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Course: Political Behavior and Perception
Course: Political Behavior and Perception
University of Maine
Promising Approaches
- (1) Provide instruction in academic disciplines through the lens of government, history, law, and democracy.
- (2) Incorporate discussion of current local, national, and international issues and events into the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
Overview
This senior level political science course aims to involve students in examining the
current state of citizenship in America, as well as reasons behind its development. The course examines theories involving individual choice and resources, community organizations, interest group activities, and social movements. Students discuss social capital, political and economic equality, successful efforts to increase voting, and projects that
involve people across religious, racial, and class lines.
By using a seminar format in which groups of two students co-lead the class several times,
students learn how to be engaged and active teachers and learners. Students conduct research and present this to
the group. One option for the research
paper is to analyze an experience of civic involvement, and to place it in the
context of scholarly literature on such activity.
Special Features
Civic Learning Goals
- Civic knowledge: Grasp and appreciate history and the
fundamental processes of American democracy; recognize the variety of
characteristics and actions of effective, participating citizens; know about
community affairs, political issues, and the processes by which citizens effect
change.
- Civic Skills: Process and evaluate information for objectivity,
accuracy, and point of view; apply information to effective efforts to help
solve social problems; use critical-thinking and ethical reasoning to make
informed and responsible decisions; use verbal and written communication skills
to convey ideas, facts, and opinions effectively; work cooperatively with
others and develop effective team-building practices.
- Civic Attitudes: Developing respect, tolerance, and understanding for differences and commonalities of participants in
U.S. public life; developing the capacity to be engaged and active in civic and political action, and to base such activity on good thinking and ethical choices.
Contact Information
Dr. Amy Fried
Associate Professor of Political Science
The University of Maine
113 A North Stevens Hall
Orono ME 04469
Amy.Fried@umit.maine.edu
