Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Introduction to Conservatism
Introduction to Conservatism
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the main principle of conservatism?
- A. Promoting radical change and innovation
- B. Preserving traditional values and institutions ✓
- C. Implementing policies focused on collectivism
- D. Encouraging governmental expansion into private sectors
Why: Conservatism emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional social structures, moral codes, and political systems.
Q2. Who is often associated with conservative thought in economics?
- A. John Maynard Keynes
- B. Adam Smith ✓
- C. Marx Marx
- D. E. F. Schumacher
Why: Conservatism in economic theory often aligns with the ideas of Adam Smith, who emphasized limited government intervention and free-market principles.
Q3. What does a conservative typically believe about environmental policy?
- A. They support unrestricted industrial development regardless of environmental impact.
- B. They advocate for strong government regulation to protect the environment.
- C. They are indifferent towards environmental issues and policies.
- D. They prioritize sustainable practices while balancing economic growth and environmental conservation. ✓
Why: Conservatives often advocate for a balanced approach that considers both economic development and environmental protection.
Q4. How does conservatism typically view the role of government in education?
- A. Government should have no involvement in education, leaving it solely to private sectors.
- B. The government should play an active role in controlling curriculum and standards.
- C. Education policies are best determined by local communities rather than centralized authorities. ✓
- D. Conservatives believe that the government should provide universal access to free college education.
Why: Conservatism often supports local control over educational systems, allowing community needs and preferences to guide educational practices.
Q5. What is a common conservative stance on foreign policy?
- A. Supporting unilateral military interventions as a global police force.
- B. Promoting multilateralism and international cooperation through organizations like the UN.
- C. Advocating for strict border controls to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
- D. Favoring strong national sovereignty with a preference for realism in diplomacy over idealistic interventions. ✓
Why: Conservatism often supports policies that emphasize national interests and a pragmatic approach to international relations.
Module 2
Module 2: Economics & Conservatism
Module 3
Module 3: Social Issues in Conservatism
Social Issues in Conservatism
Activities
Analyze
In this activity, students will explore and analyze the stance of conservative beliefs on LGBTQ+ rights issues, such as same-sex marriage or adoption by gay couples.
Build
Students will build a model illustrating traditional conservative values regarding family structures, emphasizing the nuclear family unit.
Communicate
This activity involves role-playing debates where students defend their stance on how conservatism addresses issues like social welfare programs and their impact on community support.
Discuss
A discussion question that prompts students to explore the conservative viewpoint on gun control, considering historical events and current debates.
Explore
Research activity that requires students to investigate the history behind conservative policies on social issues like poverty reduction or healthcare reform.
Knowledge check
Q1. Which of the following best describes a conservative stance on traditional family values?
- A. Supporting same-sex marriage as an alternative to heterosexual marriage
- B. Defending the institution of marriage being between one man and one woman
- C. Encouraging single-parent households as the ideal family structure
- D. Advocating for the elimination of gender roles in domestic settings
Why: Conservatives generally emphasize traditional values, which often includes supporting a heterosexual nuclear family as the cornerstone of society.
Q2. How do conservatives typically view economic policies?
- A. Believing in high taxes to support extensive government programs
- B. Favoring deregulation and minimal government involvement in businesses
- C. Supporting a robust welfare state with universal healthcare
- D. Promoting international trade agreements over domestic industries
Why: Conservatives often advocate for free-market capitalism, low taxes, and less government intervention in the economy.
Q3. What is a conservative's view on education?
- A. Believing that public schools should focus mainly on vocational training
- B. Supporting standardized testing as the primary measure of student performance
- C. Endorsing the concept of educational equality over merit-based opportunities
- D. Advocating for parental choice and school choice programs like vouchers or charter schools
Why: Conservatives often support more parental control, school choice, and a strong emphasis on academic excellence.
Q4. In terms of social issues, what does conservatism generally prioritize?
- A. Promoting radical changes to modernize society
- B. Focusing on maintaining traditional norms and moral values
- C. Supporting progressive movements that aim for rapid societal transformation
- D. Encouraging the dismantling of social institutions such as marriage and family
Why: Conservatives often prioritize preserving cultural traditions, maintaining social order, and upholding moral standards.
Q5. How do conservatives generally view immigration policies?
- A. Believing in open borders to allow free movement of people
- B. Supporting a strict border control with a focus on securing the nation's sovereignty
- C. Advocating for universal amnesty programs regardless of past actions
- D. Encouraging immigration policies that prioritize skilled labor over family reunification or humanitarian cases
Why: Conservatives often advocate for stringent immigration laws to protect national security and ensure the preservation of cultural values.
Module 4
Module 4: Conservatism and National Security
Conservatism and National Security
Module 5
Module 5: Cultural Conservatism
Cultural Conservatism
Activities
Analyze
Discuss how tradition plays a role in modern society and whether it should be preserved or discarded.
Build
Create your own statement on cultural conservatism that reflects the values of traditionalism and moral authority.
Communicate
Join a group discussion where you will debate with others on topics related to cultural conservatism.
Discuss
Discuss the impact of cultural conservatism on society, politics, and individual lives.
Explore
Research and present on the historical roots of conservatism, focusing particularly on cultural dimensions.
Module 6
Module 6: Conservative Political Movements and Organizations
Conservative Political Movements and Organizations
Activities
Analyze
In this activity, you will analyze the major conservative political movements throughout history. Discuss their core beliefs and how they have evolved over time.
Build
Create a policy portfolio that represents the principles of conservatism. Focus on areas like economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Communicate
Participate in a role-play where you represent both sides of a conservative issue. Discuss topics like tax cuts, social welfare programs, and foreign intervention.
Discuss
Examine the core values of conservatism through a discussion session. Topics may include individual liberty, property rights, and limited government.
Explore
Investigate the roles and impacts of contemporary conservative organizations such as The Heritage Foundation, The American Enterprise Institute, or Young Conservatives of Florida.
Module 7
Module 7: Comparative Analysis: Conservatism vs. Other Political Ideologies
Comparative Analysis: Conservatism vs. Other Political Ideologies
Activities
Analyze
Analyze the key principles of conservatism and compare them with those of liberalism, socialism, and feminism. Identify similarities and differences in their ideologies.
Build
Build a model or diagram illustrating how each political ideology (conservatism, liberalism, socialism, feminism) would address a specific social issue such as education reform or healthcare system.
Communicate
Participate in a roundtable discussion with peers on the reasons why individuals might support different political ideologies based on personal beliefs and societal impacts.
Discuss
Discuss the impact of historical events on the evolution of conservative thought compared to other political movements. Provide examples from various time periods.
Explore
Research and compile a list of contemporary leaders or thinkers associated with each of these ideologies (conservatism, liberalism, socialism, feminism), highlighting their main contributions and viewpoints.
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary goal of conservative political ideology?
- A. To promote radical social change
- B. To preserve traditional values and institutions ✓
- C. To prioritize environmental concerns over economic growth
- D. To encourage government intervention in personal freedoms
Why: Conservatism often seeks to maintain existing social, political, legal, and cultural structures.
Q2. How does conservatism typically view the role of government?
- A. As an active participant in every aspect of society
- B. As a limited entity that should not interfere with market forces ✓
- C. As responsible for providing extensive social welfare programs
- D. As necessary to enforce social equality and justice
Why: Conservatives often advocate for smaller government, less regulation, and a focus on individual responsibility.
Q3. In the context of conservatism, how is tradition viewed?
- A. As an outdated concept that should be discarded
- B. As essential to maintaining societal stability ✓
- C. As irrelevant to current political and social discourse
- D. As a flexible guideline open to frequent reinterpretation
Why: Tradition holds significant value for conservatives as it is seen as foundational to moral, cultural, and societal order.
Q4. What role does conservatism play in relation to economic policy?
- A. It advocates for high taxes on the wealthy to redistribute wealth
- B. It supports free market principles and limited government intervention ✓
- C. It seeks complete state control over industry and resources
- D. It promotes frequent changes in economic policies based on current crises
Why: Conservatism often emphasizes the benefits of capitalism, free trade, and private enterprise.
Q5. How does conservatism typically address issues related to individual freedom?
- A. By promoting unrestricted personal liberties regardless of social impact
- B. By supporting restrictions on personal freedoms for societal harmony
- C. Through advocating a complete overhaul of existing laws and regulations
- D. By balancing individual rights with the need to uphold traditional values ✓
Why: Conservatism often seeks to preserve established norms while acknowledging the importance of personal responsibility.