Political Science 101:

Introduction to American Government & Politics

Jeremy S. Adams, Lecturer BDC A250

Fall 2009 661-654-6074

Office Hours: MW 2:45 – 3:10 and by Appt. Email:

Website: http://www.csub.edu/~jadams3

Overview

As a professor of political science it is incumbent upon me to issue the following caveat at the outset of this course: I teach this course with a heady agenda in mind. I have specific outcomes and issues I wish to address in the next ten weeks. I will not deny or dodge this fact at any time during the quarter. These issues and outcomes, however, have nothing to do with molding you into monomaniacal Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. My agenda is not furthered by molding any of you into liberals, conservatives or independents. Instead, my singularity of purpose is tied to the aspiration of making each of you into more informed and passionate citizens of American society. Beyond party labels and ideological turf wars there is a hope that a democracy can have a productive and enlightened conversation with itself. It is in the course of a national dialogue that we can reconcile our differences, forge a consensus, and chart a common road for the future. Because no matter if you are a politico or a political amateur, no one can possibly deny that politics matters to your futures. The wars we fight. The debt we accrue. The programs we choose to implement and fund. All of these decisions require political discussions and are either illuminated or extinguished by the quality of citizenship on display in the future. The great national debate that we must have on Social Security and Medicare, on energy independence and education, on taxes and on trade must begin not in the halls of Congress or state legislatures, but in teacher lounges and local newspapers, in student dorms and internet blogs. This class is about getting you ready for that discussion. In short, this class is about forcing you to draw a distinction between your assumptions and your convictions.

Course Requirements

Political Science is denoted as a “social science,” and while most of the class will be lecture-based, I also expect students to be able to participate in a lively, frank yet polite discussion on the issues being taught. This will require that all readings be completed in a timely matter before the class. If it becomes apparent that students are not reading I reserve the right to give pop quizzes. However, you are responsible for your own education and I hope to refrain from any unannounced quizzes. To ensure an academic and mutually respectful classroom atmosphere please observe the following:

1. Do not talk/sleep/vegetate or any combination thereof in the midst of a lecture

2. Be Prompt

3. Turn off all cell phones/ beepers/et cetera

4. Be proactive participants in the class rather than passive pedestrians. A genuine education requires an active disposition towards the material, not a detached indifference. Controlled enthusiasm is appreciated and respected.

Books/Texts

1. Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato. American Government, 2009 edition. NY, NY: Pearson-Longman, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-205-65219-8

2. Peter Woll. American Government: Readings & Cases, 18th Edition. United States: Longman, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-205-69798-4

Schedule: Exams & Readings

Part I: Ideals & Inception: Constitutional Foundations, Federalism & Political Behavior

September 14: Introduction & Expectations

September 16: 1) Chapter 2: The Constitution 2) Reading #1, John Locke, Second Treatise, Of Civil Government

September 21: 1) Reading #4, Federalist Paper #51

September 23: 1) Chapter 3: Federalism; 2) Reading #9, Federalist Paper #45

September 28: 1) Chapter 11: Political Socialization & Public Opinion

September 30 1) Chapter 13: Voting & Elections

2) Reading #35, V.O. Key Jr., A Theory of Critical Elections

October 5: EXAM #1

Part II: The Machinery of American Government: The Congress, The Presidency, & Judiciary

October 7: 1) Chapter 7: Congress

2) Reading #58: Edmund Burke, Speech to the Electors of Bristol County

October 12: 1) Reading #61, David R. Mayhew, Congress: The Electoral Connection

October 14: 1) Chapter 8: The Presidency; 2) Reading #44, Federalist #70

October 19: 1) Reading #45, Clinton Rossiter, The Presidency -- Focus of Leadership

October 21: 1) Chapter 10: The Judiciary; 2) Reading #64, Federalist #78

October 26: 1) Reading #66, John P. Roche, Judicial Self-Restraint

October 28: EXAM #2

Part III: Linkage Institutions & Policy Making: Civil Liberties, Political Parties, Elections, Interest Groups, Economic & Military Policymaking

November 2: 1) Chapter 5: Civil Liberties

**** Amendment Paper DUE ****

November 4: 1) Chapter 6: Civil Rights

2) Reading #23, Brown v. The Board of Education, Topeka

November 9: 1) Chapter 12: Political Parties

2) Reading #34, David R. Mayhew, Divided We Govern

November 11: Holiday –Veterans Day – No Class

November 16: 1) Chapter 16: Interest Groups

November 18: EXAM #3

Grading

1st Exam: 25%

2nd Exam: 25%

3rd Exam: 25%

Paper: 25%

NOTE: While attendance is not explicitly a component of your final grade, more than two absences will probably result in a lower grade. Much of the information is covered in the text and supplemental reading. However, much of it is not and is only available in class lectures. Reading the text prepares you for the class lectures -- attendance prepares you for the exams. Details about the paper will be forthcoming in the quarter.

Cheating on an exam or plagiarism on a paper will -- at the least -- result in a failing grade for the assignment in accordance with the California Code of Regulations for Student Behavior, section 41301.

If you cannot attend class on the day of an exam it is expected that you will call/e-mail with a VALID excuse BEFORE the exam is given. Failure to do so limit’s the opportunity of the student to make up the exam. The format, content and timing of make-up exam is at the discretion of the instructor and will be considered on a case by case basis. It is highly recommended that to avoid computer crashes, sudden medical ailments, and other emergencies, you print out any written work before the day of the class.

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