Thanks for Your Comments

Thank you so much for your constructive suggestions. I cannot respond to each comment here, but thought it would be good to address certain key points:

• Final Exam. In addition to the air midterm, I shall distribute a practice final. Meet to assemble your own study guide. I do not grade on a curve, so you can only gain by working together. Check out Andrew Lee's "Beating Professor Pitney." Though a bit out of date, it gives you a good idea of how to assemble a study guide.
• Terms and Concepts. Some indicated that you would like a clearer explanation of terms and ideas that come up in class discussion. I shall address this request in class. You can help by asking for clarification when necessary. Do not worry that you will look uninformed. If you have a question, other students probably do, too.
• Cold-Calling. I shall make greater use of this tool to ensure that we stay on topic and that everybody takes part.
• Sample Papers. If you want examples of good student writing, see the links at: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/govt/jpitney/writing.htm