Final Exam - Tuesday, 12/18

Your final exam will be given in-class on December 18. You will have the full class period to write your exam; that means 80 minutes, or approximately 40 min. per question. The exam will consist of two essay questions. You will be randomly assigned two of the following four questions:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary and presidential systems of government? Which do you think is a better system?
2. How do different electoral systems affect political parties?
3. In what ways are interest groups and social movements similar? In what ways do they differ? Which of the two is more effective?
4. Why do countries go to war? How can they avoid war?

As a reminder, I look for two things in your answers. First is coherence; make sure you answer the question, and present a coherent, organized answer to it. It helps if you include an introductory paragraph that lays out your thesis and explains what will follow. A concluding paragraph that restates the thesis is also helpful.

The second thing I look for is completeness. This does not mean to spit out everything you know about a subject; instead, include everything you can that is relevant to the question asked. Examples are helpful, but not required.

Finally, please remember that there is no single right answer to these questions; your solution can be different from mine, as long as you provide evidence and argumentation.

Please note that you are allowed to bring ONE 3x5" index card to the exam. You can write whatever you would like on this card, on either side, using however small a font as you'd like - WITHIN REASON. Do NOT try to use 5-pt font to squeeze in every possible word you can; do NOT simply try to write out your essay, and then copy it into your exam book. You will have to submit your card with your exam, and I will not give credit for answers that are chiefly copied off of your card. I'm trying to give you the tools to succeed in this exam; please do not abuse my generosity.

One final note that is already in the syllabus: if you fail to show up for the exam, and are unable to produce a valid excuse WITH DOCUMENTATION, you will fail the exam.

Good luck!

Research Paper/Letter Due Thursday, 12/13

There is no assignment for Thursday; we will review for the exam, which is next week. However, please note that research papers are due on Thursday.

No Assignment for Thursday, 12/6

There is no assignment for Thursdsay; instead, we will watch most of the film, "Why We Fight," a documentary about America and war. We'll finish up the film the following Tuesday and discuss it then.

Assignment for Tuesday, 12/4

For next Tuesday, read Shively's Chapter 18, "Global Politics." Feel free to summarize. (In fact, this may be your last chance for a summary.)

Assignment for Thursday, 11/29

For Thursday, read Shively's Chapter 13, "Social Movements." Feel free to summarize.

As a reminder, the optional first draft for the Letter/Research Paper is due on Thursday as well. I strongly recommend that you submit a draft, although it is not required.

Assignment for Tuesday, 11/27

For the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, please read Shively's Chapter 12 on Interest Groups. Enjoy your holiday.

Assignment for Tuesday, 11/20

For Tuesday, read Shively's Chapter 11, "Parties." Feel free to summarize. (Many of you are running out of time to make your required seven!)