Activities to help students understand their own political views and ideologies within the American political system.
Our “Me-Search” approach to student knowledge about politics, beginning with an assessment and discussion of their political ideologies, keeps them engaged, we hypothesize, not only in this course, but in their other political science and civics courses.
Shamira Gelbman, Wabash College
Understanding American politics nowadays entails some consideration of democratic fragility – i.e., that democracy in the United States (or anywhere) cannot be taken for granted, and that it has many parameters that can be simultaneously strengthened and/or weakened to affect the overall performance of democracy. This brief course module helps students shift from a habit of translating democracy – that is, defining democracy by reciting that it means “rule by the people” – to appreciating it as a multidimensional concept. It also encourages students to develop and reflect on their own democratic priorities. Resource materials include:
- Instructor's Manual
- Student Assignment Instructions
- Instructor PowerPoint slides
Patrick McGovern, State University of New York - Buffalo
Starting with the premise that polarization and resentment often begin with students’ lack of understanding of their own political beliefs, this resource presents an introductory U.S. Government and Politics course that uses Kenneth Janda’s Ideolog survey and George Packer’s The Four Americas to help students explore their political beliefs. Students begin by identifying their ideology, then analyze each of Packer’s Americas through historical readings and reflective essays. The course culminates in a research paper that defends or reassesses their initial stance. This approach encourages critical thinking, fosters political self-awareness, and promotes engagement with complex political issues. Teaching materials include:
- Instructor's Manual
- Course Syllabus
- 8 Instructors' PowerPoint Slides
- 4 Student assignment prompts
- Student Readings
Leah A. Murray, Weber State
This semester-long signature assignment asks students to write a personal narrative in response to the question: “How are you keeping the republic?” Through political identity diagnostics and structured dialogue experiences, students reflect on their social and political identities, civic engagement, and role in a democratic society. Teaching materials include:
- Instructor Overview
- Assignment Prompt
- Grading Rubric
- Instructor Slides- Political IdentiTree
Chase Privett, Morningside University
This multi-step assignment helps students connect classroom learning to real-world civic engagement through experiential learning. By participating in political or community activities of their choice, students explore civic life through their own interests and experiences. Reflective journals and a final essay reinforce key concepts while building civic responsibility and political agency. Resources include:
- Instructors Overview
- Project Proposal Assignment Prompt
- Experience Journal Prompt
- Paper Outline Assignment
- Reflective Essay Prompt