The Bennion Teachers' Workshop for the Perpetuation of Democratic Principles is an annual program of the Mountain West Center for Regional Studies at Utah State University . Funded by an endowment established by Ione S. Bennion , the workshop addresses topics that range widely, but which always are related to the concepts upon which democracy is built, the conditions under which it flourishes, and the dangers that threaten its existence. Workshops are taught by Utah State University faculty and guest speakers who represent the latest scholarship in the topics presented. The focus is on giving teachers practical tools that they can use in the classroom. Find guidelines for proposals here.
2009 Bennion Teachers Workshop
Democracy in Transition:
U.S. Presidential Elections, 1960-2008
This workshop will present a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of U.S. presidential elections from 1960 to 2008. It also will include discussions of the changing character of the U.S. electorate and political party system, as well as proposals for reform of the presidential nominating process and the Electoral College. The workshop will complement scholarly perspectives on presidential elections with practitioners’ perspectives provided by films and by a former U.S. House candidate.
When: June 22-26, 2009, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: Not yet assigned.
When assigned, it will be posted at: www.usu.edu/mountainwest/bennion.html
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: P.S. 1100 for undergraduates only
Course Numbers: Secondary Education 5000 (Undergraduate)
Secondary Education 6000 (Graduate)
Political Science 4890 (Undergraduate)
Political Science 4890H (Undergraduate Honors)
Political Science 6810 (Graduate)
Tuition and Fees: $40 workshop fee and either $30 per credit for continuing education or regular tuition.
Stipends for Teachers: A limited number of $300 stipends are available for working teachers.
For information, call (435) 797-1312.
The workshop is designed for middle school and high school teachers and prospective teachers, and recertification credit is available. Stipends are also paid to teachers who attend to help defray the costs of registration, travel, and lodging.
Topics of recent workshops include:
* Liberty and War,' co-directed by William Furlong , Shannon Peterson and Carolyn Rhodes of the Political Science Department.
* Politics and the Media,” directed by Peter Galderisi, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Michael Sweeney, Assistant Professor in Journalism and Communication.
* Democracy, Access and Language Diversity in American Classrooms,” directed by James Bame , Professor of Intensive English, Susan Carkin, Associate Professor of Intensive English, and John Lackstrom, Professor of Spanish, English, Linguistics, and ESL.
* Representation and Participation: Music, Poetry, and Democratic Ideals in the Classroom,” directed by Bruce Saperston , Chair of the Music Department, and Brock Dethier, Assistant Professor of English.
* Counting Every Vote and Making Every Vote Count,” directed by Peter Galderisi, Associate Professor of Political Science.
* Reading , Reflection, and Respect: Building Democracy through Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults,” directed by Lynn Langer Meeks and Patricia M. Gantt, both professors of English at Utah State University.
* Fairness for Girls and Boys: Gender and Democratic Principles in America 's Schools,” directed by Anne M. Butler, Professor of History, and Jay Butler, Lecturer in English.