<p> August 23, 2017</p><p>Dear Parent / Guardian:</p><p>As part of the American Political System curriculum this year, we are currently studying Plato’s The Republic. This fulfills the requirement for the Grade 12 California Content Standards for Social Science. Section 12.1 of the Content Standards calls for students to explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy. Subsection 12.1.1 requires students to examine the influence of the ancient Greek political thinkers on the development of American government. </p><p>The class will be viewing, on August 29–30, 2017, a movie entitled The Matrix, which is rated R for sci-fi violence and language. I feel this is a valuable educational experience for students because The Matrix is a modern-day depiction of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, in which the authorities keep the citizens’ minds imprisoned in a false reality. Therefore, the citizens’ rights are compromised and the authorities are not accountable for their actions. Plato wrote the Allegory of the Cave to emphasize the principle that it is a citizen’s duty to seek the truth and participate in government. Therefore, democracy is the best form of government. The students will be required to write a paper in which they compare Plato’s philosophy to the philosophy behind The Matrix.</p><p>The movie will be available for you to preview before the class views it.</p><p>If you do not wish your student to participate in this activity, there will be an alternate instructional activity and he/she will not be penalized.</p><p>Please sign, date and return this form</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Rich Bradley (805) 498-3676, ext. 1412 [email protected] </p><p>___YES______may view the movie entitled The Matrix Print Name of Student ___NO______should not view the movie entitled The Matrix, and should be given the PrintName of Student alternate assignment. </p><p>Parent Signature______Date______</p>