Studying current political controversies and social problems will stimulate the search for insight into deeper questions of politics and society. We will follow selected political and social issues using newspapers, magazines, electronic and entertainment media, and the Web. There also will be readings from more scholarly sources in the social sciences. Students will write papers, do class projects, and participate in discussions. There will be frequent quizzes. Class attendance is required, and classes will be devoted to discussion, conversations with guests, and occasional films.

Attendance at the first class is mandatory. No student will be admitted to this course after the first class.