Professors

Suggested Essay and Discussion Topics for Political Science, Political Communication, Political Theory, Sociology, and Information Studies Classes.

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1. The Internet has been used as a very effective fundraising tool in Election 2004. Briefly discuss some of its main successes. Do you think the funds being raised through the use of the Internet are being used to fuel traditional campaign strategies? If so, explain why. If not, explain why not. In what other ways has the Internet been used in effective ways this election? Can you imagine any new ways the Internet might be used in election politics to improve the overall quality of campaigns?

2. Why do young people vote at such a lower rate than others? Citizens in the 18-25 year range turn-out at a rate of approximately 32% in presidential elections while citizens above 25 turn out at a rate of approximately 58%. What strategy or strategies do you think will most effectively engage young citizens in election politics? Do you think it is easier to engage young people in issue advocacy politics? If so, why? If not, why not?

3.Young citizens take volunteering in non-political activities much more seriously than participating in either issue or election politics. Why is this? How can young citizens be encouraged to take both civic and political engagement seriously?

4. Do you think young people want politicians to treat them as a specific age cohort who have a set of youth-specific issues or do you think that young people want politicians to treat them like adults who are not focused solely on issues that are youth-specific? Or do you think it's impossible to generalize? What research can you find to help support your claims?