for 6 classes
U.S. Elections
Completed by 54 learners
Ages 12-17
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week, 6 weeks
3-14 learners per class
55 min
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Learner progress is assessed through informal assessment of discussions in class. However, families who need a grade can opt for additional written assignments so that I can provide a letter grade or narrative assessment.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Sessions 1 and 2: We will start with a discussion of the rules that govern the selection of the President of the United States, as well as rules for electing Senators and Representatives. This will include the original system of selecting the president and vice president from the same pool of candidates, the current two-person ticket approach, and the role of the Electoral College. We will look at historical maps showing the outcomes of elections from the first one to our most recent election. Session 3: We will then move into presidential campaigns, party affiliations, fundraising, volunteering, and public relations. In this session, we will also discuss debates and the shifting dynamics between candidates as a campaign season progresses. This will include the jockeying for position by candidates who hope to be considered for the vice presidential slot, or for other potential administration positions. Session 4: This session will focus on polls and primaries (and caucuses). We will discuss the varying quality of polls, as well as polls focused on issues, rather than candidates. In our discussion of primaries, we will discuss the differences between open, closed, and semi-open primaries, and the students will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Session 5: This session will focus on conventions, delegates, general election polls and debates, the election itself, the Electoral map, and disputes, and inauguration. Session 6: This session will focus on a comparative analysis of other countries' election systems, including mandatory voting, strict popular vote victories, and more. One important note is that while we will discuss the issues that candidates will raise, I will not use my own views to influence students' thinking in in this class.
Learning Goals
Students will strengthen their understanding of the workings of American presidential elections, and will be able to differentiate between various types of primaries, polls, delegates, and electoral allocations.
Other Details
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Juris Doctor from University of Michigan
My education includes multiple degrees in History (minor in political science) and a J.D. (Law) from the University of Michigan. I have acted as an invited panelist on constitutional issues at major universities, and I have taught about elections and election law for nearly 20 years.
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