Video

Feb 15, 2012

Behind the Scenes of the 2012 SOTUS

Posted by Mary Jane
in American Government, Video | 0 comments

I finally watched this video about the making of the 2012 State of the Union speech. Like all videos from whitehouse.gov, it offers a peek into the hallways and cubicles of the West Wing and shows the real work that happens there. I really liked hearing from some of the staff members who worked on the speech. (I counted three with “Speech Writer” in their title.)

Showing how the different agencies are responsible for reviewing the speech and checking the facts was also included, and I wish there were more details about that. Of course, President Obama makes a few appearances, clearly directing the whole process and providing feedback to those working late into the night. We might include this video in our 2012 update of our State of the Union assignment (here’s the current one), but with all the writing and rewriting featured, it seems like it could be great for students learning about the writing process, too.

Jan 19, 2012

Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions, Oh My!

Posted by Zara Elizabeth Ricks
in American Government, Video | 0 comments

Primary elections can be confusing. This super quick video by C.G.P. Grey breaks down the complicated system of primaries, caucuses, and national conventions.

And if you like this video, there are more! Check out How the Electoral College Works, Gerrymandering Explained, and more on Grey’s blog.

Jan 5, 2012

Spotlight: “People on the Street” Videos Help Kick-Start Spring

Posted by Zara Elizabeth Ricks
in American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Video | 0 comments

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time once again to introduce a new crew of students to political science. One way to do that is through our “People on the Street” videos. These interviews with everyday folks prompt students to consider foundational questions on issues like the purpose of government, the nature of power, and whether peace is possible.

Professors who teach with these videos usually have students complete the assignment

Nov 30, 2011

Spotlight: Where Do You Get Your News?

Posted by Zara Elizabeth Ricks
in American Government, New Assignment, Video | 0 comments

Soomo’s own filmmaker, Tim Grant, went to New York City to talk to ask people the burning question, “Where do you get your news?” The new People on the Street video is featured in an assignment by the same name in our Americans Governing collection. It’s sure to ignite a great classroom discussion about news in America—or at least it did in our home office. Good job, Tim!

Email the PoliSci Desk if you’d like the new assignment added to your course!

Nov 16, 2011

Teaching Europe’s Debt Crisis

Posted by Zara Elizabeth Ricks
in Comparative Government, Global Studies, Infographics, Teaching and Technology, Video | 0 comments

With all the talk of Europe’s debt crisis, details are hard to keep straight. Luckily, there are folks out there who are trying to help us understand it all.  We’ve rounded up a few great links to help students understand what’s going on.

The New York Times Teaching and Learning Blog created a great infographic and flow chart. The site also offers lesson plans, paper topics, and even a game to get students interested in the debt debate.

Nov 7, 2011

7 Billion!

Posted by Zara Elizabeth Ricks
in Comparative Government, Global Studies, Infographics, Teaching and Technology, Video | 0 comments

This week the world hit the 7 billion population mark and to mark the dramatic occasion, NPR created this very cool interactive map to as part of their special series, “7 Billion and Counting.”  The map allows users to easily compare each country’s fertility policy, population density, and GDP.