GBL 1070 PREPARATORY SEMINAR: THE PRESIDENTAIL CAMPAIGN TRAIL STARTS HERE: THE FIRST PRIMARIES

This 1SH seminar course helps prepare students academically, interculturally, and logistically for their on-the-ground engagement with the first presidential primaries held in the United States. Students will develop a deep understanding of the primary system and the role that political parties, historical precedent, and the media play in the process. The candidates (Republican and Democrat) that win those early state elections sets the stage for what follows – the general presidential race that culminates in November. The seminar is offered on-campus in the semester prior to the 4SH study away experience. Successful completion of the pre-departure preparatory seminar is required for participation in GBL 2070 – The Presidential Campaign Trail Starts Here: The First Primaries.

Credits

1 sh

Offered

• Fall

1.  Global Engagement Goal: Understand the multiple dimensions of human experience within and across cultures and environments.
    Learning Objective: You will read and watch specific news coverage (as assigned) of the presidential candidates out on the campaign trail, and evaluate the cultural and environmental significances of the various political platforms touted by the candidates. You will evaluate how the candidates appeal to voters in order to improve your understanding of constituents’ perspectives.
    Assessment: Discussion Board (30 pts.)
   You will write weekly evaluations of current news in Discussion Boards on Moodle. You will also be required to comment on some of your classmates’ observations. Oftentimes, we will discuss your responses during class, so expect to share—or have me share—what you write.
2.  Global Engagement Goal: Examine one’s responsibilities as an active global citizen informed by multiple cultural perspectives.
    Learning Objective: You will evaluate the issues discussed by presidential candidates of both parties as they are connected to social groups that are defined by region, history, gender, ability, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. We will reflect on our responsibilities of integrity and professionalism when we engage with these issues on the campaign trail.
    Assessment: Presentation (40 pts.)
   Near the end of the semester, you will give a presentation that assesses candidates’ comments, their official positions, their voting histories, and their party’s roles in issues pertaining to culture.
3.  Course Goal: Prepare students to participate in community and civic engagement, gaining an understanding of their civic responsibilities by examining the roles of democracy, voter participation, news coverage, and political discourse in the presidential primaries.
    Learning Objective: You will be able to describe the challenges of our democracy, the two-party system, the barriers to and effects of voter turnout, the primary voting process, news as a tool of communication, and public opinion about politics. You will evaluate how these elements of our democratic society affect presidential primaries.
    Assessment: Discussion Co-Lead (20 pts.)
   You will co-lead a discussion of one of these topics, which will require research beyond the assigned material, a strong level of comfort with the topic, and solid communication skills.