Y103 - Introduction to American Politics
Fall 2004-Elliot Bartky
Office: CM 213
Office hours T, Th 1:30-2:30 & by appointment
Phone 260-481-6690 email bartky@ipfw.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introductory inquiry focusing on the ideas, institutions, processes, policies and people shaping the American Republic. Particular attention will be directed to the historical development of the American political order and the problem of establishing justice and securing liberty in the United States. 


COURSE TEXTS 

1.   We The People: An Introduction to American Politics, Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir


2.   Sources of American Founding (SAF) available on course web page     Sources of the American Founding

3.   You are also required to be informed about contemporary American politics by reading a national daily newspaper or through other news sources. The internet provides access to many fine news sources and tools for political research. The Department of Political Science Web page-  www.ipfw.edu/pols  - provides access to many fine sources of political information.

COURSE GOALS


Course Goals: The course is designed to further the students’ ability to:
a)   think about the problem of establishing justice and securing liberty in the USA;
b)   enter debates about fundamental political issues;
c)   think, speak, and act in accord with the unity amidst the diversity of American culture;
d)   better prepared to increase their earning potential;
e)   better prepared to find and maintain a mate;
f)    better prepared to contribute to the well being of society;
g)   better prepared to establish a record appropriate for securing a position in the world to come
This course fulfills the General Education requirement for Area Three: The Individual, Culture, and Society.


COURSE REQUIREMENTS


Regular Attendance is required


Since a large share of each test is based on class lectures, you must attend class in order to do well on the tests.  If you need to leave class early, inform me prior to the beginning of class. The use of computers is not permitted in this course except under special circumstances requiring prior approval. Cell phones must be turned off or put on a silent mode. 


Reading Assignments
Follow the reading assignments on the course syllabus "Course Reading and Lecture Schedule." Your understanding of the lectures and performance on the tests will benefit by your having read the materials prior to attending class. It is especially important that you are able to integrate the reading material with the course lectures.


Exams
There are three exams. Each exam will count for one-third of the final grade. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions that indicate your progress integrating and comprehending course readings, lectures, and discussions. For students to demonstrate their proficiency they will need to acquire a basic knowledge of the dynamics and mechanics of American politics, as well as knowledge of the ideas and controversies that shape the way Americans think, speak and act in the political order.


A Note on Academic Honesty:
Students should familiarize themselves with and abide by the IPFW Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.

Students who violate the Code through cheating, plagiarism or other misconduct, or who assist others in engaging in prohibited conduct, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.


COURSE READING AND LECTURE SCHEDULE: Note that the reading schedule does not follow the order of the chapters established by the authors of the course text. Required readings are marked with an asterisk *


1.   INTRODUCTION: THE TWO FOUNDINGS OF THE REPUBLIC
      Introductory lecture                                                       August 24


2.  FROM PURITAN FOUNDING TO THE CONSITUTION

      *Ch. 2                                                                          August 26
      *Excerpts from Winthrop and Locke (see SAF)
      *The Declaration of Independence (Appendix A 3-5)

      *The Constitution (Appendix A 10-15)                            August 31
      *Federalist 10, 51 (Appendix A 21-25)

3.   FEDERALISM & THE PROBLEM OF POLITICAL ORDER

      *Ch. 3                                                                          September 2, 7
      *Tocqueville (see SAF)

4.   THE CONGRESS

      *Ch. 12                                                                         September 9, 14

5.   THE PRESIDENCY

      *Ch. 13                                                                         September 16, 21

6.   BUREAUCRACY AND DEMOCRACY

      *Ch. 14                                                                         September 23, 28

Exam 1 – September 30

7.   POLITICAL PARTIES
      *Ch. 9                                                                          October 5, 7


8.   VOTING & POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

      *Ch. 8                                                                          October 14


9.   CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS
      *Ch. 10                                                                         October 19, 21


10.  INTEREST GROUPS
      *Ch. 11                                                                         October 26, 28
Exam 2 – November 2
11.  FEDERAL COURTS

*Ch. 15                                                                         November 4, 9
      *Bill of Rights (Appendix A 16)

12.  CITIZENSHIP, POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT & THE WELFARE STATE

      *Ch. 4                                                                          November 11, 16
      *Ch. 5                                                                          November 18, 23

13.  GOVERNMENT AND THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC POLICY

      *Ch. 16                                                                         November 30, December 2

14.  GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY:

*Ch. 17                                                                         December 7, 9

Exam 3- December 16 – 10:30 a.m.