Week07: Test#2 and the Problem of Polarization

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What is the point of this week (The goals)

The point of this week is first to finish up the previous section on problems and policies with a test that gives you an incentive to lock it into memory and to show what you've learned. Then we move on to a new section that puts what we've learned into practice by talking about the problem of polarization in America and potential policy solutions.

For Monday:
What is the point of Monday's test? (The goals)

The point of the test is to refresh and lock in what we learned in our first two weeks. We covered quite a bit of material in the last three weeks and I'd like to lock in your understanding of problems and policies before we move on to a discussion of politics.

The big point is that by the time you enter class for the test you have a good idea of what makes a good source, what problems are, how they can be explored, what institutions and institutional spheres are and what kinds of policies they can undertake to deal with problems.

Why are we having a test on this? (The purpose)

Tests are a actually good way to learn. We learn a bit when we read something, more when we hear similar topics covered in class conversations and even more when we go back to what we learned to prepare for a test. When we write the test answers and review the right answers, we lock our understanding into place. That's what we're going to do this week.

**What should you do before Monday's test? (The reading)**

You can prepare for the test by reviewing the readings and the class slides.

What you can do to prepare for the test (The assignment and study guide)

All the details you need to know about the test are here on the assignments page: Test #2 on material from Section II-(Week03 through Week07)

At your request, the Assignment page contains a study guide for the test (scroll down). You should be able to answer all of those fairly simple questions listed there. If you can, then you are all set for the test. If you can't it might be time to revisit the readings and the slides.

For Wednesday:
Why learn about polarization? (The reasons)

Many of the smartest people I know and read think that one of the most serious problems we face in the United States is political polarization. Over the next three weeks we will try to look at this question in practice and think about the nature of the problem and whether we can use changes in our election policy to try and resolve the problem.

**What should you do before Wednesday's class? (The reading)**

For Wednesday I will ask you to do 2 short readings. I will post annotated versions but for now you can read them online

Please have these read for Wednesday the 19th.

**What should you hand in by Friday aftenroon? (The assignment)**

Submit Assignment #1: PS1000 Agency Project, Part 2: Explore Your Problem

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If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me at kdk@wayne.edu or 313-744-3535

Always Ask!