In-Class Response

Response 1, Purpose: to foster critical thinking about one's own civic duties in preparation for designing a poster that encourages students in the university community to get out and vote, in conjunction with the AIGA Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative.

civics: the study of the rights and duties of citizenship
(New Oxford American Dictionary)

Reflect on your civic duties and what it means to vote as an American. Consider all of the internal (aka, personal) issues and influences that impact your decision to vote, or not vote. Also think about the external factors that contribute to the reasons why you do or do not vote.

Read the following for further information about voting, with regard to college students, who will be the audience for your poster:

• https://www.usa.gov/features/usagovs-college-voting-guide

And be sure to consider the following in the above, taking care to read the census report...

Only 38 percent of 18-24 year olds voted in the 2012 presidential election. (source, usa.gov)

An in-class discussion Thurs. Aug. 25 will help you think about the issues surrounding voting. Sharing your own thoughts with the class will give others a broader perspective. Each student will share the following, as it relates to voting and your participation in the electoral process.

• Do you consider yourself to be active in politics, political discussions, or civic engagement? Why or why not?
• If you do vote, or have always voted, why is that?
• If you don't vote, or have never voted, why is that? And what would make you want to vote?

Response/Discussion Worth 30 points total, with each item worth 10-15 points.

This discussion will introduce you to the topic, issues, influences, and audience for you to design your poster.