1. Start reading the newspaper on a regular basis if you do not already do so.
2. Start watching actual news coverage on television. Jon Stewart’s Daily Show does not count.
3. Read Hardball by Chris Matthews. This is widely available in libraries, brick and mortar as well as online book stores. Review the assignment before you start reading. Take some notes as you go so that you will have specific details to which to refer. Provide the page numbers for the particular examples that you provide.
Once school starts there will be more discussion of this book and another assessment of some sort. You really have to read it.
4. Write a thoughtful, thorough response to each of the following questions. Include specific examples whenever possible and cite the relevant page numbers. This is due on the first day of school and should be word-processed, double-spaced in 12 point font.
· What did you learn about contemporary politics in the United States?
· What did you find encouraging about US politics from the book?
· What did you find disappointing or disillusioning about US politics from the book?
· What do you think was Chris Matthew’s purpose in writing the book?
· Take three chapters- find a contemporary example that illustrates each of those
three themes. Explain each theme and then explain how your example relates to that them.
· What is your opinion of this book?
o Did you enjoy the book (Be honest. No points will be deducted for not liking the book).
· Would you recommend this book to a fellow student?
o If you did not enjoy the book, do you feel there is anyone who would?
o What type of person would like this book?
If you have a question or problem regarding this assignment, e-mail me:
psolomon@norfolkcollegiate.org