Spring2011
University of Texas at El Paso
SYLLABUS
American Government and Politics(POLS 2311)
Course Number and Instructor Information-
Name of the instructor - ABHA SINGH
Telephone # (915)-747-7981
E-Mail address-
Class schedule- Mon/Wed/Fri :10:30 AM-11:20 AM
CRN # 25673
Office Hours- Mon/Wed : 11:20 AM-12:20 PM
Office location-Benedict Hall # 309
Course Description and Objectives-
Course Description: POLS 2311 is an introductory study of American government and politics with a brief introduction to Texas Constitution. The course surveys the basic concepts of the American national, state and local government, the theory of democracy, the structure and function of political institutions, and contemporary issues and policies. This course teaches students the essential elements, institutions and dynamics of American government. The United States and Texas Constitutions are given particular emphasis. In addition to the constitutional and historical origins of the American and Texas government, this course explores issues that the Framers could never have envisioned, and how the basic institutions of government have changed in responding to these new demands. As students gain an understanding of the fundamental character of our political process they also learn how the fundamental principles of American democracy inform their understanding of the politics and policies of today so that they can think about the policies they would like to see take shape tomorrow. This coursehelps students understand their governments as it exists today, so that they may become better citizens and make better choices.
Course Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the American Government student will be able to:
Integrate contemporary public and political issues from the out-of-class sources and apply to the political concepts discussed in the class.
Learn to prepare for the class by reading for the background information using out-of -class time and listening for pertinent class material as presented by the instructor.
Express verbally or in writing an understanding of the vocabulary, political concepts and political issues as pertains to the American political system.
Express verbally or in writing an understanding of the intellectual and political foundations of the American federal system.
Express verbally or in writing an understanding of the major components and structure of the American governmental system (executive, legislative and judiciary) and describe the processes which are used to govern.
Express verbally or in writing an understanding of the political dynamics of the parties, interest groups and the bureaucracy and the interaction of those institutions with the American governmental structure.
Express verbally or in writing an understanding of the public policies and outcome based on the Bill of Rights, civil law, foreign and domestic policies, monetary policies, and public opinion.
Develop understanding of the contemporary American national, state and local political processes and institutions.
Develop understanding of the Constitutions of the United States and Texas.
Textbook and Study Materials-
O’Connor, Karen; Sabato, Larry; Yanus,AlixandraB.; Keith, GarryA.; Haag, StefanD., Essentials of American and Texas Government : Roots and Reform;2009 edition; Pearson.
Students are required to bring their textbook in every class.
Other reading materials and printouts will be assigned during the course.
Recommended information sources- National newspapers (The New York Times, The Washington Post etc.),The El Paso Times, News magazines (Time, Newsweek etc.), National Public Radio (NPR), TV News channels and Local libraries.
Course Requirements /Grading System-
The course consists of four tests (including the non-comprehensive final test) carrying 40 points each and six quizzes carrying 5 points each. The student will be evaluated on the basis of total point system of 200 points with the breakdown as follows-
Four Tests (40 points each including Final) =160 points
Six quizzes (5 points each) = 30 points
Class paper = 10 points
Total = 200 points
The grade will be assigned on the basis of accumulated points during the course as follows-
Points Percentage Letter Grade
200-180 90-100 A (Excellent)
179-160 80-89 B (Good)
159-140 70-79 C (Average)
139-120 60-69 D (Below Average)
119-Below 59-Below F (Failing)
Class Paper - The topic for the class paper will be assigned by the instructor. It is usually based on current events; therefore the students are encouraged to keep themselves informed about national, state and local affairs. The paper should be 4- 5 pages long in addition to an introduction, conclusion and the reference pages. The students are recommended to use MS Word’s default margins, double space and use 12-points Times New Roman font.The paper should be written in APA format and all resources should be cited appropriately.The plagiarism would not be allowed and if found guilty, the student will be reported to the proper authorities. Use of Wikipedia and other encyclopediasare not acceptable and student will not receive any points for the paper in that case.The paper is graded on the basis of its originality and creativity. Regardless of circumstances, no paper will be accepted after the deadline.
Extra credit- No extra credit is given except for the attendance (See attendance policy below for further details).
Testing Rules-It is important for the students to be present on the test days because tests cannot be made-up EXCEPT due to emergencies such as hospitalization or accidents. Under those circumstances, the supporting documents or written evidence such as doctor’s notes, hospital records or police reports are required to take the missed test. If the student does not appear in the tests, he/she will be given a “zero” for that test. If the student leaves the testing room in the middle of the test, he/she will not be allowed to return to finish the test. The instructor will collect the test assuming that the test has been finished.
However, the students could be allowed to take missed quizzes during the final week of the semester. The make-up dates for the quizzes will be announced by the instructor. Although the dates for the tests have been tentatively scheduled (see Calendar); quizzes could be given announced or unannounced.
Grade records- Students are expected to keep a record of their grades. It not only keeps students knowledgeable about their progress in the class but at the same time avoids any false expectations the students may have about their performance in the future (I thought...I was making an “A”... how I ended up with a “D”??). If in doubt, the students are encouraged to contact the instructor about their progress in the class.If there is a question or dispute about a specific grade that the student received, the matter should be brought to the attention of the instructor immediately so that the matter could be resolved in the timely manner. The student has three months since the date grade was received to challenge/question their final grade.
Study requirements- A calendar regarding reading assignments and upcoming tests is attachedwith this document. The instructor will give students oral notice of any changes in the calendar in advance. It is student’s responsibility to finish their reading assignment before they come to the classroom in order to fully comprehend the discussed materials. The instructor’s lecture may not be limited to the topics stated on the calendar; students are encouraged to gather information in addition to textbook and the reading materials provided by the instructor for the better learning and understanding of the subject.
Stay informed- Know your academic situation prior to the withdrawal from class deadline.You will not get a “W” grade after the withdrawal deadline.If you have a question about how are you doing in the class, take your concerns as an opportunity to visit the instructor and discuss your situation. To wait until after mid-terms or waiting until the last week to “see how things are going” will lead to playing academic catch-up, a no-win situation.Keep yourself informed.
Instructor’s Policies-
Attendance- Attendance is taken every day. If the student leaves the classroom after attendance is taken without informing the instructor, he/she will be counted as absent.First two tardies are excused and thereafter every tardy will be counted as an absence. If you are going to be absent due to any reason you must provide advance notice of your anticipated absence to the instructor. Any excused absence must be backed up by supporting documents. The students without any absences will be given 5 extra points which will be added to their final test grade. Students with one absence will get 3 points;students with twoabsences will get 2 points; students with three absences will get 1 point.
If there is a conflict in your schedule which does not permit you to attend classes regularly and punctually, you are recommended to select another class which might fit yourschedule better. It is your responsibility to withdraw from the class, if need arises. Do not assume that the instructor will automatically drop you if you stop showing up for the class.
Participation-Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in the class. The instructorwelcomes the inquiryand questions regarding the issues and topics being discussed. Critical thinking on your part gives you the ability to understand and analyze the current events relevant to the subject and help you apply the knowledge gained throughout the semester to the outside world. Active class participation and constant interaction, though not part of your grade, is vital to the success in this course.
Electronic Equipments- Cell phones, iPods and beepers are not allowed in the classroom. If a cell phone or a beeper rings during the classroom, the first time student will get a warning and then onwards he/she will be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class. If the student wants to use the laptop for note-taking, he/she must be seated in the first two rows of the class. If the students are found using their laptops for activities unrelated to the class work, they will be banned from using them for the remainder of the semester.
Professional language-Despite the fact that the instructor happens to be perfectly capable of reading any incoherent drivel the students may send to instructor’s (e-mail) inbox directly from their phone keypad, ‘ya I cnt make it 2 clsslol’ is quite unprofessional. Therefore, the instructor wishes to impose a higher standard of grammar, spelling, and use of the enter key upon the students and kindly request that all e-mails sent to the instructor resemble any other letter to student’steacher or supervisor. The e-mails should contain name, ID, class and should refrain from questions regarding information already foundin the syllabus /calendar.
Disruptive behavior- The students could be removed or dropped from the class if they are found engaged in talking excessively and loudly, sleeping, text messaging, entering and leaving the classroom unnecessarily, being rude to the instructor, making inappropriate comments about fellow students and other behaviors described in the college catalog as unacceptable or disruptive.
Disclaimer- The instructor reserves the right to change any or this entire document during the semester as the need arises. Notice of any changes in the syllabus would be given in writing. Students are advised to see college catalog for any other college policies and procedures.
CALENDAR-
Reading Assignment for American Government and Politics (POLS 2311)
Schedule Topics covered Reading List
1/ 19-1/24 The Political Landscape Chapter 1
1/24-1/28 TheConstitution Chapter 2
Constitutional Amendments and Notes
1/28-2/2 The Federalism Chapter 3 (pp.82-90, 94-105)
2/5 Review for Test 1
Test 1- Monday, February 7th(Tentative)
2/9-2/16 The Congress Chapter 6
2/16-2/23 TheExecutive branch- Chapter 7,Chapter 8(pp.229-235)
Presidency and Bureaucracy
Line of Succession to the US Presidency
Organization chart of the Federal Govt.
Bureaucracy, Iron Triangle
2/23-3/2 The Judiciary Chapter 9(pp. 244-251,254-262,266-269)
3/4 Review for Test-2
Test 2-Monday, March 7th(Tentative)
3/9-3/21* Public Opinion and the News Media Chapter 10(pp.278-285,300-304)
Censoring of Internet, Early Newspapers
3/21-3/28 Political Partiesand Interest Groups Chapter 11(pp.322-330,335-342)
Political Ideology
3/28-4/6 Voting, Elections and Campaigns Chapter 12(pp.347-365,375-380)
A Mini Guide to Elections
State Electoral Votes/Electoral votes vs.Popular votes
How we Vote, Elected by a Majority
Census 2010
4/8 Review for Test-3
Test 3- Monday,April11th (Tentative)
4/13-4/18 Civil Liberties and Rights Chapter 4(pp.108-113,134-137)
Chapter 5(pp.149-167)
4/18-4/27 Social and Economic Policy Chapter 13
Development of the U.S. Social Security Programs
State rankings
Banking on the Fed
Small committee with big clout
4/27-5/4 The Texas Constitution Chapter 16
Final- Friday, May13th (10:00AM)
*Dates to remember-
March 14-18- Spring Break (No classes)
April 1- Course Drop Deadline
May 5- Last day of classes and complete withdrawal from University