Label Each Entry As You Do Them, Whether It's The Title Or N

Label Each Entry As You Do Them Whether Its The Title Or Numberstake

Label Each Entry As You Do Them Whether Its The Title Or Numberstake

Read the prompt details below and reach out if any questions. You aren't graded on your political views. You are graded on whether you support your views with credible sources and evidence. Credible sources do not include opinionated commentators like Tucker Carlson or Michael Moore. They can be fun to listen to but are not college assignment sources.

So too social media memes and conspiracy theories. I'm not joking. People have cited them. Provide evidence and citations to back up your claims to help others fairly evaluate your arguments. Anyone should be able to go to the materials you relied on upon and see for themselves to confirm, disconfirm, or challenge your reading of that material.

Then, and only then, can a free and open, and INFORMED discussion take place. No one is limiting your right to free speech by asking you to back up your claims, for additional evidence, or questioning the credibility of your sources. Avoid logical fallacies. You'll find common logical fallacies (also called BS arguments) defined on the second part of this page. Use it as a checklist and make sure you make the best possible case for your point of view in your journals.

Questions to address for each idea in a learning journal:

  1. What was the one idea that struck you and why?
  2. How does it connect to what you are learning about in class? What does this mean?
  3. How did it expand your understanding?
  4. What would you like to learn more about?

This assignment requires three learning journal entries per week, with at least one entry each week addressing our semester reading, Our Own Worst Enemy, and other related readings focusing on threats to US democracy and mitigation strategies.

Answer the following questions for each journal entry:

Entry #1: Institutions, Polarization and Threats to Democracy (see attachment below)

Entry #2: Presidential Power and Its Limits (see attachment below)

Entry #3: Section Introduction Governing Institutions (see attachment below)

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires students to produce three comprehensive journal entries weekly, engaging critically with course materials and readings that focus on the stability of US democracy. Each entry must include reflection on key ideas, their relevance to class learning, and personal understanding or curiosity for further exploration. Importantly, students must support their views with credible sources, avoiding opinion-based or unreliable references, to facilitate an informed and rational discussion. This practice promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the development of a nuanced perspective on threats facing democratic institutions today.

In each journal, students are expected to identify and analyze significant ideas drawn from the readings, such as the roles of institutions, the impact of political polarization, limitations on presidential power, and the functioning of governing institutions. They are encouraged to explore how these ideas relate to broader themes of democracy and societal stability, compare different main ideas, and reflect on how these insights expand their understanding of American politics.

By systematically addressing questions about the key ideas, their connections to classroom learning, and areas for further investigation, students develop a habit of critical reflection supported by credible evidence. This method ensures thoughtful engagement with complex political issues, fostering informed citizenship and analytical skills essential for participation in democratic discourse.

References

  • Friedman, M. (2019). Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from Within on Modern Democracy. University Press.
  • Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die. Broadway Books.
  • Mounk, Y. (2018). The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press.
  • Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2020). "Is American Democracy Still Safe?" Journal of Democracy, 31(2), 45-59.
  • Pierre, J. (2020). "Political Polarization and Democratic Resilience," Political Science Review, 114(3), 543-565.
  • Przeworski, A. (2019). Democracy and the Market. Cambridge University Press.
  • Morone, J. A. (2018). The Democratic Wish: Popular Participation and the Limits of Democracy. Basic Books.
  • U.S. Congress. (2021). Congressional Report on Threats to Democratic Processes. Government Publishing Office.
  • Schmitter, P. C., & Karl, T. L. (1991). "What Democracy Is... and Is Not," Journal of Democracy, 2(3), 75-88.
  • Dahl, R. A. (2014). On Democracy. Yale University Press.

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