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.

Nation State Reflections

Upon reviewing and reflecting our nation state game I've come to see and feel that the game starts out with a certain amount of anticipatory excitement of endless ideas and possibilities and wars won and lost and have  realized that a class only held once a week isn't really allowing the time that the game needs in order to be played. When it comes down to it a great concept and idea just simply doesn't have the necessary time to work efficiently in the class. At this point the game has become a one man roll of the dice as to where the rest of the group is left with literally nothing to do. our group started aggressively and has become more passive. our strategy was one of pure retaliation if attacked then attack back and now with two classes left it feels like the game has already been completed and won and noones really sure who won. Great idea that just doesn't have the necessary time to live up to its full potential. Much like the original Pac Man it just needs time to develop into a truly great game.

importance of the constitution

So todays blog is going yo be about the importance of the constitution in this the land of The United States of Eurasia. apart from the obvious point of the constitution constituting things in our country. its important to follow the constitution because it lets us know everything about what we are aloud to do and what our rights are.

Our 'Nation's' Constitution

 

 

CONSTITUTION

Economic Stability

Good Foreign Relations

Strong Infrastructure

Strong Defense

Efficient use of Natural Resources

Strong National Treasure

Strong focus on TRUTH, LIBERTY, and JUSTICE

REASON WILL PREVAIL

Our countries laws are created by every leader, and enforced by the military and police forces spread throughout the nation.

Bill Of Rights



1. Freedom of Speech

2. Freedom of Religion

3. Freedom of Petition

4. Right to keep and bear arms

5. Right to a speedy trial

6. Right to witnesses

7. Excessive bail and cruel punishment

8. Right to own and bear a moose



 

Constitution

When our group created our Constitution and Bill of Rights we took many things into consideration.One of the first things we looked as was what will be important to our country. That is where we decided that freedom is one of the major things we wanted to focus on. We also wanted our country to be economically stable, have good foreign relations, and a strong national defense. We also looked at what basic right we felt every person should have. That is where we came up with our Bill of rights.

What Constitutes Us?

When you think of the Constitution or read the words that were so carefully chosen by our founding fathers it makes you ponder the ideologies of the time and realize how different everything was and will continue to be in every passing day,week,decade, or century. Change is the natural process of life as well as growth. Considering we physically and mentally change and grow daily you wonder how the Constitution as well as the Declaration of independence have remained so vital, profound, and highly prolific even to this day. Economic stability, strong foreign relations, and a strong infrastructure are necessity for all countries and nations. A countries Bill of Rights and amendments Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, freedom to petition have all spawned from basic human needs and rights for the safest and best possible existence and have allowed us to protest now without being lynched and when wrongfully accused of a crime to act on due process and fight for truth, justice and liberty. When it comes down to what truly constitutes us it seems to me that it is and always will be Freedom.

CONSTITUTION

Economic Stability

Good Foreign Relations

Strong Infrastructure

Strong Defense

Efficient use of Natural Resources

Strong National Treasure

Strong focus on TRUTH, LIBERTY, and JUSTICE

REASON WILL PREVAIL

Bill Of Rights



1. Freedom of Speech

2. Freedom of Religion

3. Freedom of Petition

4. Right to keep and bear arms

5. Right to a speedy trial

6. Right to witnesses

7. Excessive bail and cruel punishment

8. Right to own and bear a moose



Gun Policies

I am personally for the (responsible) carrying of firearms in public as long as the person wielding the weapon is trained and safe. As long as the person is of an age to understand exactly what they have, and how easy it is to even accidentally kill someone with a gun, has undergone intensive safety courses, and has obtained a license to own a gun and to carry a concealed weapon, I say they should be allowed to. Lethal force on the other hand should only be used in the most dire of situations. If you have a gun in your home and somebody tries to break in, as long as they have a weapon or are successfully about to get away with something of yours I say you should be able to shoot that person to injure, but not kill. I have the same views for public attacks as well. If there is no other way around using lethal force, then you have to do what you have to do, but the preservation of life should be the very highest priority.

Gun Policy

California probably has the strictest gun laws out of all 50 states. I work in a gun store so I am quite familiar with these laws and as you can guess I feel CA gun laws are too strict. While these laws were made to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people, I feel they don't do that. The people we should be worried about are not getting their guns through a gun store like most responsible gun owners do. They are buying them for people off the streets. I do agree with the laws that you have to pass a back ground check before purchasing a gun. This does help to eliminate any potential problems. I also agree that you must pass a safe handling test and written test to demonstrate you know how to properly use and handle a gun. With less and less police officers around to patrol cities I feel much safer knowing I don't have to rely on waiting for the cops to show up to protect me. I think more people should be prepared to protect themselves. I feel CA is too strict when it comes to distributing Concealed Carry Permits. Yes it is great that I can protect myself in my home but for me I don't spend much time at home. Most of the time I am out and about which would require me to have a Concealed Carry Permit to have my gun with me at all times. People who pursue their CCW Permits go through hours and hours of classroom and hands on training. By the end of their training they are highly proficient in safe gun handling and how to handle certain situations. But many people who go through these courses will be unable to get their permits because many counties refuse to issue them or extremely limit the quantity they give out. I feel much safe knowing that someone in the bank line next to me may be carrying concealed in the event of a hostile robbery. As far as when it is appropriate to use deadly force, I have to mostly agree with Ca Penal Code Sec. 197 which states the following:


197.  Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person in any of the following cases:
   1. When resisting any attempt to murder any person, or to commit a felony, or to do some great bodily injury upon any person; or,
   2. When committed in defense of habitation, property, or person, against one who manifestly intends or endeavors, by violence or surprise, to commit a felony, or against one who manifestly intends and endeavors, in a violent, riotous or tumultuous manner, to enter the habitation of another for the purpose of offering violence to any person therein; or,
   3. When committed in the lawful defense of such person, or of a wife or husband, parent, child, master, mistress, or servant of such person, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design to commit a felony or to do some great bodily injury, and imminent danger of such design being accomplished; but such person, or the person in whose behalf the defense was made, if he was the assailant or engaged in mutual combat, must really and in good faith have endeavored to decline any further struggle before the homicide was committed; or,
   4. When necessarily committed in attempting, by lawful ways and means, to apprehend any person for any felony committed, or in lawfully suppressing any riot, or in lawfully keeping and preserving the peace.
 
198.  A bare fear of the commission of any of the offenses mentioned in subdivisions 2 and 3 of Section 197, to prevent which homicide may be lawfully committed, is not sufficient to justify it.  But the circumstances must be sufficient to excite the fears of a reasonable person, and the party killing must have acted under the influence ofsuch fears alone.
 
198.5.  Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within his or her residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury to self, family, or a member of the household when that force is used against another person, not a member of the family orhousehold, who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred.
   As used in this section, great bodily injury means a significant or substantial physical injury

Firearms Policy

For me the idea of anyone allowed to legally carry firearms in any country seems like a bad one. I'm not an NRA member and never will be. I'm a pacifist and feel that firearms only belong in the hands of trained police officers and members of the military. I in no way support the second amendment and feel that there are no positive or safely regulated militias and that people should in no way have the right to carry and bear arms and that this law does need to infringed upon and abolished. The only policy that I would support regarding the second amendment would be for persons of the police or military force who are regulated and trained and held accountable for their actions. We need less guns, not more people are to incapable of handling the responsibility of privately owned firearms and more death than good comes from the second amendment. There are no excusable situations to use deadly force, it is just as easy to take down and diffuse someone or a situation and imprison them as it is to end them.

Midterm Reflection

I think our midterm turned out well.  Our group has worked together really well and we all have brought something to the table.  Everyone in our group has done everything they are assigned to, we don't have any slackers and we can count on eachother. 

Showing up: 8
Doing fare share of work: 8
Being on Time: 9
responding to emails and communicating: 9
handling a conflict: 9
being present in the group and not getting distracted: 9

I think five important rules for a successful group would be

Being punctual
Organized
Communicating well
everyone participating
sharing your ideas

Mid term reflection

I feel that our group does a very good job of working together. I am pretty happy with our group. I would not kick anyone out of our group. I would put my own participation at a 7. This is how I rate the following from 1-10

Showing up- 9
Doing your fair share-10
Being on time-7
Responding to email-7
Handling conflict-7
Being involved in the group-9

Rules:

Everyone must participate
No cell phones
Communicate
Help each other out

Midterm Reflection

The United States of Eurasia

I feel like our group works very well together. And i think we all do a pretty equal amount of work.i think we all do about a 6 or 7 on the work hard scale. and even if i could i wouldnt remove anyone from our group.and the following is my rating for how important these things are.

A. showing up- 8
B. doing your fare share- 9
C. being on time- 6
D. responding to emails and communicating- 7
E. handling a conflict- 8
F. being present in the group and not getting destracted- 7

five rules for an effective group
1. respect each other
2. respect the teacher
3. respect the class
4. work hard
5. enjoy the work

this is a link to an article about group dynamics

Mid-Term Reflections

I think our group did quite well on our class presentation, and as for my personal contribution, I would give myself an 8.5. I researched the laws applicable to graffiti, but I probably could have said a bit more during the presentation. Everyone contributed and did the work asked of them too. At this time I wouldn't want to remove anyone from the group (or add anyone either). The group's dynamics are working nicely. Workplace rules are semi-important to the group, but there haven't been any real issues in that area. Everyone in the group has been in class for the most part, gotten all the work in on time, communicate with each other, and work well with each other. Five rules that are important to having an effective group I think are:
Being punctual
Completing all designated work
Being organized
Being able to work through conflict
Being able to follow and give directions when needed