POL 335: Assignments

Short paper #1 (10%) (due in class Monday, 2/16)

• Write a well-argued paper on the following questions:
  
  Baum argues that the Supreme Court "may be viewed as part of a policymaking system that includes lower courts as well as the other branches of government" (5). What does Baum mean by "part of a policymaking system," and do you find his views persuasive? What objections (especially normative objections) might one raise about this description, if any? What responses would Baum have?
  
  Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, with normal margins and a 12-point font, and at least seven hundred (700) words in length. It is due in class on Monday, 2/16. When you cite arguments from the text, you should also include precise references to the text; vague references or references based solely on my lecture will count against your grade.

Midterm exam (take home) (30%) (due in class Monday, 3/22)

Short paper #2 (15%) (due in class Monday, 4/26, topic TBA)

Final exam or final paper (35%) (final paper topics here)

Class participation (10%)

For the weekly reading schedule, see the syllabus here.