H A&S 350
Discussion of selected topics in a variety of subject-matter fields. Topics and reading material vary from year to year. For university honors students only. Credit/no credit only.
The course focuses on the history of presidential elections and will oversee the current presidential election by overseeing polling stations to ensure that the election is fair and honest. Students get hands-on experience in the process of how elections are run in our nation.
Student learning goals
Become familiar with the past history of U.S. presidential elections and how they may reflect deeper social trends within our society.
Critically evaluate the efficacy of modern democratic elections and whether they truly reflect democratic participation.
Determine if the Nov. 4th election as it took place at polling stations in King County was fair and honest.
Judge the relationship between media news content and voting patterns in U.S. society.
General method of instruction
The class will be taught as a "graduate level" seminar, with students expected to contribute to the discussion. Students are expected to gather information about specific U.S. presidential elections and share that with the class. The class is very "hands-on" and interactive.
Daily subscription to the "New York Times" as well as specific information gathering. Also, a few textbooks are assigned.
Class assignments and grading
There are not exams, but there is class discussion and papers. There is also a final group paper. Students will be evaluated based on their contribution to the class, their critical thinking and their willingness to be creative and thoughtful.
Grading based on students' ability to comprehend, digest and critically analyze a range of information and content.