Final Exam - Thursday, 5/15

Your final exam will be given in class on May 15. You will have the full class period to write your exam; that means 80 minutes, or approximately 40 min. per question. The exam will consist of two essay questions. You will be randomly assigned two of the following four questions:

1. When and how did the “modern Presidency” arise?
2. Which is more important for a successful Presidency, inspiration or accomplishment? Use examples.
3. How has the “personal Presidency” developed over the past 50 years?
4. Why is Reagan considered a much more successful President than Carter?

We will review these questions in class on Tuesday, May 13.

As a reminder, I look for two things in your answers. First is coherence; make sure you answer the question, and present a coherent, organized answer to it. It helps if you include an introductory paragraph that lays out your thesis and explains what will follow. A concluding paragraph that restates the thesis is also helpful. The second thing I look for is completeness. This does not mean to spit out everything you know about a subject; instead, include everything you can that is relevant to the question asked. Examples are helpful, but not required. Finally, please remember that there is no single right answer to these questions; your solution can be different from mine, as long as you provide evidence and argumentation.

Please note that you are allowed to bring ONE 3x5" index card to the exam. You can write whatever you would like on this card, on either side, using however small a font as you'd like - WITHIN REASON. Do NOT try to use 5-pt font to squeeze in every possible word you can; do NOT simply try to write out your essay, and then copy it into your exam book. You will have to submit your card with your exam, and I will not give credit for answers that are chiefly copied off of your card. I'm trying to give you the tools to succeed in this exam; please do not abuse my generosity.

One final note that is already in the syllabus: if you fail to show up for the exam, and are unable to produce a valid excuse WITH DOCUMENTATION, you will fail the exam. Good luck!

Assignment for Thursday, 5/8

For Thursday, read "On the Bus," a New Yorker article about John McCain, available here. (This is obviously your last chance for a summary.)

No assignment for Tuesday, 5/6

There is no assignment for Tuesday. As a reminder, please remember that research papers are due next Thursday, May 8. (Don't forget to attach your outlines, WITH MY COMMENTS.)

No Assignment for Thursday, 5/1

There is no assignment for Thursday. We will discuss Presidential campaigns, and look at some current ads (as well as some other campaign materials, used and unused).

Assignment for Tuesday, 4/29

Next week, we'll say goodbye to Milkis & Nelson. Read Chapter 15, "George W. Bush and Beyond," and feel free to summarize.

Assignment for Thursday, 4/24

For next time, read M&N's Chapter 14, "Bill Clinton and the Modern Presidency." (Finally: a President that most of you actually remember.) Feel free to summarize.

Assignment for Tuesday, 4/22

As a reminder, there is NO CLASS on Thursday, April 17. (Those of you who haven't been advised should seek out your advisor.)

Next week we'll look at the start of the current conservative regime. Read Chapter 13 in Milkis and Nelson, "A Restoration of Political Power? Ronald Reagan and George Bush." Feel free to summarize (many of you NEED to do so).