Lesson Report:
## Title: Introduction to Political Science and the Art of Inquiry
### Synopsis:
In this introductory lesson for Political Science 101, Professor George Van Berk outlined the objectives and structure of the course, designed to provide students with an accessible entry point into the field of political science. The course, set to be team-taught by various faculty members, aims to explore a range of political science questions and puzzles, offering insight into topics such as elections, public opinion, political institutions, economic development, and revolutionary movements.
## Attendance:
– No students mentioned as absent
## Topics Covered:
### 1. Course Introduction
– **Objective**: To present an overview of the course, Political Science 101.
– **Key Points**:
– Introduction by Professor George Van Berk, faculty member of the Political Science Department at Duke.
– Aim of the course: To demystify political science for new students and provide a comprehensive entry point into the discipline.
### 2. Department Background
– **Objective**: To highlight the intellectual diversity and expertise of the Political Science Department.
– **Key Points**:
– Description of the department as intellectually exciting and diverse.
– Emphasis on the internationally renowned faculty members within the department.
### 3. Course Conceptualization
– **Objective**: To explain the genesis and purpose of the course.
– **Key Points**:
– Background on why the course was created: To offer an intuitive starting point for students.
– The course’s design: Modular and team-taught by various faculty members.
– Each module focuses on specific questions or puzzles in political science.
– Modules led by faculty experts in corresponding areas.
### 4. Topics and Questions Explored
– **Objective**: To outline the key themes and topics that will be covered in the course.
– **Key Points**:
– Study of elections, public opinion, and voter psychology.
– Examination of political rules and incentives, including constitutions, legislatures, and bureaucracies.
– Analysis of political determinants of economic development and inequality.
– Study of factors affecting revolutions in authoritarian regimes.
### 5. Methods and Tools of Inquiry
– **Objective**: To introduce the various tools and methods used in political science research.
– **Key Points**:
– Examples of tools: Fieldwork, elite interviews, statistical analysis of opinion polls, and computer-assisted text analysis.
– Emphasis on the diverse methodologies employed by political scientists to study political questions.
### 6. Benefits of the Team-Taught Approach
– **Objective**: To highlight the unique advantages of a team-taught course.
– **Key Points**:
– Opportunity to learn from a diverse group of faculty members.
– Potential for students to discover specific topics or professors they connect with.
## Actionable Items:
### Course Preparation
– **Urgent**:
– Finalize and communicate the detailed schedule of modules and faculty assignments.
– **Important**:
– Ensure all faculty members are prepared with their respective modules and materials.
### Student Engagement
– **Ongoing**:
– Plan for interactive elements to keep students engaged with the diverse topics and methodologies.
### Resource Allocation
– **Advanced Planning**:
– Confirm the availability of resources (e.g., statistical software, fieldwork access) needed for demonstrating various tools and methods used in political science research.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK
Justification: The transcript is an introduction to a new Political Science course (Political Science 101) that will be offered next semester and does not contain any assignments or homework instructions for the current class.