Fall 2018 Honors College Forum Course to Track Midterm Elections

As far as American politics are concerned, anything is possible in 2018, from the unsurprising (Democrats could take control of the House of Representatives) to the unlikely (someone could rise to challenge President Trump in the 2020 Republican primary). These potentialities, and the political moves that get us there, will be the cornerstone of the fall 2018 Honors College Forum, Midterm Elections.

"People are paying more attention to the midterm elections this year, given the potential for a transition of power in Congress," said Noah Pittman, assistant dean for recruitment and retention in the Honors College, and instructor for the course. "With a flurry of retirements from the Republican party, there could be a number of incredibly interesting races come November."

This discussion-based course is designed to acquaint students with congressional campaigns across the country. Each student will be assigned one key race to track during the weeks leading up to the elections. This focused study will be coupled with a broader look at the recent history of the United States Congress, with an emphasis on the weighty midterms of 1994, 2006 and 2010.

"In this course students will examine how the midterms could affect future outreach and communication strategies for both parties, as well as who the key players will be as we approach the 2020 presidential election," said Pittman.

The second half of the course hinges on the elections themselves; once the results are in, students will interpret their significance and discuss their strategic implications for the president's agenda and the next presidential election. What transpires in 2018 will impact future policy decisions on both sides of the aisle; students in Midterm Elections will get an insider's look at political strategy before, during and after the drama.

The Honors College Forum series brings star faculty and top administrators together with honors students to discuss trending issues. All honors students, regardless of their political views, are invited to apply for Midterm Elections. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 28. The course will meet on Mondays from 5-6:15 p.m. during the fall 2018 semester.