Splash Biography

JACOB MALINOWSKI, Yale junior; elections junkie; proud Wisconsinite

Major: Political Science

College/Employer: Yale

Year of Graduation: 2020

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Jacob is a junior at Yale in Hopper College studying Political Science with a focus on American electoral politics. He has been interested in politics since he listened to talk radio with his dad on the way home from school, and has been involved with campaigns at the school, city, state, and federal level, often working in campaign management or communications. He also served on his school board in high school.

At Yale, Jacob runs SNAP PAC, a registered federal political action committee which provides funds for low-income students to work on political campaigns. In the past, Jacob has been involved with YIRA, the international relations group on campus, as well as the Politic.

Jacob is from Greendale, Wisconsin and volunteers as a counselor at Badger Boys State, a program run by the American Legion for junior boys to learn about americanism and civic engagement. This is where he first started teaching high school students about political movements and electoral campaigns.

At Splash and Sprout, Jacob has taught courses about elections, political debate, the electoral college, and political advertising.

His favorite politician is Sen. Robert LaFollette.

Past Classes

(Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H3595: Political Protests: How to Start a Movement in Splash Spring 19 (Apr. 06, 2019)

From the March on Washington to the March For Our Lives, protests have shaped American politics since its inception. Learn about the history of issue advocacy in the United States, the successful (and unsuccessful) ways to lead a protest, and how political professionals are effecting change through organized resistance today. We will first define what a movement is and recognize some famous examples from American history. Then we will learn what political activists use to structure their movements and evaluate some famous protests through this structure. Finally, we will demonstrate this structure with our own movements in-class and learn about some resources to use in the future.

H3628: Political Advertisements: The Best and the Worst in Splash Spring 19 (Apr. 06, 2019)

Political ads, especially those featured on television, have changed dramatically since the 1950's. We'll look at a brief pre-history to political advertisements and how purchasing ads works in the United States. Then we'll review some of the most famous ads since President Eisenhower, as well as some more infamous ones... Lots of videos and laughs -- and I hope you walk away with a new perspective on political advertising!

H3630: Political Advertisements: The Best and the Worst in Splash Spring 19 (Apr. 06, 2019)

C3523: Current Events in American Politics and How to Spot a Bad Argument in Sprout Spring 19 (Feb. 16 - Mar. 02, 2019)

Does politics ever seem crazy to you? Do you overhear your parents, teachers, or celebrities talk about current events and not understand what's going on? In this class, we'll look at a range of topics being discussed in America in 2019, the facts at hand, and some of the (bad) arguments popular figures are making. We'll explore logical fallacies, bad (but sometimes effective) arguing styles, as well as how to make a good argument. We'll also review what topics politicians are debating in New Haven, in Connecticut, and across the country. When you leave this class, I hope you'll know a little bit more about the country, realize when someone is trying to trick you, and find an issue you're passionate about!

E3524: Who Votes for President? The History of, Problems with, and Solutions for the Electoral College in Sprout Spring 19 (Feb. 16 - Mar. 02, 2019)

In the United States, we have an incredibly complex system of voting for the highest office in the nation. The Electoral College was created by the founders with certain intentions, but has a troubled and sometimes confusing history. In this class, I will explain *exactly* what the Electoral College is and the times it has delivered a strange outcome. We'll discuss some practical and ideological problems with it in 2019 as well as proposed solutions. You'll leave this class with a firm understanding of how we vote for President (which most Americans don't have!) as well as a greater appreciation for the Constitution and our democracy. I am keeping the class size small so that this confusing topic can be explained thoroughly. Beginners and those with no understanding of politics are welcome!

H3304: Political Protests: How to Start a Movement in Splash Fall 2018 (Oct. 27, 2018)

H3305: Predicting the 2018 Senate Election in Splash Fall 2018 (Oct. 27, 2018)

In today's political climate, it is impossible to predict what might happen next... or is it? With so many resources online, it can be easier than ever for the average American to stay engaged in electoral politics. Take a (quantitative and qualitative) dive into the 2018 midterm election as we try to predict who will win and who will lose: will the "Blue Wave" allow the Democrats to maintain some at-risk seats? Will the Republicans increase their majority? Will history repeat itself or is 2018 a "new type" of election? We will discuss the importance of the US Senate and how partisan control is pivotal for success in government. We will then break down the map state-by-state and discuss general trends across the country. Finally, we will put our own prediction skills to the test as the class takes the role of a national political party. We will learn some "insider tricks" used by political operatives and collect resources to use in the future.