Semester Project

Why are we doing a project?

The genesis of this project came from reflecting on the goals indicated on the first page of the syllabus -- namely, the hope that you'll leave this course better understanding why and how government is relevant to your life, how to be an engaged citizen, and able to have civil political conversations. To achieve those goals, some self-inquiry is necessary, and that's what this project prompts you to do.

Steps to complete

Step 1 - What are your beliefs?

In this step, you'll explore your own political beliefs by looking at a number of tests and measures of political ideology. You'll also complete the Social Identity Wheel exercise independently, and think about how your different social identities show up in your day-to-day life with others. Once you've completed the independent activities, you'll complete the first step of this project by reflecting what you learned and where you fit within American politics today.

Step 2 - Who represents you?

Next, you'll identify who represents you in legislative (policy-making) bodies at local, state, and national levels of government.

Step 3 - Move closer

For this step, you'll seek out someone you do not agree with politically, on an issue you care about, and you'll interview them about their beliefs without sharing your own. The goal of this phase is to acquire deep understanding of someone else's perspective. Then, you'll reflect on this experience.

Step 4 - Engage

You can do just about anything for this step that gets you engaged with some level of government on some level. Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Voting in an election (including ensuring you are registered)

  • Volunteering on a campaign

  • Attending a meeting of government officials (e.g., city council or county commission, committees)

  • Emailing or contacting someone who represents you to express your view on an issue you care about (easiest/fastest)

  • Attending a rally, campaign event, or town hall

  • Applying to be (and then working as) a poll worker during an election (to do this, contact your county election commission) -- as a bonus, you'll make a little $$!

Final reflection

Once you've completed the above steps, write a short (1-2 paragraph) reflection on what you learned from this project. Were there steps that felt more meaningful? Why? Would you do anything differently if you had to do this again? Were there steps you struggled to complete? Anything you would change about the project itself?

Submitting your project

Regardless of how you choose to reflect at each phase of this project, including your final reflection, you should share your project in the ePortfolio. Again, this can be in writing or with a video.