Politics Today RAP
Fall 2013

  • Should people who don't vote pay a fine?
  • What's the "debt ceiling" and how does it affect me?
  • Why do countries go to war, and why are some able to maintain peace?
  • How can I become more involved in politics?

If you are interested in any of these questions, or any other issues related to politics, the Politics Today RAP is for you!

In the Politics Today RAP, we will:

  • Discuss current political controversies - from student loan rates to global climate change
  • Learn issues from multiple perspectives.
  • Follow current political events together.
  • Explore ways to become active political participants.
  • Meet people in and out of the university who are involved in politics in different ways.

When you join this RAP you will...

  • Enroll in a small section of Comparative Politics OR Intro to Political Theory (rather than the 270 student lectures on main campus).
  • Share your living-and-learning experience with other curious and committed students interested in political issues.
  • Make connections with faculty and advisors in the Department of Political Science and learn about majors and minors that might be of interest to you
  • Discover a variety of ways to 'be involved' in politics regardless of your academic area of study.

Politics plays a role in our daily lives - everything from the stop sign at the end of your street to military conflicts abroad. We interact with politics in various forms and at different levels, and often overlook the ways that political issues directly influence us.

Whether you're already engaged in politics or interested in learning more, you will find a variety of exciting discussions and activities in this RAP!

Politics Today RAP is intended for students declared in any major or undeclared.

Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program! 

 


Classes & Location

Students may chose to join Politics Today in Orchard Hill OR Southwest area of campus. The Gen Ed class and the RAP Seminar will both be taught in the residential area.

Fall 2013

ALL students will enroll in the following class:

"Rap Seminar"- UNIV 190R, 1 credit

AND choose to enroll in ONE of the following Gen Ed class listed under the residential area:

Orchard Hill Area 

Webster Hall 

"Comparative Politics" Political Science 111 (Gen Ed SBG), 4 credits 

Southwest Area

Pierpont Hall

"Introduction to Political Theory" Political Science 171  (Gen Ed SB), 4 credits

Spring 2014

"College Writing" - English Writing 112 - will be offered in the residential area

 

Pamela R. Marsh-Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost & Dean

This website is part of Undergraduate Advising & Learning Communities. We provide undergraduate students a variety of opportunities and services designed to facilitate the best academic experience possible. 609 Goodell Building, UMass Amherst.

UA&LC Units: Undergraduate Advising, Residential Academic Programs, Domestic Exchange Programs, Five College Interchange