Since 1983, teachers from public and private secondary schools in South Carolina and other Southeastern states have participated in the Institute's "Strom Thurmond Seminar in Government and Politics for Social Studies Teachers." The seminar consists of Internet training, lectures, and other academic presentations on the seminar topic. The usual format for the seminar is to spend the first week on the Clemson University campus and the second week in Washington DC, where seminar participants visit government agencies, private agencies, and Capitol Hill to hear lectures and discussion by policy makers and opinion leaders. The seminar is presented through the cooperation of the Department of Political Science and Department of Curriculum Instruction at Clemson University. Three hours of graduate credit in Political Science may be earned by attending the seminar.
Excerpts Taken From Journals of Participants of The Strom Thurmond Institute Seminar in Government and Politics for Social Studies Teachers:
"You have certainly given me renewed motivation, which is desperately needed, to give my students something more current and stimulating this year."
"The seminar was very informative and worthwhile. I enjoyed every session. I would give it an A for a grade."
"Wonderful experience! I have loved it."
"Outstanding seminar; excellent sources; excellent variety of topics and speakers. Excellent accommodations. Most importantly, a great deal of information I can use in the classroom!"
"Super! I feel overwhelmed! It will take awhile to process all of the valuable information."
I feel I have had the opportunity of a lifetime today. I am amazed at what our directors have been able to plan for us and very much in awe of this wonderful experience."
"This seminar has been a valuable experience for me. I appreciate all the work that went into the organizing and implementing of this program. I'm very grateful to be chosen as a participant. I learned so much, and I know much of this knowledge can be applied in the course I teach."
"Thank you for the opportunity to work with a professional staff who cares about the participants and treats teachers as professionals. This was a wonderful experience. Do whatever it takes to ensure that the seminar continues."
"Teacher rarely have access to these sources. They have been stimulating as well as informative."
"It has been a real privilege to participate in the seminar. Teachers need desperately to be recharged periodically. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding."
"This, by far, was the greatest learning experience of my life."
"This seminar has been the best educational experience that I have had. The staff members are helpful, professional, well organized and well informed. I hope that you will continue to get the funding that you need to keep up this wonderful program for teachers."
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