STUDENT GROUP PROJECT

Students in groups will be responsible for leading one class discussion. The purpose of this exercise is to encourage class participation. Failure to participate in your respective group will result in zero points and a heavy sigh of disappointment from your classmates. This penalty might be waived, in part, if the student demonstrates good cause. However, since the student has missed an in-class assignment that cannot be made up, she/he must present a 5 minute summary of their research paper (5 point penalty).

Focus:   Profiles of the Modern Presidents

Topics:  Each topic (beginning on November 2 and ending on December 2) is found in the  readings in the Greenstein book and Daynes and Sussman book.  The group project will focus on two items:  1) actions/non-actions and evaluation in general and 2) actions/non-actions and evaluation of specific presidents as Green Presidents.

• Each group will consist of approximately 3 students each 
• The presidents included in this assignment are FDR, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush (41), Clinton, Bush (43)

The readings can be found in the Course Schedule.

Guidelines

1.  Members of each group will decide how the issue will be covered. Suggestion: divide the topic into sub-topics and have one student responsible for each one.

2.  Each student's individual presentation should run about 7-8 minutes leaving the remaining time (approximately 21-24 minutes) for class discussion.

3.  Although you can use your notes, do not read them and do not read out of the book. The purpose is to improve your verbal communication skills.  Focus on what you have learned from the reading.

4.  Student performance will be evaluated by the instructor.  The instructor will use a five-point scale (1=poor, 5=excellent) on the following items (total of 25 points)

                                                      Sample 
                                Criteria                               Points

• Knowledge of the subject                          5.0 points
• Quality of presentation                              4.5 points         
• Organization                                              5.0 points
• Analytical skills                                          2.5 points
• Participation in class discussion                4.5 points
  ____________________________________________
                                          21.5 points out of 25 points