Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 2024
Mandated under Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, the decennial census deter... more Mandated under Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, the decennial census determines the distribution of power and resources based upon population counts. College students are a hard-to-count population with limited knowledge about why the census matters and how to complete it. Politics and the global health pandemic made the 2020 Census exceptionally challenging. A university's center for civic engagement and students in a political science class collaborated with local, state, and national partners to develop and implement a campuswide 2020 Census Education and Engagement Program. Assessments of 2020 Census knowledge were administered to almost 2,000 students on a required university-wide Assessment Day. Subsequent data collection indicated knowledge about the 2020 Census is malleable, as evidenced by sizable gains over time as well as a positive relationship between census completion and participation in the 2020 Census Education and Engagement Program.
This resource can be used to facilitate conversations about how social identities provide a lens ... more This resource can be used to facilitate conversations about how social identities provide a lens to understand who we are and how they impact our political actions.
Election administration plays a central role in ensuring the legitimacy of the electoral process ... more Election administration plays a central role in ensuring the legitimacy of the electoral process and outcomes. Subverting faith and trust in elections undermines the foundations of democracy. Research has shown that technical improvements to electoral administration can improve voter perceptions of elections being fair, but that there are limits to what election administration reforms alone can achieve (Bowler et. al 2015). As we prepare for the 2024 elections and increasingly contested elections and election outcomes, one approach to addressing perceptions of legitimacy and trust is to incorporate election administration into civic learning curriculum and campus-wide initiatives. Furthermore, engaging young people in election administration can serve as an opportunity for developing civic agency and promoting increased informed participation in elections.
2024 is shaping to be yet another divisive presidential election year. Elections can raise many e... more 2024 is shaping to be yet another divisive presidential election year. Elections can raise many emotions and we know they can affect learning. There are a range of strategies that can be pursued, from providing emotional support to individuals to connecting and engaging in constructive and mutually reciprocal experiential activities in local communities. This guide focuses on supporting individuals to engage in constructive conversations around the 2024 Elections, regardless of the outcomes. It includes some considerations, ideas, tips, and resources for doing so.
Our Equity Initiative seed grant was used for micro-grants to community organizations and initiat... more Our Equity Initiative seed grant was used for micro-grants to community organizations and initiatives. Micro-grants are small budgets of money awarded via grant applications and may help small organizations and individuals increase capacity by providing resources to help alleviate barriers to and increase civic, political and community engagement. Benefits also include leadership opportunities for community organizations and initiatives, including through creating and implementing programs. As part of the micro-granting process, we interviewed and observed the work of grantees and members of their organizations and we interviewed other members of the broader Charlottesville community to learn how the community defines the problems related to democratic practices and processes at the University of Virginia and in Charlottesville, and how policymakers and the University might authentically engage with and address the needs of traditionally underserved and marginalized communities. Communitybased initiatives that received micro-grants included: a documentary on recent Black History in Charlottesville; an ex-offender network resource organization; a student-designed and studentled summer leadership training for black youth in middle school; an organization working to destigmatize mental health services in communities of color; and an organization working to address the needs of immigrant communities.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections , 2021
There are thousands of different ways to cast and count votes. Voting systems, also called Electo... more There are thousands of different ways to cast and count votes. Voting systems, also called Electoral Systems, are the most important institution decision in a democracy because they determine how winners are decided, how individuals and communities express political preferences, the role of political parties, how campaigns are fought, how and which issues get addressed, and who governs. How voting systems are structured has a far-reaching impact, determining how individuals and communities are represented (or not), which policies get attention (or not) and which segment(s) of the population reap the benefits of those policies.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections, 2021
News media production and consumption has changed dramatically with the rise and spread of digita... more News media production and consumption has changed dramatically with the rise and spread of digital and social media. News media include print sources, movies, TV, radio, and digital-native news outlets, which are news publishers originally found on the web. In addition to using social media, news outlets employ many options for reaching their consumers, including applications, newsletters, podcasts and aggregation platforms like Apple News or Flipboard. Social Media are websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections
Absentee voting generally refers to the process of casting a ballot at a location other than a vo... more Absentee voting generally refers to the process of casting a ballot at a location other than a voting station on Election Day. As each state has its own election procedures and laws, absentee voting policies vary from state to state. According to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, there are two general types of absentee voting policies: (1) "restrictive" absentee voting, whereby an applicant must state one of a number of listed reasons in order to vote by absentee ballot, and (2) "liberal" absentee voting, also known as "no fault" or "no excuse" absentee voting, whereby an applicant need not state any reason in order to vote by absentee ballot. In restrictive absentee states, the accepted reasons for receiving an absentee ballot vary, but they may include the following: age, illness, physical disability or handicap, service as an election officer or volunteer, out-of-town travel, religious holiday conflict, military service, and/or being a college or university student temporarily living away from home. Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 (UOCAVA), all states must "permit absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in general, special, primary, and runoff elections for Federal office." Absentee ballots are obtained by contacting one's local county or city election official. Depending on the state, election officials may be the county clerk, county auditor, county registrar or supervisor of elections, or the local board of elections.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections, 2021
The 26th Amendment was the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expand... more The 26th Amendment was the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expanding constitutional protection for voting rights. Despite having been afforded the right to vote 50 years ago, the participation rates of young people (often referring to 18-29 year-olds) traditionally lags behind older cohorts. The United States Elections Project finds that this has been the case in every midterm and general elections since at least 1986.
Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 2024
Mandated under Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, the decennial census deter... more Mandated under Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, the decennial census determines the distribution of power and resources based upon population counts. College students are a hard-to-count population with limited knowledge about why the census matters and how to complete it. Politics and the global health pandemic made the 2020 Census exceptionally challenging. A university's center for civic engagement and students in a political science class collaborated with local, state, and national partners to develop and implement a campuswide 2020 Census Education and Engagement Program. Assessments of 2020 Census knowledge were administered to almost 2,000 students on a required university-wide Assessment Day. Subsequent data collection indicated knowledge about the 2020 Census is malleable, as evidenced by sizable gains over time as well as a positive relationship between census completion and participation in the 2020 Census Education and Engagement Program.
This resource can be used to facilitate conversations about how social identities provide a lens ... more This resource can be used to facilitate conversations about how social identities provide a lens to understand who we are and how they impact our political actions.
Election administration plays a central role in ensuring the legitimacy of the electoral process ... more Election administration plays a central role in ensuring the legitimacy of the electoral process and outcomes. Subverting faith and trust in elections undermines the foundations of democracy. Research has shown that technical improvements to electoral administration can improve voter perceptions of elections being fair, but that there are limits to what election administration reforms alone can achieve (Bowler et. al 2015). As we prepare for the 2024 elections and increasingly contested elections and election outcomes, one approach to addressing perceptions of legitimacy and trust is to incorporate election administration into civic learning curriculum and campus-wide initiatives. Furthermore, engaging young people in election administration can serve as an opportunity for developing civic agency and promoting increased informed participation in elections.
2024 is shaping to be yet another divisive presidential election year. Elections can raise many e... more 2024 is shaping to be yet another divisive presidential election year. Elections can raise many emotions and we know they can affect learning. There are a range of strategies that can be pursued, from providing emotional support to individuals to connecting and engaging in constructive and mutually reciprocal experiential activities in local communities. This guide focuses on supporting individuals to engage in constructive conversations around the 2024 Elections, regardless of the outcomes. It includes some considerations, ideas, tips, and resources for doing so.
Our Equity Initiative seed grant was used for micro-grants to community organizations and initiat... more Our Equity Initiative seed grant was used for micro-grants to community organizations and initiatives. Micro-grants are small budgets of money awarded via grant applications and may help small organizations and individuals increase capacity by providing resources to help alleviate barriers to and increase civic, political and community engagement. Benefits also include leadership opportunities for community organizations and initiatives, including through creating and implementing programs. As part of the micro-granting process, we interviewed and observed the work of grantees and members of their organizations and we interviewed other members of the broader Charlottesville community to learn how the community defines the problems related to democratic practices and processes at the University of Virginia and in Charlottesville, and how policymakers and the University might authentically engage with and address the needs of traditionally underserved and marginalized communities. Communitybased initiatives that received micro-grants included: a documentary on recent Black History in Charlottesville; an ex-offender network resource organization; a student-designed and studentled summer leadership training for black youth in middle school; an organization working to destigmatize mental health services in communities of color; and an organization working to address the needs of immigrant communities.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections , 2021
There are thousands of different ways to cast and count votes. Voting systems, also called Electo... more There are thousands of different ways to cast and count votes. Voting systems, also called Electoral Systems, are the most important institution decision in a democracy because they determine how winners are decided, how individuals and communities express political preferences, the role of political parties, how campaigns are fought, how and which issues get addressed, and who governs. How voting systems are structured has a far-reaching impact, determining how individuals and communities are represented (or not), which policies get attention (or not) and which segment(s) of the population reap the benefits of those policies.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections, 2021
News media production and consumption has changed dramatically with the rise and spread of digita... more News media production and consumption has changed dramatically with the rise and spread of digital and social media. News media include print sources, movies, TV, radio, and digital-native news outlets, which are news publishers originally found on the web. In addition to using social media, news outlets employ many options for reaching their consumers, including applications, newsletters, podcasts and aggregation platforms like Apple News or Flipboard. Social Media are websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections
Absentee voting generally refers to the process of casting a ballot at a location other than a vo... more Absentee voting generally refers to the process of casting a ballot at a location other than a voting station on Election Day. As each state has its own election procedures and laws, absentee voting policies vary from state to state. According to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, there are two general types of absentee voting policies: (1) "restrictive" absentee voting, whereby an applicant must state one of a number of listed reasons in order to vote by absentee ballot, and (2) "liberal" absentee voting, also known as "no fault" or "no excuse" absentee voting, whereby an applicant need not state any reason in order to vote by absentee ballot. In restrictive absentee states, the accepted reasons for receiving an absentee ballot vary, but they may include the following: age, illness, physical disability or handicap, service as an election officer or volunteer, out-of-town travel, religious holiday conflict, military service, and/or being a college or university student temporarily living away from home. Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 (UOCAVA), all states must "permit absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in general, special, primary, and runoff elections for Federal office." Absentee ballots are obtained by contacting one's local county or city election official. Depending on the state, election officials may be the county clerk, county auditor, county registrar or supervisor of elections, or the local board of elections.
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections, 2021
The 26th Amendment was the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expand... more The 26th Amendment was the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expanding constitutional protection for voting rights. Despite having been afforded the right to vote 50 years ago, the participation rates of young people (often referring to 18-29 year-olds) traditionally lags behind older cohorts. The United States Elections Project finds that this has been the case in every midterm and general elections since at least 1986.
“Democracy Counts” is an education initiative that applies an interdisciplinary approach to addre... more “Democracy Counts” is an education initiative that applies an interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex challenges facing our society and democracy. To do this, student teams will: communicate with a variety of experts and stakeholders at the local, state and national level; gather and analyze a variety of data; design, plan and implement solutions; and refine their knowledge and skills through collaboration and problem-solving.
The course will examine complex issues and challenges for the 2020 Census, which is the foundation for American political and economic systems. Teams of students will develop and implement solutions around: identifying and combatting misinformation, disinformation and propaganda online; providing equitable access to complete the Census on campus and in the surrounding communities; educating on the importance of the Census, and why it matters; and mobilizing “Get Out The Count” initiatives in hard-to-count populations in March and April of 2020.
The course will draw on expertise from a variety of disciplines, including computer science, political science, media arts and design, technical communication, marketing and psychology. Theoretical and empirical scholarship will be required and made available in modules on Canvas. You may also need to attend JMU Libraries MADLAB workshops outside of the course to master media literacy and fluency for the creation of multimedia and digital products (https://www.lib.jmu.edu/workshops/madlab/).
The course will examine and address complex issues and challenges for the 2020 elections, includi... more The course will examine and address complex issues and challenges for the 2020 elections, including: how the presidential nominating process and Electoral College structure the game; and the impact and role of political parties, superPACs, interest groups and the media, with a special focus on the increasing role of social media. We will also examine the role and impact of campaign strategy, tactics and operations, polling, campaign finance, presidential debates, and the importance of who turns out and why.
Teams of students will develop and implement solutions around: educating about the importance of voting for democratic self-governance; ensuring ballot access and voting rights, especially for traditionally marginalized and underserved communities; and mobilizing “Get Out The Vote” initiatives on campus and in surrounding communities for full participation in the 2020 Elections.
While much media attention and political science scholarship focuses on national politics, a larg... more While much media attention and political science scholarship focuses on national politics, a large proportion of political outcomes occur at the local level in the United States. Studying local politics allows us to generate new and different kinds of research questions and observations, and to employ a variety of methods, including quantitative, qualitative, ethnographic and participatory action research. Furthermore, the local level is also often the most tangible experience that most Americans have with politics, and therefore studying local politics allows us to better understand the state of democracy and how we might continue to perfect the democratic experience.
This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role and impact of the public (and... more This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role and impact of the public (and/or publics) in civic life. Through academic study, dialogues with practitioners, case studies, site visits, and hands-on activities, students will develop a critical understanding of the underlying theories and key ideas central to civic engagement, including: democracy, citizenship, community, inclusion, deliberation, compromise, mutual respect/civility, social capital, civic leadership, political knowledge, and efficacy. To promote critical thinking and creative approaches to addressing public issues, coursework includes: individual research in addition to assigned course readings; a civic engagement project to be carried out during the semester; engagement in experiential learning activities organized by the instructor; and working with others from a range of perspectives. We will explore the following questions: What are civic and political engagement? How do they relate to democratic theory? What constitutes a need for civic or political engagement? How do the ideas, beliefs and attitudes that political actors, institutions and the public hold about citizenship, participation, engagement, inclusion and democracy define situations of power and structure interactions between the public and political and civic institutions? What are social capital and civic infrastructure and how can they foster more effective public inclusion? How do political knowledge and efficacy relate to civic and political action? What is the relationship between partisan polarization and political and civic engagement? What are effective approaches to democratic deliberation? How can developing civic capacity contribute to social innovation? What are civic and political leadership? How does the media matter and what is the role of civic and citizen journalism? What is the role of technology and social media? What impact does public engagement and inclusion have in policy and administrative processes?
This course examines the factors that influence Congressional political communication, media cove... more This course examines the factors that influence Congressional political communication, media coverage of individual legislators and Congress as an institution, and the implications of coverage patterns. We will engage with empirical and scholarly literature from a variety of disciplines and that employ a range of methodological approaches. We will examine how political communication affects the major goals of members of Congress (reelection, public policymaking, influence, etc.), as well as how the major functions of Congress (representation, lawmaking and oversight, etc.) are covered by the media. Course Learning Objectives: 1. To prepare the student to conduct innovative, empirically rigorous, and substantively relevant independent research on Congress and Political Communication. 2. To better understand the range of factors that shape Congressional Communications. 3. To better understand how public opinion and media coverage affect the manner in which Congress governs. 4. To better understand the implications of the amount, focus, and tone of media coverage of individual legislators and of the institution, and how coverage relates to the power of Congress as an institution, as well as the implications of media coverage for partisan polarization, public perceptions of Congress and agenda-setting in Congress. 5. To better understand how social media and technology have affected Congressional communications with the media and constituents. 6. To better understand how race and gender shape political communication. 7. To better understand how members of Congress respond to scandals and media coverage of scandals, the electoral implications. 8. To generate original ideas, insights and recommendations for a member of Congress' strategic political communications.
While much media attention and political science scholarship focuses on national politics, a larg... more While much media attention and political science scholarship focuses on national politics, a large proportion of political outcomes occur at the local level in the United States. Studying local politics allows us to generate new and different kinds of research questions and observations, and to use a variety of methods, including ethnographic and participatory action research. Furthermore, the local level is also often the most tangible experience that most Americans have with politics, and therefore studying local politics allows us to better understand the state of democracy and how we might continue to perfect the democratic experience. Combining scholarship and community-engaged experiential learning, this course examines the range of factors that influence policy-and decision-making processes and outcomes affecting the governance of issues of local concern. As part of this course, we will embed ourselves within a broader learning community in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Engaging with local actors and institutions, we will gain better insight into how decisions are made at the local level and why; how to participate effectively in decision-making processes; and how to understand local policy and political processes and outcomes on a range of issues including: tax, budgetary and economic development policy; immigration and criminal justice; environmental policy; healthcare; education; and housing. We will engage with theoretical and empirical scholarship that use a variety of methods to better understand the factors that influence political and policy outcomes at the local level, as well as the different means by which we might approach the study of local politics and the governance of issues. Engaging with local political and civic actors will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about and discuss local politics from practitioners, to learn from their experiences and to think about applying scholarship in a range of social and political contexts.
This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role of the public (and/or publics... more This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role of the public (and/or publics) in American political processes and institutions. We will study the role and impact of American political and civic organizations and institutions in the local, state and national context. To develop a " pragmatic sophistication " of political and civic engagement, students will: conduct individual research in addition to assigned course readings and develop a political or civic engagement project to be carried out during the semester; engage in a number of experiential learning activities organized by the instructor; and work with others from a range of perspectives to better understand public issues and how to address them. We will explore the following questions: What are civic and political engagement? How do they relate to democratic theory? What constitutes a need for civic or political engagement? How do the ideas, beliefs and attitudes that political actors, institutions and the public hold about citizenship, participation, engagement, inclusion and democracy define situations of power and structure interactions between the public and political and civic institutions? What are social capital and civic infrastructure and how can they foster more effective public inclusion? How do political knowledge and efficacy relate to civic and political action? What is the relationship between partisan polarization and political and civic engagement? What are democratic deliberation, civility and compromise? How can developing civic capacity contribute to social innovation? What are civic and political leadership? How does the media matter and what is the role of civic and citizen journalism? What is the role of technology and social media? What impact does public engagement and inclusion have in policy and administrative processes? As part of this course, we will engage with political and civic actors outside of the classroom. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about and discuss civic and political engagement from practitioners. In addition to engaging locally, we will interact with leaders for democracy from the Middle East and from Mongolia, which will serve as an opportunity to learn from their experiences and to think about applying political and civic engagement scholarship in a range of social and political contexts.
This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role of civil society in American ... more This course analyzes and applies scholarship to understand the role of civil society in American political processes and institutions. We will study the role and impact of American political and civic organizations and institutions in the local, state and national context. To develop a "pragmatic sophistication" of political and civic engagement, students will: conduct individual research in addition to assigned course readings; develop a political or civic engagement project to be carried out during the semester; engage in a number of experiential learning activities organized by the instructor; and work with others from a range of perspectives to better understand public issues. We will explore the following questions: What are civic and political engagement and how do they relate to democratic theory? What constitutes a need for civic or political engagement? What are social capital and civic infrastructure and how can they foster more effective citizen participation? How do political knowledge and efficacy relate to civic and political action? What is the relationship between partisan polarization and political and civic engagement? What are democratic deliberation, civility and compromise? What is the value and role of citizen engagement in social innovation? What are civic and political leadership? What is the role of technology and social media? How does the media matter and what is the role of civic and citizen journalism? What impact do civic and citizen engagement have in policy and administrative processes? As part of this course, we will spend five weeks engaging with participants in the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) hosted by the University of Virginia Center for Politics from the Middle East and North Africa Region. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about and discuss civic and political engagement from a comparative perspective. It is also an opportunity to learn from their experiences and hopefully develop longer-term relationships with them. We have organized a number of joint events and activities that will provide interactive and experiential opportunities to learn about and apply political and civic engagement scholarship in a range of social and political contexts.
This course examines the political economy of climate policy in the United States. While this cou... more This course examines the political economy of climate policy in the United States. While this course is focused on domestic politics in the United States, it will necessarily involve an examination of the international factors that contribute to U.S. climate policy, as well as the implications of U.S. climate policy for international interactions.
Course Learning Objectives: 1. To prepare the student to conduct innovative, empirically rigorous, and substantively relevant independent research in the fields of economics, public policy and politics. 2. To better understand the range of factors that shape U.S. government climate policymaking processes and policy outcomes, including: public opinion, interest groups, political institutions, bureaucratic styles, ideologies, elections, economic interests, and social and political values. 3. To better understand the implications of U.S. government climate policymaking. 4. To generate original ideas, insights and recommendations to policy-relevant debates.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to global politics and to the dynamics of maj... more The purpose of this course is to introduce students to global politics and to the dynamics of major global issues. This course forms part of the Global Experience component of Cluster Four of the General Education program. Students completing a Global Experience course in Cluster Four will be able to identify, conceptualize, and evaluate: • Basic global problems • Global political, social, cultural and economic systems • The issues involved in analyzing societies different from one's own • The global forces that shape societies • Theoretical models used in studying global problems • The strengths and limitations of alternative solutions to global problems across and within cultures. In order to better understand how states and non-state actors interact with each other in the dynamic global community, the course will begin with a survey of the history of international relations and the different theoretic models and schools of thought. We will also examine how to apply different levels of analysis in the study of global politics. The second part of the course will focus on key contemporary issues facing the world and how different theoretical models and conceptual frameworks can be applied to better understand and potentially solve these challenges. Key issues include: the environment, international institutions, human rights, civil wars and terrorism, and international political economy. Course Learning Objectives: 1. A practical and theoretical understanding of the global politics and international relations. 2. A better understanding of a range of international issues and the global dynamics that affect global outcomes. 3. Sensitization of cultural, political, legal and economic differences. 4. A better understanding of the role of the United States in the world, its view and the view of others. 5. To synthesize readings and apply concepts to different issues and contexts.
This course examines the central role of the presidency in the U.S. political system. The course ... more This course examines the central role of the presidency in the U.S. political system. The course begins with an examination of the historical development of the presidency and then examines key issues of modern executive power. Throughout the course, we will ask: What are the formal and informal sources of presidential power? How has presidential leadership transformed over time? What is the relationship between the president and other government institutions? What is the relationship between the president and the public? How do presidents govern? By the end of the course, you should be able to: • Describe the development of the modern presidency and evaluate the causes and consequences of major changes in the institution over time; • Explain the formal and informal mechanisms that the president can use to achieve his objectives when interacting with other branches of government, the bureaucracy, the media and the public; • Identify the institutional and political constraints that limit the president's ability to achieve his objectives; • Assess the president's influence on foreign policy; • Analyze the major factors affecting the outcome of presidential primary and general election campaigns; • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to the study of these topics
Drawing on scholarly literature, contemporary news and analysis, and a range of primary data sour... more Drawing on scholarly literature, contemporary news and analysis, and a range of primary data sources, this course probes how political science applies or doesn't to the 2016 presidential election. We will examine the impact and role of: political parties; interest groups; the media, especially social media; campaign strategy, tactics and operations; polling; campaign finance; presidential debates; and who turns out and why. Course Overview How does the 2016 presidential election compare to previous elections? How does the 2016 presidential election illustrate or challenge claims made in political science? What factors influence the electoral outcome? In this course we will probe how political science and history applies or doesn't to the 2016 presidential election as we follow the contest in real time. Readings and discussions will also draw on contemporary news and analysis, as well as a range of data sources used by political scientists. We will begin with an examination of how the presidential nominating process and Electoral College structure the game. We will study the impact and role of political parties; superPACs and interest groups; and the media, with a special focus on the increasing role of social media. We will discuss campaign strategy, tactics and operations; polling; campaign finance; presidential debates; and the importance of who turns out and why. Coursework will entail fieldwork and applying original research and analysis on one of the course themes to the 2016 presidential election. Course Learning Objectives 1. A practical and theoretical understanding of American presidential campaigns, including their history, structure and sequence, as well as the strategies and behaviors of relevant actors. 2. A better understanding of a range of political actors and institutions, and issues that affect electoral outcomes.
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The course will examine complex issues and challenges for the 2020 Census, which is the foundation for American political and economic systems. Teams of students will develop and implement solutions around: identifying and combatting misinformation, disinformation and propaganda online; providing equitable access to complete the Census on campus and in the surrounding communities; educating on the importance of the Census, and why it matters; and mobilizing “Get Out The Count” initiatives in hard-to-count populations in March and April of 2020.
The course will draw on expertise from a variety of disciplines, including computer science, political science, media arts and design, technical communication, marketing and psychology. Theoretical and empirical scholarship will be required and made available in modules on Canvas. You may also need to attend JMU Libraries MADLAB workshops outside of the course to master media literacy and fluency for the creation of multimedia and digital products (https://www.lib.jmu.edu/workshops/madlab/).
Teams of students will develop and implement solutions around: educating about the importance of voting for democratic self-governance; ensuring ballot access and voting rights, especially for traditionally marginalized and underserved communities; and mobilizing “Get Out The Vote” initiatives on campus and in surrounding communities for full participation in the 2020 Elections.
Course Learning Objectives:
1. To prepare the student to conduct innovative, empirically rigorous, and substantively relevant independent research in the fields of economics, public policy and politics.
2. To better understand the range of factors that shape U.S. government climate policymaking processes and policy outcomes, including: public opinion, interest groups, political institutions, bureaucratic styles, ideologies, elections, economic interests, and social and political values.
3. To better understand the implications of U.S. government climate policymaking.
4. To generate original ideas, insights and recommendations to policy-relevant debates.
• Basic global problems
• Global political, social, cultural and economic systems
• The issues involved in analyzing societies different from one's own
• The global forces that shape societies •
Theoretical models used in studying global problems
• The strengths and limitations of alternative solutions to global problems across and within cultures.
In order to better understand how states and non-state actors interact with each other in the dynamic global community, the course will begin with a survey of the history of international relations and the different theoretic models and schools of thought. We will also examine how to apply different levels of analysis in the study of global politics. The second part of the course will focus on key contemporary issues facing the world and how different theoretical models and conceptual frameworks can be applied to better understand and potentially solve these challenges. Key issues include: the environment, international institutions, human rights, civil wars and terrorism, and international political economy. Course Learning Objectives:
1. A practical and theoretical understanding of the global politics and international relations.
2. A better understanding of a range of international issues and the global dynamics that affect global outcomes.
3. Sensitization of cultural, political, legal and economic differences.
4. A better understanding of the role of the United States in the world, its view and the view of others.
5. To synthesize readings and apply concepts to different issues and contexts.