FAQ

Why do I have to take this class?

A few majors require POLS 1030 to graduate, including social work, education, paralegal studies, and (of course) political science. In each of these careers, you'll be working with government and policymakers frequently. Having an understanding of how government works is essential to be successful in those careers. High school students in Tennessee are also required to take an American government class, so if you're a dual-enrollment student, that's why. Everyone else at ChattState can choose to take this as a Social & Behavioral Sciences course and/or an elective. I like to think it's a fun class that we make relevant and interesting, so there are a number of students each semester who have chosen to take this ... even though it's not required! (Gasp!)

Why aren't we doing EVERYTHING in eLearn?

I know that it can be frustrating or overwhelming to have so many different systems to navigate for your classes. I promise, I've chosen to use the technologies we do for very specific reasons. For example, I've yet to meet a student who thinks the Discussion Board in eLearn is user-friendly or enjoyable to read/use. While Discord is separate from eLearn, it's much more mobile friendly and allows us to engage in a more intuitive way, with emoji and such. Plus, we can post funny things in the #just_for_fun channel. (I'm also told that it's super popular among gamers. I had no idea.)

What's the catch on this grading thing?

There isn't one. You get to decide how you want to earn your grade. My role in this class is to provide feedback, create the space for you to share what you're learning, and (hopefully) convince you that you can and will be successful ... in this class, in college, and as a citizen (or resident) of the United States.

Is this just busy work you're making me do?

NO. I believe this class to be a busy-work-free zone. If you ever feel like you're doing something that has no purpose, PLEASE ASK. I designed this course rather intentionally, and every thing we do / read / watch / engage with is included for a very specific purpose. I'd be utterly delighted to share it with you -- ANY. TIME.

Do you think we should abolish [the electoral college / the filibuster]?

Maybe. I'm fairly averse to change, especially very big changes, because there are always unintended / unforeseeable consequences. That said, I'm sympathetic to some of the problems with each of these things. I could be persuaded either way.

Sure, but we should definitely have term limits, right?

Maybe. The best evidence for the success (or not) of term limits comes from state legislatures. A whole bunch of states decided to limit their state representatives to just a few terms in the 1990s. Guess what? A large number of those states have since retracted them. I can explain why term limits aren't the super solution we want them to be ... if you want me to. :) (Here's an article from a nonpartisan association of state legislators that talks about what we've learned in the last 30 years or so.)

OK, but seriously, are you a Republican or a Democrat or what?

I'm not going to tell you... mostly because I don't think my personal political views are especially relevant. But here are a few things I am willing to share:

  • Most of the people serving in government do so because they sincerely believe they can make our country better, and they sincerely believe their views will make us the best we can be. They are respectable servant leaders with noble intentions.

  • A major reason our politics feel so hostile is that the "normal" people (the ones who don't feel strongly about politics) don't participate. If they did, the hostility would go down.

  • We have too many old white guys serving in government right now.

  • John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (appointed by George W. Bush), is an incredibly thoughtful leader of the Court whom I admire and respect.

  • On balance, Donald Trump was more interested in serving himself than the United States.

  • Government should only do those things that the states, cities, and people cannot do well or efficiently.

  • No person, no matter how much we disagree nor how hatefully they behave, deserves to be dehumanized, treated poorly, or disrespected for believing what they do. We owe one another common courtesy, humanity, and respect.

What's your favorite thing in the world?

Teaching this class.

... No, that's not a joke! I'd rather be teaching this class than literally ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD. #truestory