Over the past sixteen weeks, I had a lot of fun in the POLS 432 class. I chose this course because it was major required. As an international student, I felt a little scared at the beginning of the semester since I know nothing about American policy and I don't have any friends in this class. It took me a while to adapt into the class style. .
First, we started from Shambaugh/Weinstein book, and the West Wing episodes. Shambaugh/Weinstein book is about introduction of the Art of policy making process. From the web book description, it says Author Paul J. Weinstein Jr., who was Chief of Staff of the White House Domestic Policy Council during Clinton's administration; he brought a unique and valuable insider's view to the book. This book also provides some real life examples that helped me a lot in reading some of the concepts. For example, I had no idea of how to write a memo when Dr. Robert Wood introduced us different types of memos. After class, I went back home and read the format of a memo and examples related to that memo, I got the idea about what is a memo look like and how to write it.
Indeed, I think the time I get to know about what was going on and what this course is about is right before spring break. Dr. Robert Wood was very thankful. The midterm study guide he provided for us helped me a lot about knowing the course materials, especially the White House staff members. I have learned a lot while I was reading and reviewing for the midterm and I got some ideas about what we had been through the midterm. Unfortunately, unlike others, I think I didn't enjoy the West Wing episodes. The first reason is that I have lack of knowledge about US policy; second reason is my poor English skills. If there were some subtitles, I think I would understand well enough than without those subtitles.
After midterm, we started our White House Simulation. Even though this is only an experimental simulation, every one of us put our all effort on it; seemingly this is our real job.