POLI 420

Demonstrate Advanced Understanding of the Discipline

Demonstrate advanced understanding of the discipline of political science, including familiarity with each of the four major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy-Students will learn about some of the US Supreme Court and its decisions as well as the historical development of the most important legal doctrines of the Supreme Court.

Demonstrate Advanced Understanding of the Discipline

Demonstrate advanced understanding of the discipline of political science, including familiarity with each of the four major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy-Students will learn both the detailed arguments of important US Supreme Court decisions and the context surrounding those decisions. Students will discuss the institutional issues surrounding US government structures, specifically the rights and powers of the President, Congress, the judiciary, states, and individuals.

Use Rigorous Methods of Research Design & Analysis

Use rigorous methods of research design and analysis to answer political questions, including multiple research methodologies-Through our daily analysis of Court decisions, we will practice textual analysis as it is done by legal professionals. In addition, the oral presentation, papers, and exams will also require a high level of competency at legal textual analysis, testing how well students have acquired this skill from the daily reading and discussion of cases.

Write and Speak with Originality and Clarity

Write and speak with originality and clarity, providing reasons and evidence to support claims using proper citation of source material-Students will write a specialized legal research paper that will require mastery of case law precedent and relevant law review articles, characteristics of high quality legal research.

Write and Speak with Originality and Clarity

Write and speak with originality and clarity, providing reasons and evidence to support claims using proper citation of source material-Each student's oral presentation will encourage the development of the following skills: asking critical questions, formulating persuasive answers immediately, simplifying difficult topics, and arguing persuasively. These presentations will differ significantly from the typical oral presentation made in a class and will practice a different set of presentation skills than the typical classroom oral presentation.

Write and Speak with Originality and Clarity

Write and speak with originality and clarity, providing reasons and evidence to support claims using proper citation of source material-Students will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of intellectual honesty in writing both research papers and in their use of materials for their oral presentations. Students will also be introduced to the ABA citation style in addition to the Turabian citation style.

Think Critically and Analytically

Think critically and analytically about government, political processes, and political theories, including the components of a good society-In our daily discussion, in mock trial presentations, in exams, and in writing briefs or court decisions, students will practice analyzing and evaluating the logic and arguments used in past Supreme Court decisions. 

Collaborate Effectively

Collaborate effectively with others, including participation in political processes and engagement on issues of political importance-Students will become more informed voters and participants in political processes by learning the history of US Supreme Court decisions as well as the legal and political logic that underpins those same decisions.