English Class Rocks!

I am reluctant to post another question about The Prince as I recently discovered that one student plagarized all three of their responses with help from Spark Notes.  (Don’t ask me who it is, I’m not going to tell you.)

So here is your question: What do you think I should do about this and what would Machiavelli tell me?

Though it is anyone’s guess how many people have actually read The Prince, Machiavelli has entered our language – according The American Heritage Dictionay, Machiavellian means “suggestive of or characterized by expediency, deceit and cunning” and carries a very negative connotation. Does Machiavelli deserve the negative connotation attached to his name?  Why or why not?

Should a leader be above the rules or should they be expected to adhere to the same laws their citizens obey?  (Again – when answering this question please give me your thoughts and what Machiavelli would say.)

Which is more important for a nation – stability or ethics?  Why?  In answering this questions, please give me what you think and what Machiavelli would say.

Welcome to Masterpieces of the Renaissance!

     As we go through the semester, we will be using this blog to continue to discuss some of the big ideas that surface during our class discussions as well as using it to take a look at some ideas we will not get to during class time.

    Your participation in this blog will count towards your class participation grade.  A new question will be posted every Thursday and you will have 1 week to comment on the question.  You can (and should) be reading the comments posted by your classmates as well.