Registration week procedure: here's how to beat the rush and
obtain entry to a good set of courses. Take a pre-approved card
to
the registrar's office EARLY -- before they even open-- on the day your
class is assigned. Set your alarm! (Line up the bucket of ice
water over your bed, and have your dog pull the cord at dawn?)
Bring your pre-written registration card to class Monday or Tuesday;
if you do it correctly it will only take a minute for me to check it and
sign.
Do write in three or four alternate courses, and check the alternate
box (right side) for these. Then I will pre-approve the backup courses
so that you won't need a return trip through the registrar's lines! All
PSC courses can be listed as alternates -- I'll pre-approve them in
just case you need.
Best days: I will be available Monday and Wednesday and Friday
all day till 2:45 pm for registration advising, except for my 09:00 &
10:00 classes; I expect to be at lunch at 11:30 and you can also catch
me there if you bring your form.
Tuesday and Thursday on campus hours are all day till about 2:45pm for
advising. (I'm in class most of the morning.)
Come in with your likely courses and alternatives pre-written on
your card!
Freshmen on new Core: don't forget to write in REL 101, ENGL 103, and
your language 101, plus at least one core class outside the major field.
PSC majors: consider HIST 205 and Math 171.
PATS majors: consider one course in each "leg" of Public Affairs
tri-subjects.
Here are the choices for PSC courses Fall 2004 term:
PSC 201 American Government, 09:00 MWF
This is the basic route for freshmen and any other majors who have
not already taken it.
PSC 302 Comparative Government. 11:00 TR. Requires a 200
level PSC course, or permission. Smart freshmen welcome with AP credit,
good "B" in PSC 201 recommended.
PSC 311 Voters, Parties & Elections. 09:30 TR.
Requires a 200 level PSC course, or permission. Smart freshmen welcome
with AP credit, good "B" in PSC 201 recommended.
PSC 481 (internship, ungraded) or 483 Fieldwork (graded
internship in major) is always available for Juniors and seniors.
(e.g., Alfa employed a legislative research assistant to examine bills
for Alfa's interests -- and their VP is an HC alumnus.)
Fall '04: Explanations of topics
covered.
200 Level:
PSC 201 American Government, MWF 0900. Remains in new Core.
Both 201 and 212 courses are in old 2001-2004 Distribution for the
college.
We'll learn (for examples) about American political ideas and how they
are unusual in the developed world; the constitution; the impact of the
mass media and interest groups as well as political parties; and the three
branches of government (not as equal in power as you may have learned in
secondary school).
We'll also compare US politics to those in Europe and discover some
surprises.
There are some good documentary videos for these topics, and we will
have discussion and debate.
300 level:
These are the main courses in the major. We expect an ability
to read independently, present readings to class, debate issues, write
essays, and prepare and write a research paper. We have some lecture
material on the Tuesday, followed by presentations, videos, discussion
and debates on Thursdays. Following the midterm test, there is sometimes
a café session. Courses for this term are listed above.
PSC 481 (internship, ungraded) or 483 Fieldwork (graded
internship in major) is always available for Juniors and seniors.
499 Capstone in Political Science [Fall terms only]
Required in the major field for graduating seniors (also adaptable
for majors in International Studies and Public Affairs.)
In the first five weeks, we'll present and discuss some classic articles
(or excerpts) in American politics -- or for those in the combination majors,
articles matched to their interests. (Anthology readings may be customized
for students of different majors).
How are they constructed?
What are their theses?
What are the logical weaknesses?
How could we adapt these works' qualities to our own research?
We'll also prepare career plans: NEW
We'll critique each other's résumés and fit with career goals
We'll organize our applications for postgraduate or law schools.
In the second five weeks, we'll research major papers in our chosen field.
-
We'll also work up oral presentations.
-
We'll take previous essays and papers, react to the criticisms provided,
and raise them to a higher level of academic work as a portfolio suitable
for show.
-
We'll take a senior test -- either the MFAT in political science, or a
jury-set essay test for combination majors. There may be a brief
oral exam for combination majors.
In the final five weeks, we'll present our draft papers and portfolios,
subject to helpful suggestions and criticisms from each other.
we'll complete the papers (ahem) well before the end of term -- and graduate
on time!
we may receive outstanding references from the instructor, should we need
and deserve 'em.
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