Lesson Report:
**Title**: Introduction to Political Science – Exploring Power Dynamics and Order
**Synopsis**: This introductory session for the Introduction to Political Science course provided an overview of class expectations and introduced core political science concepts. The focus was on familiarizing students with the terms “power dynamics” and “order” while setting the tone for active participation and exploration of politics beyond governmental structures. Through activities and discussions, students began to consider politics as a pervasive element of daily life and learned about the course syllabus and policies.
**Attendance**:
– No specific absences were noted; an even number of students attended.
**Topics Covered**:
1. **Introduction and Course Overview**:
– The class began with self-introduction by the instructor, Nate.
– Overview of the course aims and expectations.
– Importance of understanding power, order, and resource management in political science.
2. **Core Concepts Discussion**:
– Definition and exploration of “power dynamics” and “order.”
– Students were asked to jot down their interpretations of these terms and share ideas, which were listed on the board.
3. **Interactive Activity – Power Profiles**:
– A partner activity encouraged students to discuss real-life experiences involving power dynamics.
– Students answered three questions about managing power dynamics, important rules or systems, and resource management.
4. **Syllabus Review and Class Expectations**:
– Emphasized the importance of attendance and participation (15% of the grade).
– Details on homework assignments, exams, and course structure provided.
– Explained the use of eCourse for all assignments and resources.
– Clarified class conduct, electronic device policy, and academic integrity.
5. **Discussion on Politics**:
– Examined Harold Laswell’s definition of politics: “who gets what, when, and how.”
– Discussed the misconception that politics only pertain to government.
**Actionable Items**:
– **Urgent**:
– Students need to join the eCourse platform using the tinyurl link provided for course materials.
– Address timetable discrepancies for seminars, especially noting the change needed in the schedule for Group 3.
– **General**:
– Encourage students to read and understand the syllabus, focusing on policies regarding attendance, participation, and assignment submission.
– Remind students to bring notebooks and pens to all classes for note-taking and in-class activities.
– Prepare for engaging discussions in both lectures and seminars by keeping up with weekly readings (available on eCourse).
– **Continued Guidance**:
– Reinforce the importance of understanding and discussing politics beyond governmental contexts throughout the course.
– Offer additional support for students who may feel anxious about participating in class discussions.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK. This conclusion is based on the part of the transcript that states, “There is no homework for right now”, towards the end of the lesson.