Dave,
Check out my course design for a connectivism inspired political science course. http://bradleyshoebottom.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/poe206-networked-learning-course-design/
I ran into the same problem of coming up with assignments that would be useful to the students to re-emphasize to themselves what they were learning. I gave them a concept map exercise to “force” them to draw connections between political theory, political structures/systems, and real life practice. My favorite concept map was not done in a concept map tool, but rather was a scrap booked. I also gave them other assignment that fed on one another ie they were the same political subject that they carried through the whole course first developing a backgrounder presentations, then a mock bill to present in parliament, a report outline, and then a final report of a style of their choice to bring everything together. The hardest assignment to grade is the concept map as it is relatively subjective. Most of my students were unable to create networks of ideas and instead created hierarchical organizational type charts. These are military folks, so I guess it is not surprising I got some “group-think” on their approach. When I do critique their other assignments, it is not necessarily on the actual subject, but their technique of presentation to ensure they have balance in their arguments, that they take a deep look at the statistics they choose to use, and that they outline the potential ramifications of their proposed political plans of actions. Sorry, gone on too long here. Guess I should write a blog status report on the course.