Assignments

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Exams

There will be three exams. Exam 1 will cover approximately the first quarter of the course, exam 2 will cover approximately the second quarter, and the final will cover the last half of the course. Each exam will consist of a set of terms. You will identify each term, discuss its significance, and discuss how we should respond to the idea. Each exam will be graded on a number scale (100 to 0). A study guide will be provided before each exam. Students absent on the examination days must provide a documented excuse (doctor’s note, etc.).

Class Participation

Thoughtful and reflective engagement in class discussion is an important part of this course. Reading American political news is required and you are expected to be prepared to offer your thoughts on the week’s news. You will also be expected to discuss the assigned reading and also to respond to the ideas of others. Students may be called on to discuss readings in class. Students will also participate as an advocate in a policy debate and in jurors for a number of debates.

Short Papers

Students will complete a number of short reflection papers on questions associated with the assigned reading.

Policy Analysis Paper

Each student will complete and hand in a formal essay that will make a compelling argument about a public policy proposal. Papers will be graded on both form and content. The paper will be graded on a letter scale (A+ to F). Grades for late papers will be reduced one third grade for each day late with a maximum of one full grade reduction. First drafts of papers will be due on a Tuesday in the week before each student’s policy debate. Final drafts will be due on the day of the policy debate.