflecting back on this past semester I think I have looked forward to coming to each and every class, which doesnt happen too often.  Ellerman proved true in his teachings in these four areas, but stronger in Techne and Phronesis.  Techne for me because being the group leader I knew I had to get the posts in on time and each member of our group brought something valuable to the table.  For Phronesis we definitely had a complete lesson in exploring emotional intelligence.  Before this class I never watched those funny videos on anime and politics.  They are so educational and informing.  We definiteley learned street smarts through the dynamics of the nation game.  I think wse were the only group who attacked anyone because Odom was trying to make Peace with everyone! This has been an experience and I will always recommend this class to others.  Thankyou Ellerman for teaching at Folsom Lake College you have completely changed my mind about the college experience!!!

Reflecting back on the knowledge obtained.

As we head into our last week and final summation to what has been a truly unorthodox and great class I feel that I really did learn something and obtained some new insight into the world of Business Law. Mr Ellerman's overall approach and emphasis on knowledge in the Greek sense was an entirely new experience for me. Most teachers seem more like the Romans or Germans and Mr Ellerman focused more on the Greek ideologies and ways of teaching. Episteme or the repeatable rules set up the overall structure for the class dealing with the actual laws in business and life and getting more into the technological aspects as well. Breaking off into groups and beginning our game brought a whole new element of surprise and an entirely different aspect to the class. Focusing on the Phronesis aspect of Greek teachings brought in the social skills and emotional intelligence aspect of the class. This is definitely the part of the class where peoples maturity levels shown through and people literally started to love or hate each other. This is where the Metis or street smarts part of the class kicks in and deals are made and broken and cookies and muffins are exchanged to advance in the game in class and in life as well. Overall the class is a complete joy and Mr. Ellerman is a true badass and this little community college in the sticks is lucky to have him I would recommend this class to anybody. I hope he reads this before posting my final grade.

Eurasia National Anthem and Dance

 

 National Anthem

United States of Eurasia
NATIONAL ANTHEM

We are all the same
We are United in this game
The United States of Eurasia
We are strong and stand for equality
We stand for our Nations Future
and we stand for our freedom

We will live on through our sons and daughters
our future will be strong
our United Nation will tower over all
for we are The United States of Eurasia

NationState Game Reflection

 

The NationState game has been a fun and interactive way for learning. The one part I don't  like is the end game we have been playing the last two weeks. I have not found the point of it yet. In my opinion our nation (The United Sates of Eurasia) is doing very well. Our nation makes its decisions by collaborating amongst its top leaders(our group members). Every one has been happy with this method so far. Our nation does not to be more or less aggressive. Our strategy for dealing with other states is to have a small number of good alliances then be powerful enough to stand up to the ones we chose not to be allies with.We have modeled our nation after the US because we like the idea of a democracy. Eruasia is a great nation and I think we are all happy with how our group has turned out.