Its emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsibilities that shape the public decision making of active and informed citizens and influence contemporary public affairs in a democratic society. The new mission of SMSU is to produce educated citizens with an understanding of public affairs. This course will accomplish this objective by requiring students to take a critical approach to studying and analyzing some of the most significant and controversial issues currently being debated in the public arena.
Attendance is essential for any number of reasons.
We will be covering important information in class not specifically addressed by the texts, and test questions may be taken from this material. We will also have a number of in-class writing assignments, in which you are presented with a question and then take five to ten minutes to respond with your own opinions and analysis. If you are not present to complete one of these assignments, then a grade of zero will be recorded. In addition, participation will figure significantly in determining your final grade. If you are not here, then clearly you are not participating.