AmericanNationalGovernment
Political Science 18-2001

Syllabus 

Course description:

This introductory course in American Government has five major objectives: 1) to convey essential factual information about American national government; 2) to explain the basic concepts used in political science; 3) to enable students to evaluate how well the American political system operates to meet the major needs of society; 4) to develop skills needed by citizens in a democracy; 5) to improve student ability to read and think critically. 

The course is divided into four parts.  The first analyzes the basic features of our constitutional structure: the separation of powers, federalism, checks and balances, and limited government.  The second part concentrates on the political inputs: public opinion, political parties, and interest groups.  The third deals with the three branches of government: Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court.  The fourth part focuses on the policy outputs of government, both domestic and foreign. 

Assigned Reading:
The text in this course is Democracy Under Pressure 10th ed, by Cummings and Wise, Harcourt Brace, 2005.  The text has a web site that has:  on line quizzes to help students prepare for exams, chapter summaries to review key terms and concepts, links to Internet resources and  exercises that suggest ways to get involved in politics. 

Exams:

Four exams will be given.  All tests are multiple choice.  An exam will be given after completion of each major section of the syllabus: Part1, Part 2, Part3, and Part 4.  There will be re-tests a week after each test.  The exam schedule lists the test dates. 

Grades:

Grades are based on test scores.  Test questions are drawn from class lectures, readings and text website information. All tests are graded on a curve.  The final grade is a composite of all four grades placed on a final curve.  There is a separate curve for each test to let each student know how his or her grade is progressing during the semester.  There are no other requirements in the course such as papers or reports. 

If you do not do well on the exams, there are a number of options: retake exams, do extra credit(see Assignments), or request to take a different type of test, such as, essay exams. 

Class Attendance Policy:

While there is no mandatory class attendance policy, students are expected to come to class because class lectures and discussions are a major component of the class. Class lectures and discussions materials cannot be found in the readings.  Also, there are many times, as students who know me can tell you, when my interpretation differs from that presented in the readings.  At any rate, I expect students to know more than what is presented in the readings and on the Internet. If you do not come to class, the result may be a great deal of confusion at exam time. Those students who have a perfect attendance record will receive 3 points added to their final score at the end of the semester.

Office Hours:

Office Location:  Room 206 McNamara Hall 
Hours:    Monday     11:00 to 12:00  
              Wednesday  11:00 to 12:00 
              Friday   11:00 to 12:00 
Other times by appointment 

Use of the Internet with this Course
The Internet will serve the following purposes:
 

1. Provide distribution of class handouts, review outlines and sample tests
2. Identify links to cites on the Internet that will be useful to students
3. Offer a way for students to comment on the contents of the course including the readings, lectures and class discussions
4. Provide a billboard to post announcements, reminders and grades
5. Present an opportunity for students to participate in chat room discussions with students and the instructor

          A week after the original test a retest will be given.  The retest will cover the same material as the original test.  It will not have the same questions, but similar questions covering the same subject matter.  Students are not penalized for taking the retest.  That is, the student receives the highest of the two scores (original or retest).  The final grade is based on the highest score for each test (original or retest) averaged together.  Test dates are listed in the Exam Schedule section of this web page. 

      Political Humor
     Remember the Net isn't all serious business.  In fact, it is a great place to find political humor.  Three of my favorites are The Onion, Capital Steps and The Daily Show.  Check out the general sources listed below.  There is sure to be something you will find amusing. 

 

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