What I've Learned This Semester

I make a point every semester to share my wealth of knowledge with you, my lovely readers!  I'm saving you a BUNDLE in college tuition by doing so, so you should be thanking me! 

POLS 200 - Introduction to Politics

This is just an elective.  It's an OK class --  kinda boring, with lots and lots of homework.  I've actually learned this fact before, but had forgotten it. 

Aristotle was a student of Plato, Plato was a student of Socrates.

POLS 398 - Advanced Political Science Methods

This is an advanced stats class, and I *HATE* it with every fiber of my being!  I don't feel like I've learned a damn thing from this class, it's so far over my head!  Luckily I have a friend taking it with me, and he's been extremely generous in helping.  Otherwise there is no way I could possibly pass that class.

This is a multiple regression equation that we used recently. 

POLS 407 - American Policy Process

This has been one of my favorite classes in my entire college career.  It's a fun class, and I think it'll be valuable for the career that I hope to get into. 

Policy Design Tools

Authority tools	Govts use their authority to urge or require people to behave in a certain way.  The use of such tools, not always effective or democratic, depends on the perceived legitimacy of govt.  These tools may be particularly effective during times of crisis, when favorable responses by the govt are more likely.
Inducements and sanctions	Govts provide incentives or penalties to appeal to individuals’ rational pursuit of their self-interest.  Inducements encourage people to act in a certain way because they will gain from doing so.  Sanctions are negative incentives or penalties that are thought to discourage behavior that is inconsistent with policy goals.
Capacity-building tools	Govts make available training, education, information, and technical assistance, and they can aim to inform or enlighten and thus empower people, either those in the target population or policy agents.
Hortatory tools	Govts invoke images and values through speeches, proclamations, and other communication to exhort people to behave a certain way.
Learning tools	Govts can encourage policy agents and target populations to participate and learn, for example, through citizen advisory panels and collaborative processes.