Thursday, November 21, 1968
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
19
Replaces 'citizenship' course
New poly sci class studies issues
By GLORIA VOBEJDA Special to the Kansan
Presidential power, civil rights, gun control legislation, the New Left, narcotics regulations these were among the topics selected by students for Political Science 52, renamed "Contemporary Issues in American Government."
"This year we have restructured our introductory courses to be more meaningful and relevant," said Burt English, assistant professor of political science. "For example, we now include state and local politics instead of stressing only national politics," he said.
"In the past we would have dismissed the protest groups as being outside the realm of politics," he continued. "Now we are more inclined to study the behavioral movements of groups such as Students for a Democratic Society and the Black Panthers."
Old textbooks never criticised American politics. They explained the way they worked and described the U.S. government as the most democratic in the world, which may or may not be the case, said English.
"Political Science 52 used to be more like a citizenship course," English said. "Now we are trying to make informed citizens."
The old American Government courses, Political Science 1 for freshmen and sophomores and Political Science 52 for juniors and seniors used to be part of the introductory program for political science majors as well as a principal course in the social sciences for students majoring in such fields as engineering, journalism or a foreign language.
"The course was a misfit and was almost abolished," said Harold E. Riehm, assistant professor of political science who teaches one of its two sections.
Riehm said he and James E. Titus, associate professor of political science, who teaches the other section, decided last summer to change the format to make it more meaningful to students who were taking it to fulfill a requirement.
"By excluding political science majors, we found we could devote more time to contemporary issues, and, at the same time, create an aura of flexibility." Riehm explained. "In this way we could explore current issues with students as they arise."
Ever wonder what it would be like to be Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss or Mark Donohue?
A gymkhana may not allow speeds attainable at Indianapolis and your car may not be a McLaren M6A, but in a low-key manner the experience of competition driving is still present.
Ever daydreamed of driving Le Mans, Sebring or the Nurburgring?
Khana set for Sunday by Lawrence car club
The Hillcrest Theaters' parking lot at the Hillcrest Shopping
Center will be the site Sunday of "Mystickhana," a gymkhana sponsored by the Jayhawk Sports Car Club of Lawrence (JSCC) and Kansas Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).
Riehm said both he and Titus were surprised that no one in either section suggested the draft as a topic for discussion.
While Titus said it was too early to evaluate the new format, he noted the large size of class sections as a drawback.
Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be open all day. Entry fees are $2.50 for JSCC and SCCA members and $3.50 for non-members.
Linda Boone, Kansas City senior, said, "I think it is a good course, but the section is too large. As it is, it's extremely interesting but with more than 100 students, discussion is fairly difficult."
"This is my first political science course," said Phil Olsen, El Dorado senior. "I enjoy this sort of thing."
Karen Walker, Omaha, Neb. sophomore, said, "I think it could be better. We don't discuss the textbook material enough."
PERSONAL
REWARD to anyone knowing the where-abouts of Jim Conrad! He left an ugly old bug with us while he took a fabulous FIAT out for a test drive. We wonder if we'll ever see him again. Why don't you make friends with a FIAT ... and watch it turn into love!
Midwest Imports 1035 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas
WICHITA, Kan. (UPI)—The director of Wichita's new Civic Center said yesterday there was a "strong" possibility the inauguration of Gov. Robert B. Docking for his second term will be held here.
Docking's second inauguration site could be in Wichita or Kansas City
Jim Clancy, following a meeting here late yesterday, said a final decision is expected before the end of the week.
Kansas City also is being considered as a possible site for the inauguration, which would be
the first in state history held outside of Topeka.
It was revealed this week that the Topeka Municipal Auditorium could not be used for the ceremony because it has been reserved by the Kansas Association of School Boards.
Paul Pendergast, executive secretary of the state Democratic party, said both Docking and Lt. Gov.elect James H. DeCoursey Jr. were favorable to holding the ceremony outside the city if necessary.