Inspiring!

Hello!

Hello, class. I hope you all are well. I am writing to let you know that I have to break my promise to help you all in the library on Saturday since I found out I need to be present for Open House. I will be on campus, though, and if I "get out" early, I can answer questions, etc. Please still do come to make use of the library, if you wish, though. There will likely be some visitor traffic, but I asked Dean Nixon, and she said you are welcome to use the library. If no one is present to let you in, please see the receptionist. She has a key.

Also, our debate is on Monday--don't forget!!!! It will be a learning experience, so you are "not allowed" to worry about it--just do a little research and show up.

I hope journaling and working on your final papers is going well. Remember that research papers really can't be written at the last minute without appearing as such (believe me--I've done it, and suffered the poor results). Baby steps. At least break this task into pieces and get started if you haven't already. I don't usually like outlines because I find them restrictive, but for research paper, I find they do help, You might give this a try. Additionally, remember that this is an argument or position paper--you take a stand on an issue related to American government/society and, from a political lens, support this position, refuting the counterargument at some point along the way. If you can see merit in two opposing sides of an issue, you can write a Rogerian argument instead of a classical argument: in a Rogerian argument, you explore each side and then posit your thesis somewhere between the two. Of course, there are usually more than two sides to any issue, but I wouldn't try to entertain too many for this type of paper, or you and your reader might get lost in the process (at least I think so, but you are welcome to prove me wrong).

Some tips regarding your papers:
Computer crashes and lost pin drives are not viable excuses so please save your work in many places. If you email it to yourself, you will have it your sent and in your received email. You can post it on your blog, drop it or upload it to ecompanion, email it to me, save it on Google docs, create a wiki for it, save it in your Facebook notes--whatever: just don't lose it!

Remember to use APA format. You can essentially copy the formatting from the OWL Purdue site, if you wish, available at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090212013008_560.pdf
If you need to know how to cite any sort of source, the OWL site will have the information you need. I think this is the most user-friendly site with the correct formatting available, but you can also use the APA's website (see http://www.apastyle.org/manual/related/sample-experiment-paper-1.pdf for a sample paper). Many other sites have the incorrect formatting guidelines. You may use the South University APA style guide but you don't have to. It is almost identical to the "real" APA, with a few minor tweaks. Either is fine.
There are a number of special style concerns for referencing electronic sources using APA format. Online documents, journal articles, databases, and message boards all have specific referencing requirements. If you use the library portal, for instance, you would cite this slightly differently than if you found the article on Google Scholar. OWL notes the differences at the following link: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

It is important to note the exact Web address on any online source you use. Always keep track of the electronic resources you refer to as you are researching a topic and collecting references.

Please don't float quotes. Always introduce them or blend them in. Remember, too, that in-text citations are required for direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries. Keep track of the work you consult so you won't inadvertently plagiarize. Also, cutting AND pasting a direct quote from a website can cause citation trouble, as you import the format of the site and it may not be “launder-able.” Be careful with this.

Even though it is tedious and annoying, it is important to follow the format guidelines exactly, down to the littlest detail (for example, with period placement, capitalization, appropriate headers, your References page--which uses a hanging indent, by the way, and is alphabetized--if a source has no author named, begin with the title followed by the date.,...). Remember that the word “and” is represented with an ampersand ("&") if the citation is within parentheses, in-text, and it is spelled out ("and") if the citation is not inside parentheses. Another reminder is that contractions (can't, isn't, I'll, etc.) should be avoided in formal writing.
Additionally, if you site a specific document or article from within a Website (since many Websites include studies, reports, papers, articles, books or links to these), it is not acceptable to cite the homepage. When you've actually used a “stand-alone” document from within a Website, you must cite that individually.

The APA style site has free tutorials and many helpful inks, including a ling to frequently asked questions and another to an official APA blog. Please be attentive and careful when you get to the formatting stage.

Believe me, I feel your pain--I don't enjoy this part of the process either, but it is part of academia. I suggest that you write the paper first and format it later, so that you don't let formatting questions or hang-ups interfere with your creativity and flow of ideas.
Ultimately, my best advice on your papers is simply to “get ‘er done”!
Try to enjoy the process if at all possible. I always tell myself that when I am struggling academically, I am probably learning.
Very Best,
Dr. Hofheimer

World Religion Presentations

Masterful presentations yesterday in the day class and in the night class. We are all looking forward to the rest of the presentations, too, next class!

I hope everyone is journaling and reading along. Remember your maps and presidents, too...(some early birds already finished the maps).

Again, the presentation have been terrific so far. Truly.

Why bother to blog?

You can see at the following link that people network in their professional areas through blogging and this can even end up winning one a job!
http://scienceroll.com/2008/11/12/do-you-need-some-reasons-why-to-blog/

You can collaborate, showcase your work, showcase your professional portfolio, receive or provide feedback on any given topic on the blogosphere.

You can create a network of professionals in your field that can be an invaluable resource for you in many ways.

You can compile and store information handily and for free on the web.

You can create a student share space for a class (minus the prof).

You can share pictures, videos, poems with friends and family far away--for free.

You can learn a little about web design as you set up your page.

You will inevitably end up looking at other bogs that could be interesting or instructive. Following is a link to the Time Magazine's "best blogs of 2010":

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1999770_1999761_1999860,00.html

Anyone else have some reasons for blogging you want to share?

Midterm!

ECompanion: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TAKE-HOME MIDTERM

Please answer all of the following in one word document and turn in as hard copy, send to me at khofheimer@southuniversity.edu, or upload to ecompanion. Make sure to save along the way and have a back-up copy. This is due next Monday at the beginning of class, even if, for some reason, you must be absent. You may use your textbook, notes, and even the internet, but do not copy and paste: all answers should be in your own words. Please cite the url (only) if you consult a website and use its material in your analysis (though you should incorporate your findings into your own working knowledge and not simply paraphrase). Full citations are not necessary here.

Part 1: Essay: Please select two questions and answer all parts of each in essay form. Each essay should be about one and a half pages long and well-organized, with a descriptive title, engaging introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and satisfying conclusion. Please use APA format.
1. Discuss the differences between Keynes’ and Hayek’s economic theories and tell which one better guides, explains, and informs modern politics and economics.
2. What are fundamental beliefs that form the core of American political culture? Further, what are the implications of this worldview, and to what extent has this worldview been realized?
3. How well has the Constitution worked over the long sweep of American history? Discuss, providing seminal examples.
4. When and how do you think the United States’ hegemony will end? Is there any way the United States can preserve its unipolar moment?
5. The original American colonists desired protected liberties based not on the king's prerogatives but on a “higher law” that embodied “natural rights” or “human rights.” This was an honorable imperative, yet why do you think it is taking so long for the natural right of equality to be manifest and felt?
6. Why do you think America, the country that “won” the Cold War and in 1991 was capable of setting the world's agenda and establishing global standards, is fumbling so desperately right now? Where did America go wrong, and how can it right its course? Or is it too late. Please discuss and explain.

Part 2: Short Answer: Please answer each of the following briefly and cogently, using complete sentences. Please write only a paragraph for each response, not an essay.
7. Contrast democracy (in theory) with two other forms of government discussed in class and/or in your text.
8. What is Dye and Sparrow’s main definition of politics? If the “who” in their definition refers to the elite, then do you suppose this elite would promote equality of opportunity programming or equality of result? What kind of programming are you most for? Are you more for conservative or liberal programs? Why?
9. How can democratic standards be measured?
10. Why are democracy levels (real and perceived) and a nation’s wealth closely correlated in today's world?
11. According to Francis Fukuyama, what is the “end of history”? If history indeed “ends,” what, if anything, begins?
12. Scholar Samuel Huntington does not foresee an “end of history,” but, rather a “clash of civilizations” as the defining tensionof today's world. What does he mean with this characterization? Do you think his theory has genuine merit?
13. Benjamin Barber, along with many others, predicts an imminent conflict between the “haves” and the “have nots” of this world. How might this come to pass?
14. For the American government, is the European Union more a threat or a new series of opportunities? How do you think the U.S. should position itself with regard to this relatively new entity? 15. Your text includes a section entitled “Katrina: Federalism Fails in a Crisis” (p. 112). How did federalism fail here, according to your text? Do you agree with this contention? (If not, or if you only partially agree, explain.) If you do agree, why do you think it failed, and what lessons need to be learned?

Part 3: True/False: Please write the word “True” or “False” for each of the following.
16. Hispanics are now the nation's largest minority.
17. A hobbesian world is characterized as highly competitive.
18. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States require that every person (not just citizen) be afforded “due process of law.”
19. Proponents of globalization generally endorse high transnational taxes and tariffs.
20. Liberals tend to be “tougher” on crime than conservatives, often asking for greater numbers of police and prisons and less “coddling” by the courts.
21. Taking prayer out of public schools in the United States was a secular move.
22. Ideology refers to a person's worldview, often his or her political leanings.
23. According to your text, Virginia is a liberal state.
24. Clausewitz famously described war as politics that have become violent.
25. Night class: Our classmate Clinton endorses illegal immigration. Day class: Christopher Bowser, our classmate, claims to be addicted to following political news and said he hopes South University will soon include American Government 2 and 3.

Part 4: Multiple Choice: Please select the correct answer to the following questions.
26. All of the following were characteristics of the George W. Bush doctrine except
endorses America’s right to lead
supports preemptive strikes
believes in deterrence at all costs
was used to justify recent strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq

27. The United States is known globally for its
unwillingness to endure death of its own
lack of respect for United Nations’ decisions
popular celebrity culture
all of the above

28. The modern nation-state was established under which of the following:
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Westphalia
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Rome

29. The U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War was:
Retribution
Containment
Appeasement
Democratization

30. Which of the following best describes the concept of power?
using one’s assets to affect events
purely tangible concept
purely intangible concept
communicating with the enemy

Part 5: more short answer questions: Please select only five of the following to answer. No more than a paragraph for each is required.

A. What are the differences between direct and indirect democracy? Which one is preferable? Why? To what extent does the U.S. have each form of democracy?
B. What is the purpose of government? What would the world be like without governments? Where does the authority to govern come from?

C. What are social movements? Under what conditions are they most likely to develop? Compare and contrast two social movements.

D. Describe the diversity of the United States and how it has changed over time. How has immigration influenced diversity?

E. What kind of government was created under the Articles of Confederation? Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Are there some ways that they were a success?

F. How was the U.S. Constitution shaped by compromises? Explain your answer.

G. What events led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence? Further, what are the most significant portions of the document?

H. What were the various complaints against the King of England enumerated in the Declaration of Independence?

I. How does the Declaration of Independence rely on religious authority to justify separation from England?

J. According to the Declaration of Independence, under what circumstances can states dissolve their political ties with their mother country?

K. Compare the constitutional powers of Congress and the president.

L. What powers are denied to the U.S. government by the Constitution?

M. How have amendments changed the Constitution?

N. How has the Supreme Court influenced the balance of power between the national and state governments?

O. According to the Constitution, which powers are given to the national government and which powers are reserved for state governments? Be sure to discuss the enumerated powers, supremacy clause, and the Tenth Amendment in your answer.

P. Describe the process of political socialization. What factors influence how a person is socialized?

Q. How is public opinion measured? What makes for a reliable public opinion survey?

R. What are the differences between liberals and conservatives? To what extent do Americans engage in ideological thinking?

S. Describe how Americans can participate in politics other than voting. How does voter registration affect political participation? Compare voter registration requirements in the U.S. with those in other democracies.

T. Explain how the federal government uses grants to increase its influence over the states.

U. Can sufficient improvement come from one of the two major U.S. parties, or is a third party required? Develop your answer from the text and other information. Why is it probably not good that the electorate is growing detached from parties? How could parties regain their place with the electorate?

V. How much should the American president’s personal moral character matter to his electorate?

links requested

Dearest Classmates,
If you will be so kind, please click on this "post comment" link and there post your blog address so we can visit you there. Aloha!
Dr. H.

Welcome

Welcome day students Sherrell, Chris, Sherry, Jocelyn, Erin, Tyson, Audwin, Michelle, and Francisca.

Welcome night students Sherrell, Jean, Laurey, Shauna, Clinton, Corey, La Toya, Nancy, Barbara, Estari, Phillip, Jonathan, Brenda, Estari, Jennifer, Tara, Patricia, James, Lucinda, Annette, Rachael, Amy, Christi, and Twintina.