Jefferson Cafe: The Declaration of Independence

Date: Wed, July 11th 2012
Additional Time Info: 12:00 pm
External Link: Event Website
Event Tags: Civic Events

 The Jefferson Café® 

The Declaration of Independence

Wednesday, July 11th 

 

The Jefferson Café® is both an event and a concept. It's a grassroots discussion circle, focusing on topics in American life and the role of the United States in the global community. While the pre-registered participants agree to do a brief pre-Café reading, the Café is not a book club; nor is there a lecture or presentation. Instead, each Café is a locus for a conversation about ideas. The discussion format is Socratic, based on asking and exploring questions rather than finding definitive answers or reaching consensus. 

This month, in honor of July 4th, we'll read and discuss The Declaration of Independence. Parts of this document are familiar to people around the world, but the Declaration has a lot to say to us today beyond its thrilling opening statement. 

Here are some questions we will consider: Why did the founders believe that such a statement was needed?  What foundational ideas did it express for them, and how does it resonate for us today? How does the text that was signed, sealed, and issued to the world differ from the original document that Jefferson wrote? 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 12:00 Noon 

WHERE: Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Plaza, Downtown Silver Spring 

CONTACT & RSVP to receive reading assignments:  Dr. Francine Jamin at francine.jamin@montgomerycollege.edu

240.567.1385.