Sadly, I know that many of you enrolled in the course are not here by choice. Out of roughly 600 students enrolled in the 2 sections of this course I am teaching this spring, less than 10 have declared a major in political science. Most of you are here because the state legislature mandates that universities that receive state funds must require a course of study in political science as part of all bachelors degree programs. As Title 3 of the Texas Code reads, in part:
Sec. 51.301. GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL SCIENCE. (a) Every college and university receiving state support or state aid from public funds shall give a course of instruction in government or political science which includes consideration of the Constitution of the United States... a college or university receiving state support or state aid from public funds may not grant a baccalaureate degree or a lesser degree or academic certificate to any person unless the person has credit for such a course.So, I recognize that many of you would rather be off taking another course or doing something else all together.
Still, it is important to remember why this requirement is in place. According the the Census Bureau's most recent data on educational attainment, only about a quarter of the adults in this country hold a college degree. While higher education confers many advantages and benefits to those who pursue it, it also imposes important responsibilities and expectations. Among these, many of you in this course will be called up to assume positions of civic leadership and social responsibility throughout your lives. It is therefore important for you to understand the values that our system of government is designed to protect and promote and to develop an understanding of the mechanics of our political system so that you can competently engage thoughtful citizenship.
These facts have led me to restructure this course in a way to make its content more engaging, interesting, and useful to students from a variety of fields. Specifically, I have updated the course to (1) make materials more accessible, (2) relate ideas and information to current events, and (3) make the course more interactive for students. The most visible part of the new structure is this blog, which I will use as a hub for course readings, information, and announcements.
I will make new blog posts for each class day that will link to external news sources and draw connections between our work in class and real world politics. I will also use the blog to communicate with students and make course announcements. So, please check the blog each day before you come to class for new readings and class information.
Please note, unless I specifically note otherwise, this blog and the items to which it links are required course reading. This means that you may be tested on the information and ideas covered in the blog posts.
In the meantime, good luck with the semester, and please make an effort to contact me if you have any questions about the course, readings, etc. or if you have suggestions about improving the course.
