United States Government

Syllabus

Roanoke College 2008-2009

Instructor: Mrs. Jan Rabin

Phone: 586-3986

E-mail –

Course Description:

This course in United States government is an investigative study of American political and economic behavior. While developing analytical and critical thinking skills, this investigative study will allow students to understand historical and political developments that continue to impact our nation. You will learn how the government functions and interacts with the international community.

Course Objectives:

The Craft of Research

  • Special emphasis is placed on research, oral and written presentations, and class participation. Students will utilize the various forms of media to become aware of political developments both nationally and internationally. In addition, students will evaluate the different forms of media for accuracy and bias.
  • Students will distinguish facts from opinions and discover the reliability of primary sources when doing research.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of respecting other’s rights to have a voice in government. Students will be encouraged to learn to disagree in an intelligent manner that is not confrontational but is rooted in research rather than bias and general opinions.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the structure and operation of the United States and Virginia governments; the process of policy making with an emphasis on foreign affairs; economic agreements, and issues involving the civil rights of individuals and groups; policy issues that are impacted by political party affiliation, economic constraints and issues, the media, and the activities of the three branches of government.

Formation of American Government

  • Students will acquire knowledge of the origins and the workings of the United States political systems. Students will discuss the political theories of Locke, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Blackstone. Students will identify fundamental political principles identified in significant historical documents that have shaped government in the United States.
  • Students will analyze and summarize key components of the United States Constitution.
  • Students will acquire knowledge of the structure, functions, and development of state and federal political systems of governments.
  • Students will explain the implications of state and federal government on their lives and the lives of others.
  • Students will analyze political institutions, processes, and civic values inherent in state and federal political systems of governments.

Comparative Government

  • Students will compare the United States political and economic systems to those of other nations.
  • Students will acquire knowledge of the field of political science and how it affects the public sector and everyday life within the nation.

American Citizenship

  • Students will explain the role that citizens play at the local, state, and national levels of government.
  • Students will have the opportunity to apply participatory skills needed to carry out civic responsibilities and exercise their rights as humans.
  • Students will have the opportunity to communicate with both elected and appointed officials.

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Course Policies:

  1. Every class is important, so attendance will be essential for your success. You will be allowed one excused absence from this class. Let the professor know when you return that you have used this excuse (in written form). A medical excuse must be accompanied by a college medical excuse or doctor’s note. Any absences other than these will affect your grade. All tests and missed work are to be made up and will be due at the beginning of the next scheduled class. Students are encouraged to seek help immediately when there are difficulties understanding class work or outside assignments. It is important that you do not wait until you fail a test to seek help.
  2. The grading system used in this class will follow the Roanoke College Policy. Late papers and other assignments will not be tolerated. You are expected to hand assignments in ON TIME. “MY COMPUTER CRASHED IS NOT AN EXCUSE.” Give yourself enough time to get assignments done so if you do encounter computer or printer problems, you will have enough time to seek alternative equipment.
  3. You will be expected to take notes during class. Tests, quizzes, papers and discussions will be based on readings, class discussions, and other types of information presented in class. Assigned research projects will be given during the semester. The instructor reserves the right to include other areas to be evaluated when necessary. All videos and DVDs that are shown will be included on tests and quizzes.
  4. College rules and class procedures will be enforced .
  5. Deadlines for all assignments are strictly enforced.
  6. Original documentation is strongly encouraged. Personal opinions, not based on fact are strongly discouraged. Be able to distinguish the difference between opinion and reliable primary sources, especially with regard to the Internet.
  7. You must document all of your written work. You will be asked where you got your information when you share with the class.
  8. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills. A special emphasis is placed on research, oral and written presentations and class participation.
  9. Learn to disagree in an intelligent manner that is not confrontational, and is grounded in research rather than bias and personal opinion.
  10. When documenting your sources, there is no such thing as “common knowledge.” When you are in doubt as to whether to document something, always DOCUMENT. Plagiarism is taken very seriously. The RoanokeCollege policy on plagiarism is strictly enforced. All electronic devices are to be left elsewhere and not to be used or visible during class.

Required Reading:

  • American Government by Sabato – You should have an edition that is 6th edition or newer.
  • The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual by Scott and Garrison 6th Edition. This is a valuable resource and will help you citing sources, write in a legible, cohesive way; legitimize Internet sources; and use correct punctuation.
  • Additional readings and handouts will be distributed. There will be times when the handouts will be added to your notebook. There will be times when you are responsible for taking notes from the reading material.
  • Reserved reading materials will be available in the library on occasions.
  • All original documentation serves as proof of your point of view – personal bias does not.

Grading and Integrity Code:

Grading for this class follows the RoanokeCollege policy.

Good grades are within the reach of all students who take the course seriously. A’s are reserved for students who exceed the mandatory standards of this course.

Course Outline:

Throughout the first part of the semester we will extensively study the upcoming presidential election including candidates, election issues, poll results, Electoral College, and election results, along with material that will help you to understand government policies and elections better.

  1. What is Government? Who Governs Our Lives?
  2. Roots of American Government Including the Virginia Constitution and Other Pertinent Historical Documents
  3. A Close Look at the United States Constitution – Article by Article.
  4. Who were the Founding Fathers and why did they risk everything for our government?
  5. Declaration of Independence and its impact on the world, as well as our country. Why was it so important to the 13 colonies?
  6. Comparison of the Antebellum period to the post Civil War with regard to our nation’s growth and change.
  7. Globalization and its affect on the United States and the world.
  8. What is the Patriot Act, and is it legal?
  9. Fundamental Concepts of Democracy in Comparison to Other Forms of Governments
  10. State and National Authority in a Federal System of Government/Federalism
  11. Current Issues Confronting Local, State, and National Governments.
  12. Politics and the Election Process/Political Parties: formation and importance.
  13. The decision-making process of our government on the national level.
  14. Power of the people –( referendum, recall etc.)
  15. Immigration and its impact on our nation during the present time.
  16. Supreme Court cases and their impact on our daily lives.
  17. Women’s rights and affirmative action.
  18. Homeland Security – Are we safe?
  19. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  20. Interest Groups and Public Policies
  21. Bureaucracy
  22. Media and Politics
  23. The World Economy and the United States Economic System
  24. Ethics and corruption in the government – both within the United States and other nations in the world.
  25. Amendments to the Constitution as they relate to Supreme Court cases.
  26. Challenges for the next President of the United States.

*This course outline is subject to change during the course when necessary

Materials Needed:

  1. A notebook will be needed for government and used only for government class –
  1. Sharpened Pencils and/or Pens, Highlighters
  1. Additional materials to complete projects will also be needed throughout the year. Most of these projects will be homework assignments.
  1. You are expected to be ready for class with the materials that are needed each time that class meets.