Introduction to American Government
Email: [email protected]
Classroom:
This course is designed as an introduction to political science and to government of the United States. Included in the course will be a review of key political science concepts such as the nature of government, democracy, and federalism. The course will then analyze the framework of the American government in an attempt to identify core political tenets that can be seen throughout our system. From there we turn to the institutions of government and the interaction of people with these institutions. Finally, we look at the structure of the electoral system and its effect on citizens� behavior.
Course Requirements:
There will be three examinations and a comprehensive final. The format of the midterms will be at the discretion of the instructor but may include multiple choice, short answer essay or identification of terms. The lowest of the midterm grades will be dropped. The tentative dates for these exams are listed below. In addition, extra credit pop-quizzes will be offered several times throughout the quarter.
Examinations that are missed without permission can only be made-up in the case of a verified emergency. This will require the student provide written proof of the emergency. If you believe the exam to conflict with a pre-scheduled event, notify the instructor immediately. Make-up exams will increase in difficulty as the student postpones the event to compensate for the additional study time.
Midterm exams (best 2 out of 3) 50% (25% each) (See below for review sheets)
Final Exam 40%
Short Paper 10%
Course Grades:
Grades will be based on the following distribution:
A 90%-100% B 80%-89% C 70%-79%
D 60%-69% F 59% and below
Text:
American Government. Wilson, Dilulio Jr. Houghton Mifflin Company: New York. 1998.
Academic Dishonesty:
As per the Standards of Student Conduct:
�Successful students always make sure that their work is original. This is important because the instructor must be able to gauge what the student has learned. Therefore, copying the work of another person, whether an essay or answers during a test, is considered plagiarism.
�Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Any time a student uses someone else's work and does not give that person credit, it is plagiarism. Anyone who plagiarizes will receive an �F� on the assignment. If this is repeated, the student may fail the course and can be subject to disciplinary action from the college in accordance with Board Policy 6080. If you are "suspected" of plagiarism in a take home assignment, you will bear the burden of proof. You must be able to present rough drafts or related materials and discuss the topic intelligently.�
Readings:
Part I: Introduction to Political Science
September 4, 9 What is government?
September 11,16 Basic tenets of democracy
Ch. 1 & Declaration of Independence (Appendix)
Part II: Framework of American Government
September 18 Articles of Confederation
Constitution (Appendix) & Constitution Ch. 2
September 23 No Class
September 25, 30 Federalism, Bill of Rights Federalist 10, Federalist 51 & Ch. 3
October 2 Review, catch up
October 7 EXAM 1 over Part I and Part II
Part III: Institutions
October 9, 14 Congress & Interest Groups Ch. 11, 9
October 16, 21 Presidency & Bureaucracy Ch. 12, 13
October 23, 28 Judiciary and role of the Courts Ch. 14
October 30, November 4 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Ch. 18, 19
November 6 EXAM 2 over Part III
Part IV: Electoral Process
November 11 Political Socialization and Ideology Ch. 4
November 13, 18 Political Parties, Primaries and Conventions Ch. 7, 8
November 20, 25 General Election and Electoral College Ch. 6
Part V: Media and Public Opinion
November 27, December 2 Campaigns and Mass Media Ch. 10
December 4, 9 Role of Public Opinion & wrap-up Ch. 5
EXAM 3 over Part IV and Part V
Review for final
FINAL EXAM: Comprehensive