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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report was written to provide information regarding the evaluation and
analysis of the proposal to add a new three-credit political science course to the general
online survey, and in-person interviews. Secondary research includes Internet based
universities in the United States were found, along with information regarding where and
how new classes are introduced at Iowa State University. Through primary research,
are 76 respondents to the survey, and Iowa State is comprised of approximately 37,000
students. Furthermore, not all respondents were Iowa State University students, which
would skew the data. Finally, the respondents were made up of (our) the researchers
friends, family, and acquaintances, which may lead to biased responses. From responses
and research gathered, recommendations include that Iowa State University begin
2017.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction....4
2. Background....4
2.1. Assumptions.......4
2.2. Qualifications......5
3. Research.....5
3.1. Survey.........5
3.2. Interviews.......7
3.3. Limitations..9
4. Recommendations......9
4.1. Class........9
4.1.1. Description.......9
4.1.2. Objectives......10
4.1.3. Goals..........10
4.1.4. Lessons.......10
4.2. Implementation.....10
5. Summary..........11
6. Conclusion.......11
7. References........12
8. Appendices.......12
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1. INTRODUCTION
America. Whether you go out to buy your groceries or you are attending a protest,
politics are at play. A study done by Nate Silvers FiveThirtyEight says people are
generally misinformed about how the government actually works and the part it plays in
our lives (Pluta). We werent surprised to learn this after learning the statistic, according
to Matthew Veeh from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, that says that only
18.3% of colleges and universities in the United States required students to complete a
history or government course (Veeh). From what we have learned, we see that there is a
need for a required general education course that will be explained throughout this report.
government education course, this report will begin by going into detail about the original
assumptions made. Furthermore, our research will address the limitations we have
discovered. The report will conclude with recommendations for moving forward, based
on our research, followed by our summary and conclusion. Through extensive research
and analysis, it will be shown that Iowa State University students will benefit from the
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. Assumptions
The assumptions that led us to conduct our research was our belief that Iowa State
University students are being put at a disadvantage by not being required to take a
government course that provides them education regarding the United States Government
and current political issues. Young people today are generally uninformed or
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misinformed regarding the workings of the American government, and this has led to a
number of issues including, but not limited to: a less knowledgeable population, and
political apathy in the form of lower voter turnout. Regarding our research, we assume
the individuals who partook in the survey and interviews are currently or have been
2.2. Qualifications
Our team is comprised entirely of students at Iowa State University pursuing higher
education. Through our educational experience thus far, we have experienced the need
for an additional course of the proposed nature. Through our firsthand experience with
our peers at Iowa State University, witnessing the lack of political knowledge among
student, and conducting research to back our claims, we feel that we are qualified to
3. RESEARCH
3.1. Survey
To better understand the students that this class would cater too, we developed
and distributed a survey to be taken by our peers. The survey allowed the participants to
show their current political science knowledge, as well as contribute ideas regarding what
they would want to see and learn in a potential required political science course. The
survey was constructed to allow us to gather both quantitative and qualitative data,
collected through a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. From the
responses, we were able to construct graphs and charts that helped us see trends and
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better interpret the data. Visual representations of the data can be found in the appendices
of this report.
Through our survey, the most puzzling result we found was two contradicting sets
of data. The data regarded respondents feelings towards their political preparedness after
graduation, and the extent to which they feel that they have been informed voters. 57.9
percent of respondents answered that they feel that Iowa State University has not
graduation, while 89.3 percent of respondents felt that they had been informed voters in
the past.
When asked if the respondents would be interested in a course that taught them
about current political issues, the workings of the American government, their rights as
American citizens, and other similar topics, the majority (63%) responded yes, the
second largest group (22.4%) answered maybe, and only a few (11%) said that they
Most respondents attribute their political knowledge and orientation to their friends
and family.
Respondents are most interested in learning about their rights, American policy,
foreign policy, the current political spectrum/the issues, and the Electoral College.
Most respondents could name the governor of Iowa (this is likely due to the fact that
75% of respondents could not fully name the rights protected by the first amendment.
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3.2. Interviews
people with unique backgrounds, regarding their thoughts and opinions on the idea to
implement the proposed course, as well as the current state of government education.
3.2.1. Interviewee one is a graduating senior at Iowa State University studying political
science. The student was interviewed to gain insight from someone who has firsthand
experience taking political science courses at Iowa State University. In the interview, the
interviewee said that they felt other students did not give political science as much
thought as they should, and that by instituting this class, students would not only be
3.2.2. Our second interviewee graduated from Iowa State University in the 1980s and is
currently a political science lecturer in Minnesota. Their thoughts on this course are that
it would benefit students who are uneducated or misinformed about current issues that the
Interviewee two believes there is a lack of a focus on the education of current political
3.2.3. Interviewee three is a field chief with the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA). This position offers the opportunity to assist with interviews for the hiring of
new employees. This interviewee said that when interviewing candidates they look for a
people interviewing to work for the USDA are agriculture majors in college and do not
additional education or experience with it in college. This weakens their interview and
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can potentially cost them the job. Interviewee three said that it is important for students
going into the job market to have a broad knowledge of the government and policies
3.2.4. Our fourth interviewee holds a senior position in Veritas Magazine, a political
publication run by Iowa State University students. The interviewee said that they believe
that because students are attending college to better themselves, they should be required
to complete courses in fields of study that will aid them in becoming better contributors
3.2.5. Interviewee five is a junior in high school, who is currently enrolled in a political
science class. This individual was interviewed because they expressed awareness of the
lack of political education provided in high school and college. The interviewee made
the point that the majority of high schools require students (who cannot typically vote) to
who can vote are not typically required to complete a similar course.
3.2.6. Interviewee six is a minister in Indiana. This individual was interviewed because
a large number of respondents to the survey answered that they attribute their political
knowledge and orientation to their church. Therefore, we wanted to take a look into what
the churches are doing to aid in the political education of their members.
During the month of September, the minister hosted a voter education program at
their church. The program was developed to inform old and new voters about the on-
going presidential election and other current political issues. The interviewee believes
that everyone should do their part to properly educate themselves and others regarding
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the American government and current political issues in order to be better able to
3.3. Limitations
While our team feels confident in our recommendation, limitations apply. Our
research was conducted primarily through an online survey that was distributed to
acquaintances, and therefore the reach was limited and potentially prone to bias.
Additionally, not all respondents were guaranteed to be current or former Iowa State
students. In fact, 14 respondents answered that they either attended different universities
or they had already graduated from Iowa State University. Furthermore, our sample size
population. The small nature of the sample may have also resulted in bias.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1. Class
Our recommendation, based on the observed data, is for Iowa State University to
implement an experimental political science course that covers current and relevant
political issues, as well as basic knowledge regarding the government. This course
should be included in the general education requirements of all Iowa State University
course, in the same manner as most new classes, for a minimum of one year.
4.1.1. Description
This class will serve to inform students about American government, politics, and
related subject matter that are considered current and relevant. This class is not a history
class, nor a class that intends to pressure students to conform to one political party or
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another. The main objective of this political science class is to inform and empower. It
will cover topics such as rights that come with being an American citizen, domestic
policies, foreign policies, the current political spectrum, and the Electoral College. This
4.1.2. Objectives
Develop an organized set of requirements with respect to the intended scope and
Receive insight from students, faculty, and other persons regarding how in-depth
4.1.3. Goals
To provide students with an unbiased look at our government, in order to aid them
4.1.4. Lessons
The following is a list of suggested topics to be covered in the proposed Poli Sci
102 course:
Domestic policy
Foreign policy
These topics were chosen based on what our team believed to be relevant and important
topics, as well as from the input of respondents to the survey. The topics are intended
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lessons for the course, and will be studied in-depth. Classes may include lectures, in- and
4.2. Implementation
To implement this course, it will have to be sent to the Office of the Registrar for
review, before being discussed, and then voted upon by the necessary officials. If the
relevant authorities approve it, professors will be chosen to lead this course. Following
this, it will be dubbed an experimental course for a minimum trial period of one-year,
where it will be considered a general education requirement for students. Following the
trial period, we hope it will be instilled as a general education requirement for all
students.
5. SUMMARY
Our mission for this class is to inform Iowa State University students of current and
relevant political issues, as well as the workings of the American government. Through
our research we have found that there exists a large percentage of Iowa State students that
want to take a course such as the one we are proposing. Students feel that the knowledge
they possess is not enough to prepare them to undertake life outside of college, such as
the responsibility of being an informed voter during elections. This class aims to correct
this apparent imbalance. We have devised a lesson plan, as seen above, that will cover
major politically relevant topics. We hope to see this class implemented in Iowa State
6. CONCLUSION
Even if it is not obvious, politics is always affecting the things we do. From the
salary that a teacher receives, to the price of gasoline that you pay to fill your car, politics
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is always at work. Despite this, most people do not pay it the attention it merits. This
report has shown you that Iowa State University would benefit its students by
requirements. The research shows that students do not feel that they are being prepared
for how politics will affect their lives outside of college, and that they have a want for
such a class as we are proposing, as seen in the data. Our hope is that Iowa State
University is convinced of this need and want, and that they will take the steps to ensure
that this course is instituted for the benefit of its current and future students.
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7. REFERENCES
1. Kylee Cox, Nick Johnston, Olive McLean, Blake Ruggle, and Andrew Whigham.
How Informed Are You?. Survey. Google Forms. Google, 11 Nov. 2016. Web.
Nov. 11 2016.
2. [1] File, Thom. Who Votes? Congressional Elections and the American
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8. APPENDICES
1. Pie chart from survey asking respondents if they feel that they have been
informed voters.
2. Pie chart from survey asking if respondents feel that they have been adequately
3. Bar graph pertaining to the level of interest there is in the proposed course.