Post
by squ1rtle » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:20 pm
Mayo runs an interesting class and tells very interesting stories. He only called on people for about the first couple months of class. Afterwards, he just asked for volunteers. He is also "rumored to have been the model for the Pillsbury doughboy." (his own words) His final consists of multiple choice short answer format. To do good on his exams, answer his questions in IRAC format with perfect syllogism. If you can, support your example with an actual case discussed in the book. Also, you need to negate all the wrong answer choices on his exams and give a good reason why the answer choice does not apply. You should also support every answer with a policy argument. Mayo also teaches literature classes, so he loves clear, concise writing and will reward you for that.
Thornburg can be pretty downright boring at times. But if you are a gunner that's a good thing! Because while the rest of the class is on facebook chat, you will be listening intently to her ramblings and taking detailed notes. I would suggest grabbing her questions and answers book that she published with Prof. Dorsaneo, I found it really helpful. Her exams are what I would call hybrid issue spotters. There will be a main issue to discuss, but every question will involve several "forks in the road." (see Getting to Maybe) It's easy to get tunnel vision on her exams and forget to go down every fork, but to get the maximum points on her exams -- that's what you have to do. Like Mayo, Thornburg will give you extra points for supporting your argument with casebook examples. Unlike Mayo, she is not a stickler with having perfect clear, concise writing. So just try to go over every issue in the fastest manner possible even if that means writing like a chipmunk.
Walls will pretty much outline to you the exact manner in which she wants the memo/brief done. She will give you countless examples of how she want every section done and the "rules" she wants you to follow (ie. passive construction, conjuncts, etc). Moreover, she will go over every assignment with her own example so you can compare your work to hers. So just imitate her exact writing style and you will make a good grade. This, of course, is contingent on doing perfect research as well.
