Intro Government

How does this course work?

This is a core general education course, meeting the American Institutions requirement. This version of the AI course is about American politics, so we will also learn political science. 

We are reading both a textbook and a civics reader, which has all the documents you need to know, including the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. We are participating in weekly conversations that asks you to ask a curious question about material we are covering and answering other students' questions as well. Given these weekly assignments, you should always assume you have something to do for this class. If you go a few days without checking in, you are probably missing something.

Over the course of the semester, we will cover 6 content units. The summative assignment for each unit is a concept map, which will demonstrate your understanding of everything you have learned. The summative assignment for the class is a signature assignment, including pieces that we will do as appropriate given content we are covering.

Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching introductory government courses is that I assume you all are joining this show in season 8 and have no idea what the character and plot development has been to this point while I have been watching since the pilot episode. I know that some of you joined in season 4 and others in season 6. Just know that I am the kind of friend who is so excited for you to start watching my favorite show - I will tell you all the things and be super excited and hope you catch the vibe.

For this course, specifically, my goal is that you want to become an active and engaged citizen of the place you call home. My goal is that you become a good neighbor. If you are an active and engaged citizen and a good neighbor, you will also be an excellent employee, and I intend to give you all the skills you need to be these.