POLS 485-01, Senior Seminar, Fall 2004

Abstract

The senior seminar is a capstone course that aims to bring as much of your political science curriculum as possible into focus for reflection and discussion. This semester our common readings will focus on issues of liberty, diversity, and democracy. Our routine format will be intensive discussion of the readings, which presupposes careful preparation and probing reflection on your part before, during and after each class. Every student will be responsible for framing issues, initiating and advancing discussion, and making connections among the readings and arguments as we proceed through them over the semester. At times you will be assigned a more formal role in this process. You will bring to each class a short written (typed) response to the reading for that day (1/2-1 page). These are to be handed in at the end of class; be sure to keep a Word document containing all your responses. There will be periodic quizzes on the readings. Missed quizzes will not be made up. There may also be short writing assignments from time to time to help you frame your thoughts on a particular issue.