Splash Biography

Gay marriage. Abortion. Terrorism. Affirmative Action. Immigration. Our social and political environment is fraught with tough questions on politics, morality, economics and civil rights. What are the Tough Topics that exist today, and how do we address them? How are these Tough Topics addressed, and is there room for reason among extremism? Students should leave their preconceived notions at the door and be prepared to engage in open, honest and fair discussions on a variety of different issues. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Our goal is not to settle a debate, but understand the fundamental issues confronted by Tough Topics in wealth, power, civil society, economics, politics and religions.

What are some of the freedoms we possess? What are the limits to that freedom? We will be discussing how and when we exercise our freedoms, including the freedom to vote, organize and form political parties, lobby lawmakers, freedom of speech and religion, capitalism and free markets. We will look at the origin of freedom and discuss whether "freedom" is really free. Finally, we will be discussing parts of our society that may be considered less than free, and why that is the case.