This field program allows students from all different majors to experience first-hand the dynamic and politically crucial 2020 Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. Presidential campaigns place enormous importance on these states whose premier placement in American presidential elections is protected by the rules of our nation’s two major political parties. Our ability to interact with presidential candidates and experts in these two states constitutes a signature experience in an individual’s engagement with the democratic experience.
Through the courses and field experience, students will analyze the key processes of presidential elections, including the role of primaries and caucuses and the development of grassroots campaign efforts that are particularly essential to states such as Iowa and New Hampshire. This program will allow students to directly observe candidates, campaign and party organizations, and citizen participation in these unique and politically important states.
The main questions we will ask ourselves are: Why are Iowa and New Hampshire – states not representative of the demographic makeup of the U.S. population – accorded this unique status in the process of determining the major party nominees? Does the unique status accorded to these two states make a positive contribution to the democratic process of selecting a U.S. president?
Academics
A total of seven (7) semester hours credit will be earned with this program: 4 SH during Fall 2019, 2 SH during January 2020 and 1 SH during Spring 2020. Final grades for all courses will be determined by the program directors.
POLS 221: Presidential Elections
Semester Hours: 3
Attribute: GESS
Taught and completed on-campus during Fall 2019, this course is an examination of modern U.S. presidential election laws and processes that influence candidate and voter behavior. Specific topics include: primary elections and nominations, campaign finance law, voter turnout, debates, the Electoral College, media coverage, and the role of political parties.
SPST 280: Orientation Seminar: Presidential Program
Semester Hours: 1
Attribute: none
The orientation seminar is an opportunity for students to prepare academically, culturally, and logistically for the upcoming field program. This course familiarizes students with political and social environments of Iowa and New Hampshire and provides important background about the current processes and historical evolution of the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
SPST 284: Field Studies: Presidential Program
Semester Hours: 2
Attribute: none
Taught during the program in January, this course provides an interdisciplinary survey of contemporary issues in Iowa and New Hampshire. Students conduct field research during the field program on a topic developed in consultation with Dr. Roberts.
SPST 281: Reentry Seminar:
Semester Hours: 1
Attribute: None
Taught Spring 2020, this seminar is an opportunity for students to internalize, integrate, and formulate the personal and academic learning gained from their field program. Through reflection, writing assignments, and the creation of a presentation for the college community, students will interpret and articulate their growth and experiences. Technical and organizational skills needed to create a successful presentation will also be developed.