Political minds made more fertile as classes discuss 1996 elections Political science students watched as their classes unfolded on a real-world stage during the 1996 presidential election. Teachers took full advantage of news media examples that breathed life into their fall classes. The elections provided some "practical applications of politics," according to department chair TomHoward. "I used the election every day; normally, it was the central feature ofclass discussion." Discussions included such subjects as parties, political action committees, interest groups and campaign finance. Students in Howard's American government classes recognized the advantage they gained by taking the class in an election year. "Dr. Howard used the elections to give us a better understanding of how the system truly works," freshman Sarah VanRheenan said. Many of Howard's students received credit for election activity; several even participated in political campaigns. "I gave credit to students who watched the debates, for watching and studying media coverage of candidates and elections," Howard said. "We even predicted the outcome of the election and gave away an autographed picture of the President and First Lady. " Student Josh Cooper was impressed by a study ofthe lessacknowledged political parties. "We learned about the Libertarians, the Vegetarian party, and Perot's Reform .,Party," Cooper said. And since American politics relates so closely with world affairs, the election was a springboard for discussion in Dr. Mark Elrod's world issues classes. "The election allowed me to teach my students how the elections might change U.S. policy on issues such as trade, the environment and military affairs," Elrod said. Beyond that, teachers encouraged students to register to vote and to participate in election year activities. Several students got involved in local campaigns. "The elections provided me with an actual living, dynamic class laboratory," Howard said. - Lance Lemmonds Dr. Tom Statom chats with a student by the lily pool. Statom teaches in the History Department. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Dr. Paul Haynie, associate professor ofhistory, listens to a Sigma Tau Delta poetry reading at Cafe on the Creek . Haynie's wife, Kayla, is an instructor in the English Department. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. 166 History/ Political Science
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