Political Science Y103 Introduction to American Politics
Fall Semester 2004 CM 210 Wednesday 6:00-8:45
Instructor: Michael R. Nowling
Office: Cm 209 for messages
Political Science Office Phone: 481-6686
Home Phone: 456-3865
E-mail Address: mnowling@comcast.net
Text: We the People, Ginsberg, Lowi, and Weir
The Enduring Debate, Canon, Khademian, and Mayor
Requirements:
There will be three in-class examinations (each will count for approximately 25% of the final grade), four essays (each worth 5% of the final grade), and class participation and readings’ summaries from Enduring Debate (worth 5% of grade). Papers that are not completed on time will be lowered one letter grade, unless special consideration is given by the instructor. Students are expected to read all assigned material and participate in class discussions and are expected to take examinations on the scheduled dates. You must contact the instructor about missed examinations to gain credit for the course. The instructor must be contacted before the exam or there must be a credible reason for missing the exam times. Make up tests will be taken at the convenience of the Political Science Department Secretary. Please attempt to take all tests on time.
Course Objectives:
Students who participate and work to complete this course will be able to:
a) understand the foundation of the American political system.
b) understand the creation, organization, and changing nature of the United States Constitution.
c) appreciate the diversity of American society.
d) recognize some of the fundamental issues confronting our society.
e) understand the three branched of government.
f) express opinions in writing and in discussion using evidence and opinions.
g) recognize the importance of participation for the preservation of our democratic system.
Course Description:
This course is an overview of the American political system. The purpose is to study the foundations of the United States Constitution, constitutional principals, and government policy. We will discuss contemporary American politics and its historical development to understand the changing nature of our society. The hope is that this course will help students to understand and appreciate the principles of American government and to encourage our personal commitment to the preservation of rights, privileges, and responsibilities of democratic people.
Course Outline:
I. Introduction to the American Political Process and Comparative Governments
Readings: We the People- Chapter 1
The Enduring Debate- Pages 12-16- The Federalist, No. 15
Pages 17-22- “The Paranoid Style in American Politics”
II. The Politics of Race, Class, Gender, and Religion
Readings: We the People- Chapter 2
III. The Constitution: Bundle of Compromises and Ratification
Readings: We the People- Chapter 3
The Enduring Debate- Pages 3-11. Constructing the Government:
The Founding of the Constitution
Pages 34-42, The Federalist, No. 51 & 46
IV. Constitution: Federalism and Principles
Readings: We the People- Chapter 3
The Enduring Debate – Pages 56-65, “The Unimperial Presidency”
Pages 65-71, “The Wounded Constitution”
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First Examination- September 22, 2004
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V. The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties
Readings: We the People- Chapter 4
VI. The Congress –
Readings: We the People- Chapter 12
The Enduring Debate- Page 137, The Debate: Pork-Barrel Politics
Pages 138-141, “Rolling Out the Pork Barrel”
Pages 141-150, “Roll Out the Barrel: The Case Against the Case Against Pork”
VII. The Presidency
Readings: We the People- Chapter 13
The Enduring Debate- Pages 161-164, “The Clinton Affair”
Pages 165-171, “Presidents and Economics:
One-Star Generalizations
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Second Examinations- October 27, 2004
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VIII. Political Parties and Campaigns
Readings: We the People- Chapters 9 and 10
The Enduring Debate- Pages 351-354, “Five Point Reform…”
Pages 355-358, “Ten Big Lies About Campaign…”
IX. The Judiciary
Readings: We the People- Chapter 15
The Enduring Debate- Pages 73-78, Lincoln- “Perpetuation…”
Pages 79-87, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Pages 594-632 Supreme Court Cases
X. Special Interest and Lobbying
Readings: We the People- Chapter 11
The Enduring Debate- Pages 410-412, “Political Association…”
Pages 427-433, The Federalist, No. 10
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Final Examination- December 15, 2004 6:00 –8:15
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