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During the semester, I shall post course material and students will comment on it. Students are also free to comment on any aspect of American politics, either current or historical. There are only two major limitations: no coarse language, and no derogatory comments about people at the Claremont Colleges. This blog is on the open Internet, so post nothing that you would not want a potential employer to see. Syllabus: http://gov20h.blogspot.com/2023/08/draft-introduction-to-american-politics.html

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

First Assignment, Fall 2021

 Choose one:


1. Find a recent (since January 2020) speech, article, or document (e.g., court decision) that discusses the Declaration of Independence. Follow Danielle Allen's example and do a "slow read." With close attention to word choice, analyze the purpose of this piece of writing. That is, who is saying what to whom, and with what motive? Carefully explain the reference to the Declaration. Why is it there? Is it accurate?

2. Do the same with a speech or document that quotes (or purports to quote) Tocqueville. (And it is okay to pick one that discusses both Tocqueville and the Declaration.)

Here are some sites where you can find speeches and documents:


Instructions:
  • Document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.
  • Essays should be double-spaced and no more than three pages long. I will not read past the third page.
  • Cite your sources with endnotes in Chicago/Turabian style. Endnote pages do not count against the page limit.
  • Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.
  • Turn in essays to the class Sakai dropbox by 11:59 PM, Friday, September 24. Late essays will drop a gradepoint for one day’s lateness, a full letter grade after that.

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