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Teach-Out Experts
This Teach-Out serves a guide to help you better for understand the 2020 United States presidential debates and discuss politics at a time when issues are more divisive than ever. The first part of this Teach-Out breaks down how to watch the presidential debates with a questioning mindset where you’ll create a debate action plan to help you digest the many layers of commentary on the debates. After each debate, we will share an analysis of the issues raised by the candidates with perspectives from University of Michigan faculty and community experts. You’ll also learn how to talk about politics and other polarizing issues with...
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This Teach-Out serves a guide to help you better for understand the 2020 United States presidential debates and discuss politics at a time when issues are more divisive than ever. The first part of this Teach-Out breaks down how to watch the presidential debates with a questioning mindset where you’ll create a debate action plan to help you digest the many layers of commentary on the debates. After each debate, we will share an analysis of the issues raised by the candidates with perspectives from University of Michigan faculty and community experts. You’ll also learn how to talk about politics and other polarizing issues with friends, family, and co-workers. Experts on conflict resolution and decision making share strategies for how to have effective conversations around difficult topics. Finally, this Teach-Out includes an issue primer and information on how to vote in the U.S.
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the United States presidential debates, which is a topic of high interest during election years
Suitable for individuals who seek guidance on understanding political debates and engaging in civil discussions
Teaches strategies for navigating difficult conversations around politics, which is a valuable skill in personal and professional settings
Led by Teach-Out Experts, who are experienced in facilitating discussions and providing insights on political discourse
Offers an analysis of the issues raised by the candidates, providing learners with a deeper understanding of the key topics
Presents perspectives from University of Michigan faculty and community experts, ensuring credibility and diversity of viewpoints

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Discussing Politics and Debates Teach-Out with these activities:
Watch video tutorials on how to analyze political debates
Watching video tutorials on how to analyze political debates will help you understand the different elements of a debate and how to evaluate the candidates' arguments.
Show steps
  • Find a video tutorial on how to analyze political debates.
  • Watch the video tutorial and take notes.
Review key concepts of political science
Reviewing key concepts of political science will help you understand the debates and discussions that will take place during the presidential campaign.
Browse courses on Political Science
Show steps
  • Read textbook chapters on the history and structure of the US government.
  • Review notes from previous political science courses.
  • Take practice quizzes on key political science concepts.
Create a binder or digital file of all the information you gather on the presidential debates
Creating a binder or digital file of all the information you gather on the presidential debates will help you stay organized and keep track of the different candidates' positions.
Show steps
  • Create a binder or digital file.
  • Collect articles, videos, and other resources on the presidential debates.
  • Organize the resources in the binder or digital file.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu
Reading 'The Art of War' will help you understand the strategies and tactics used in political campaigns.
Show steps
  • Read the book in its entirety.
  • Take notes on the key principles of the book.
  • Apply the principles of the book to the upcoming presidential debates.
Practice answering debate questions
Practicing answering debate questions will help you prepare for the debates and be able to form your own opinions.
Show steps
  • Find a list of debate questions.
  • Practice answering the questions out loud.
  • Record yourself answering the questions and watch the recording to see how you can improve.
Attend a workshop on how to analyze political debates
Attending a workshop on how to analyze political debates will give you the tools you need to better understand the debates and the candidates' positions.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is offered in your area or online.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Write a blog post about your predictions for the presidential debates
Writing a blog post about your predictions for the presidential debates will help you analyze the debates and form your own opinions.
Show steps
  • Research the candidates and their positions on the issues.
  • Watch a few of the debates.
  • Write a blog post about your predictions for the upcoming debates.
Join a study group to discuss the presidential debates
Joining a study group to discuss the presidential debates will allow you to share your perspectives and learn from others.
Show steps
  • Find a study group that meets regularly.
  • Attend the study group meetings and participate in the discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Discussing Politics and Debates Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for reporting on political events and issues, providing the public with accurate and unbiased information. This course can help Journalists develop the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the often-complex and divisive nature of political debates. By learning how to identify key arguments, evaluate evidence, and present balanced perspectives, Journalists can produce high-quality reporting that informs and empowers the public.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisors play a crucial role in shaping and implementing government policies. They need to be able to understand complex political issues, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively. This course can help Policy Advisors enhance these skills by providing them with a framework for critically examining political debates, identifying key arguments, and developing well-informed policy recommendations.
Political Analyst
Political Analysts study and interpret political issues and trends, providing insights and analysis to help inform decision-making. This course can help Political Analysts develop essential skills for understanding and interpreting political debates, an important part of their work. By learning how to approach debates with critical thinking and analysis, Political Analysts can improve their ability to identify key issues, evaluate arguments, and provide informed perspectives on the political landscape.
Political Campaign Manager
Political Campaign Managers oversee all aspects of political campaigns, including strategy, fundraising, and communication. They need to be able to understand the political landscape, develop effective messaging, and navigate complex media environments. This course can help Political Campaign Managers develop these skills by providing them with a deep understanding of political debates, the ability to analyze voter sentiment, and the tools to craft persuasive campaign strategies.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent the interests of organizations or individuals before government officials, advocating for specific policies or legislation. They need to be able to understand the political landscape, develop persuasive arguments, and build relationships with policymakers. This course can help Lobbyists develop these skills by providing them with a deep understanding of political debates, the ability to analyze policy proposals, and the tools to effectively advocate for their clients' interests.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals, helping to shape public opinion and build relationships with key stakeholders. They need to be able to understand the political context in which their organizations operate and communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences. This course can help Public Relations Specialists develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying key messaging points, and developing effective communication strategies.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate complex social systems and improve their well-being. They need to be able to understand the political factors that shape social policies and programs, and advocate for their clients' needs. This course can help Social Workers develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying barriers to access, and developing strategies for advocating for social justice.
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work to mobilize communities to address social, economic, and environmental issues. They need to be able to understand the political landscape, build relationships with diverse stakeholders, and develop effective strategies for social change. This course can help Community Organizers develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying key issues, and developing strategies for empowering communities.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, which play a vital role in addressing social and environmental issues. They need to be able to understand the political landscape, develop effective programs, and manage resources wisely. This course can help Nonprofit Managers develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and developing strategies for achieving their organization's mission.
Educator
Educators play a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations, and they need to be able to help students understand the political landscape and develop critical thinking skills. This course can help Educators develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying key issues, and developing lesson plans that encourage students to engage with political issues in a thoughtful and informed way.
Conflict Resolution Specialist
Conflict Resolution Specialists help people resolve disputes and build consensus. They need to be able to understand the political dynamics that can contribute to conflict, and develop strategies for facilitating constructive dialogue and negotiation. This course can help Conflict Resolution Specialists develop these skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying common ground, and developing strategies for building bridges between different perspectives.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the people-related aspects of an organization, including hiring, training, and employee relations. They need to be able to understand the political landscape as it relates to labor laws and regulations. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying potential employment-related issues, and developing strategies for managing a diverse workforce.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers oversee the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. They need to be able to understand the political landscape as it relates to diversity and inclusion issues. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying potential diversity and inclusion issues, and developing strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the development and implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives. They need to be able to understand the political landscape as it relates to corporate social responsibility issues. This course may be useful for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying potential corporate social responsibility issues, and developing strategies for creating a more socially responsible organization.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers oversee the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives within an organization. They need to be able to understand the political landscape as it relates to sustainability issues. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers by providing them with a framework for analyzing political debates, identifying potential sustainability issues, and developing strategies for creating a more sustainable organization.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Discussing Politics and Debates Teach-Out .
Explores the different strategies and techniques that can be used in political debate. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that candidates present their arguments and respond to their opponents.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the basic concepts of politics. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that political systems are organized and the different ways that power is distributed.
Provides a logical framework for understanding political debate. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that people reason about political issues.
Explores the sociological factors that influence political participation. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that people get involved in politics.
Provides a political economy perspective on development. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that political and economic factors interact to shape development outcomes.
Explores the future of politics. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that technology, globalization, and other factors are changing the way that politics is practiced.
Explores the decline of the West. It is particularly useful for understanding the different factors that have contributed to the decline of the West and the implications of this decline for the future of the world.
Explores the clash of civilizations. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that different civilizations interact and the implications of these interactions for the future of the world.
Explores the end of history. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that the end of history has been interpreted and the implications of these interpretations for the future of the world.
Explores the sovereign individual. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that the rise of the individual has changed the way that politics is practiced and the implications of these changes for the future of the world.
Explores the global trap. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that globalization has created a trap for the world and the implications of this trap for the future of the world.
Explores the next hundred years. It is particularly useful for understanding the different ways that the world will change in the next hundred years and the implications of these changes for the future of the world.

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