A program content exclusive and uniquelly designed for Project Arizona. 

Education is a very important part of Project Arizona. We want students to better understand the history of the place (United States of America) and learn the mechanisms of free market economy that made it prosperous. In Project Arizona, we have four courses, which will be given twice a week. Please, click on courses, to read more.

United States Constitution Structure and Interpretation

Justice Clint Bolick serves on the Arizona Supreme Court. He was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey on January 6, 2016.Previously, he was the] Vice President for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute. Before joining the Goldwater Institute in 2007, Bolick was co-founder of the Institute for Justice and later served as president of the Alliance for School Choice. Bolick has authored several books, most recently Death Grip: Loosening the Law’s Stranglehold Over Economic Liberty (2011) and David’s Hammer: The Case for an Activist Judiciary (2007). Bolick teaches Constitutional Law as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University School of Law and serves as a research fellow with the Hoover Institution.

Part 1: Structure of the Constitution

  1. Introduction to the U.S. Constitution: Discuss the ratification of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the formation of the world’s first republican form of government.
  2. Separation of Powers: Address the structure of the constitution and the division of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
  3. Federalism: Why do we have state constitutions and a federal constitution? How do they govern concurrently, and what happens if there is a dispute in governance, i.e., which governing law controls?
  4. Administrative State: What is the American administrative state, and what constitutional provision gives it power?

Part 2: Power of Constitutional Interpretation

  1. Judicial Review, Supremacy, and Interpretation: The federal constitution is the supreme law of the land, and federal courts must perform a judicial review and interpret its meaning.
  2. Individual Rights Part I–First Amendment: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, religion, and government petition. Discover how courts have interpreted the First Amendment to broadly protect the expression of ideas and political discourse.
  3. Individual Rights Part II–Reconstruction Amendments: Discuss the “Second Founding” and the early interpretations and enforcement of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.
  4. Individual Rights Part III–Modern Interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment: Overview of the modern interpretation of the Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process clauses. Discuss how this modern interpretation has bolstered judicial law-making by the Supreme Court, e.g., Obergefell, Bostock, Roe v. Wade.
  5. Arizona’s Constitution: The Arizona Constitution serves as the state’s foundational law and acts as a “ceiling” for individual rights. Discuss the founding of the Arizona Constitution.
  6. Individual Rights – Arizona Constitution: Discuss key rights enumerated in the Arizona Constitution that are absent in the United States Constitution.

Foundations of American Political Thought

Matthijs Tieleman is a historian and a postdoctoral researcher. In 2021, he received his Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also holds an MSc in American history from the University of Edinburgh (2014) and a BA in history from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2013). He is currently working on a book manuscript that examines the transatlantic connections between the revolutionary Patriot movements in North America, Ireland, and the Netherlands during the mid to late eighteenth century.

Over the years, Matthijs’s research has attracted support from various institutions, including the American Historical Association, the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, the American Philosophical Society, the Huntington Library, and the Omohundro Institute. His award-winning writings have appeared in academic publications as well as American and Dutch national media, including The Washington Post and the History News Network.

 

Part 1: The Beginnings: Colonial America

  1. The Founding of British North America
  2. The English Constitution
  3. Enlightenment and Awakening

Part 2: American Revolution

  1. The Road to Revolution
  2. The Declaration of Independence
  3. The American Revolutionary War

Part 3: The US Constitution

  1. The Articles of Confederation
  2. The Constitutional Convention
  3. Checks and Balances

Part 4: The Ratification Debates

  1. Madison and the Federalists
  2. Brutus and the Anti-Federalists
  3. The Bill of Rights

Part 5: The Early National Period

  1. The Market Revolution
  2. Jacksonian Democracy
  3. The Politics of Slavery

Part 6: The Union Divides

  1. The American Civil War
  2. The Gettysburg Address
  3. Lincoln’s Second Inaugural

Part 7: America Transformed

  1. The Industrial Revolution
  2. The Progressive Movement
  3. The New Deal

Part 8: America as Global Superpower

  1. The Cold War
  2. Culture Wars;
  3. America Divided;

Civic Journalism

Alexey Gorbachev serves as an investigative reporter and anchor for the TV show “Why It Matters?” produced by Voice of America, the largest international broadcaster of the United States. His primary expertise lies in dissecting Russian propaganda, highlighting the atrocities committed during the invasion of Ukraine, unveiling Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns, and exposing violations of human rights and press freedom.

Currently located in Washington, D.C., he made a pivotal move in 2019 after successfully completing his graduate study program at the esteemed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Gorbachev’s journalism journey began in 2009 when he personally witnessed the unsettling reality of electoral fraud during the Moscow City Parliament elections. From 2011 to 2018, he worked as a political correspondent in Moscow, covering crucial topics including election fraud, rallies of the Russian opposition movement, human rights violations, suppression of freedom of speech, and persecution of political activists.

Before joining Voice of America, Alexey Gorbachev actively participated in the EU-Russia civil forum and made valuable contributions to the program at the European Solidarity Center in Gdansk, Poland. He is a graduate of the Moscow School of Civic Education, a significant institution promoting democratic values.

Monday, November 6: AI and Internet Tools in Journalism

  • Exploring the Complexities of AI and Internet Tools in Journalism
    • Discussion on the multifaceted dynamics surrounding the utilization of AI and Internet tools in the field of journalism.
  • Workshop: Detecting Deep Fakes and Identifying AI-Generated Content
    • Learn techniques for recognizing deep fakes and identifying AI-generated images and stories.
  • Fact-Checking and Combating Misinformation Online
    • Strategies and methods for fact-checking and combating misinformation in the digital space.
  • Fellows’ Assignment
    • Produce a presentation on the media landscape in your respective countries.
    • Due on Friday.

Tuesday, November 7: Combating Kremlin Propaganda Workshop

  • Assessing the Impact of Anti-Ukrainian and Pro-Kremlin Propaganda in Europe
    • A critical examination of the effectiveness of anti-Ukrainian and pro-Kremlin propaganda in Europe.
  • Case Study: The Balkans
    • In-depth analysis of propaganda in the Balkan region.
  • Guest Speaker: Expert on Disinformation
    • Alma Telibecervic, ASU, will share insights and expertise on disinformation.
  • Interactive Q&A Session
    • Engage with students in a discussion on propaganda in their respective countries and how they can support independent journalism as future leaders.

Thursday, November 9: Investigative Reporting Workshop

  • Exploring Outstanding Investigations on the Ukraine War
    • Showcase exemplary investigative reports on the war in Ukraine from Russian, European, and American media outlets.
  • The Evolution of Civic Journalism in Russia During Putin’s Second Decade
    • Examine the rise and fall of civic journalism in Russia.
  • Narrative Techniques in Journalism
    • Discuss various methods used by journalists to effectively narrate stories.
  • Guest Speaker: Investigative Journalist
    • Isaac Windes, an American journalist, will provide insights and engage in a Q&A session.
  • American Investigative Reporting Techniques
    • Explore techniques for conducting thorough investigations, protecting sources, and ensuring safety while reporting.
  • Niche American Media Focus on Investigative Reporting

Friday, November 10: Growing Polarization in American Media and Fellows’ Presentations

  • Presentations on Media Landscape in Fellows’ Home Countries
    • Fellows will present an overview of the media landscape in their respective countries.
  • Report on the Growing Polarization of American Media
    • An overview of the polarization within American media, including left-leaning and right-leaning news sources.
  • Guest Speaker: Craig Allen, Professor, ASU
    • Engage in a discussion with Craig Allen, a professor at ASU.
  • Interactive Q&A Session and Discussion. Key takeaways from the course. 

Free Market Economics

Krystal Slivinski is an assistant professor of economics at Grand Canyon University. Before teaching economics, Krystal lobbied the Arizona Legislature to improve tax, budget and regulatory policies,  and trained K-12 teachers to teach economics with the Arizona Council on Economic Education. Prior to moving to Arizona, Krystal spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C. working in think tanks and the public policy world.

Part 1: The Economic Way of Thinking

  1. People make choices (scarcity and opportunity cost)
  2. Incentives matter
  3. Self-interest and Adam Smith

Part 2: How Trade Creates Wealth

  1. Trading game
  2. Tag check activity
  3. Specialization and division of labor

Part 3: The Free Market System: Prices

  1. How supply and demand work (simplified)
  2. What prices know that you don’t (Hayek’s influence)
  3. Why minimum wage doesn’t make sense

Part 4: The Free Market System: Profits

  1. Profits and losses are signals
  2. How to measure and encourage entrepreneurship
  3. Creative destruction

Part 5: Property Rights and Rule of Law.

  1. Economic Institutions
  2. Transparency and predictability in-laws
  3. Accountability of government/corruption

Part 6: Public Choice Theory.

  1. Voting myths
  2. Median voter hypothesis
  3. Incentives that politicians and bureaucrats face

Part 7: Failed Solutions to Poverty around the Globe.

  1. Foreign aid game
  2. Missions and volunteers (article)
  3. Types of failed economic systems

Part 8: The Morality of Capitalism

  1. Self-ownership and responsibility
  2. Capitalism affirms dignity to the poor
  3. Myth of the virtuous poor

Comparative Ideology

Tom Jenney lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born in Tucson, where he graduated from University High School.  He earned an associate degree from the New Mexico Military Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Georgetown University. In Washington, DC, and Arizona, Jenney has worked as a think tanker, fundraiser, grassroots organizer, and lobbyist. You probably know him best as the state director of Americans for Prosperity from 2007 to 2017. He has taught Government, Economics, and Spanish to high schoolers and has served as a bookkeeper and treasurer for several nonprofit organizations. He currently works as the executive director of the McClelland Irish Library in Phoenix and has recently published a collection of short stories titled American Futures. He has served as a deacon and an elder at his church. He is happily married and is the adoring father of two children.  In his free time, he backpacks, goes bouldering, and shoots a lot of sporting clays targets.

Class 1:  Different Strokes for Different Folks

The Pipeline of Social Change  (Hayek/Fink)

Haidt, Moral Foundations Theory, The Righteous Mind

Kling, The Three Languages of Politics

Thoughts on Myers-Briggs

Intro to 14 ideologies in Jenney, American Futures

Class 2:  Libertarians

Suggested stories from American Futures:

“Slouching Toward Leviathan”  (Individualist Libertarianism, Vol 2)

“Ass-Kickers”  (Paleo-Libertarianism, Vol 3)

“Tapping Out?”  (Market Anarchism, Vol 3)

Class 3:  Conservatives

Suggested stories from American Futures:

“Tungsten”  (Neo-Conservatism, Vol 2)

“Weight and Balance”  (Nationalist Conservatism, Vol 2)

“The Wah”  (Paleo-Conservatism, Vol 2)

Class 4:  Progressives and Socialists

“Rules for Radicals”  (Progressive Social Democracy, Vol 1)

“The Unfinished Struggle”  (Democratic Socialism, Vol 1)

“Justice, Mercy, Humility”  (Democratic Socialism, Vol 1)

Class 5:  Left-Liberals and Centrists

“Rigged”  (Centrism, Vol 1)

“Conduct Unbecoming”  (Left-Liberalism, Vol 1)

“Noncompliant”  (Left-Liberalism, Vol 1)

Public Speaking Masterclass

Kevin Flanagan has over 13 years of experience delivering compelling speeches at conferences, academic symposiums, protests and festivals, hosting radio, teaching courses and retreats, and even a little stand-up comedy. He  is a seasoned public speaker, and passionate educator with an eclectic background in leadership training and development. Kevin has spoken on stage to diverse audiences across four continents of the world. His programs have impacted 1000s of global leaders.

1. Public Speaking Essentials
2. Rhetoric and the Tools of Persuasion
3. Storytelling 101
4. Advanced Public Speaking

“

When I’m writing this words, yesterday we had a meeting with Jon Chisholm- Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and the most important thing- business mentor who wrote an excellent book „Unleash your inner company” which I’m reading at the moment. One of my goal, when arriving to Arizona, was to learn aspect of an entrepreneurship that I asked, but I desire to learn to start my own company right now. Yesterday classes gave me such a new perspective and I’m very grateful that I could meet personally such an interesting and successful character and ask him few personal questions that will guide me to become an entrepreneur.

Tomasz Bethke, PolandProject Arizona 2022
“

it’s Katya speaking (PA alumna 2020). I want to thank the entire Project Arizona team for evacuating me from my homeland – Ukraine this year, 2022. Now I am in a safe place among a team of international freedom fighters and can work interruptedly for the best of Ukraine. Thank you so much for supporting such an important initiative as Project Arizona. Now I can truly confirm that this project not only transforms but also saves lives. Let’s stay in touch.

Kate Shapovalenko, UkraineProject Arizona 2020
“

Project Arizona is a unique experience; it is a program that any freedom loving activist should want to do at least once in a lifetime. Arizona is a really wonderful place where individual liberty reigns all across the state, so it has a lot to teach to liberty minded activists that want to see freedom reigning in their homelands as well. Project Arizona perfectly catches all those lessons provided by the State of the Grand Canyon and condenses them in a magical semester full of adventures, education and challenges. These experiences will make you into the leader that freedom needs to win the battle of ideas.

Jorge Galicia, VenezuelaProject Arizona 2019
“

When talking about liberty, I often get asked: "Could you give an example of a society living by the principles you are preaching?" It is only natural to seek examples of ideas working in the real world, yet those examples aren't always easy to provide. However, having spent three months in Arizona, I believe that now I can talk about having experienced a truly free society. From the kindness, openness and generosity of Arizonian people, I could see and feel how freedom not only gave them wealth, but also shaped their characters. My most important takeout from the Project Arizona is this — the very experience of all the moral values and virtues that the free society allows to flourish.

Krzysztof Moszyński, PolandProject Arizona 2019
“

At first I was surprised of an idea that I need to raise funds to participate – in Europe you are used to have everything free of charge. But I found out that it is better than a lot of eductional programs that are free. And in terms of ideological shift I think this made more impact on my underlying philosophies and changes my way of viewing the world than anything else

Michal Maljak, CroatiaProject Arizona 2018
“

Being a very influential person, I feel like Project Arizona contributes a lot to my life. It did not need to change my views completely, but it has definitely deepened my understanding of a free markets and ideas of liberty. I am convinced now that I will be working in this area in future. The Project also showed me the US from its best side with all well organized trips and activities. I can say that it was one of the best and the most influential experiences in my life!"

Anastasia Mykolenko, UkraineProject Arizona 2018
“

Project Arizona is the biggest adventure of my whole life. Wonderful people, beautiful places, a big collection of memories and new opportunities. Thanks to PA I I am much more open minded. Recently I received a scholarship to attend conference FEECon in Atlanta. It was tremendous! The lectures and panels were so interesting that i did not know what to choose. I am also going to attend Liberty International World Summit in Krakow in August. My life is all about liberty now!"

Karolina Kowacka, PolandProject Arizona 2018
“

Now I am in Georgia, back to previous life, working, studying, spending time with my friends and enjoying my present. At first sight things did not change dramatically in my life and surroundings, but it is not true. I am a better version of myself, I found new me thanks to project Arizona. This is the honest answer to the question why you guys have to try project Arizona once in your life. Definitely, it is worth to do!

Nutsa Mzhavanadze, GeorgiaProject Arizona 2017
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