POLS 308: American Chief Executive
Fall 2004
Department of Political Science
Northern
Instructor:
e-mail: ckniss@niu.edu Room: 246 DuSable
Office Hours: TWTH
or by appointment
Office: 186 SSRI
Phone: 753.9689
Course Goals
The purpose of the class is to provide an overview of the modern American chief executive. This course will focus primarily on the American presidency – the most public of all American executive offices. During the semester we will discuss the founding, creation, and development of the office of president. The role of the elected executive in the American system of shared powers will also be examined through presidential relations with other political institutions and actors. We will also review the recruitment and election of presidents, with a focus on the current campaign for the office. By the end of the semester students are expected to have a greater understanding of the multiple and often paradoxical roles that American presidents play.
Class Format
The class meets three times a week. During the course of the week there will be a mixture of lecture and seminar (student interaction). To facilitate in class discussion and learning, students must come to class having read the assigned readings with the expectation of engaging fellow students and the instructor in discussion. Additionally, students will be assigned into small groups to review assigned material, develop and deliver a short presentation to the class.
Required
The following books are required reading and are available for purchase at the university bookstore.
Edwards, George, and Stephen J. Wayne. 2003. Presidential
Leadership: Politics and Policy Making.
6th Ed.
Wayne, Stephen
J. 2003.
The Road to the White House 2004:
The Politics of Presidential Elections.
7th Ed.
Additionally, there are articles and other materials that you are required to read some weeks. They will be handed out the week before we discuss them.
Graded Requirements
Class Participation and Reading Assignments:
A student’s grade will reflect her or his participation in class. Components of the class participation grade include (1) regular attendance and (2) regular and thoughtful participation in lectures and discussions. Class participation will account for 10% of the total grade, so failure to fulfill either of these requirements will result in significant reduction in our final grade (by up to one letter grade).
Regular attendance is required, with no more than three absences during the semester. If you miss class on a regular basis or need to miss class for an extended period for any reason, you should contact me as soon as possible. Waiting to explain absences at the end of the semester will not suffice.
Participation not only includes showing up for class, but also having read the assigned readings and actively using this material to engage fellow students and myself in discussion. The assigned readings are listed below in the course outline. All students are expected to complete the required readings prior to each class week. I will occasionally supplement our discussion with newspaper articles, journal articles, or other reading material. Students are required to read these once they are handed out. They will be small in size and usually thought provoking pieces that add to our learning process. I also strongly recommend that students regularly read and review the national news (e.g.: newspapers, websites, magazines, journals, and yes, even TV).
Short Assignments:
During the course of the semester each student is required to complete three short assignments: a short group presentation, a memo to the incoming or re-elected President, and an abstract about your research paper. These three short assignments are worth 20% of the total grade, and missing one of these assignments could result in a significant reduction in your final grade.
One short assignment is a short presentation to the class. The format will be a small group presentation (3-4 people) about one topic of discussion during the week. The presentation will require reading the assigned material and then developing and delivering an approximately 10 minute presentation. Each member of the group must actively participate in both development and delivery. The groups and timing of the presentations will be decided the first week of class. The presentations will be ongoing every week after that until the end of the semester (usually 2-3 presentations a week).
Another
short assignment will be to write a memo to the incoming or re-elected
President after the November general election.
The memo is to be completed on
your own and should be at least one page and no more than two pages long
(standard fonts, 12 point type, one inch margins, double spaced). In this assignment, use what you have learned
through the assigned readings and in class discussions to do two things --
explain the election outcome to the winner (e.g.: why did they win and what
does their election victory/coalition mean) and give advice to the new or
re-elected President about what top two or three policies and strategies they
should pursue now that they have been elected.
Your memo is due no later than
The third
short assignment is to write an abstract for your research paper that is due at
the end of the semester. Your abstract
needs to be at least one paragraph long, but no longer than one page (standard
fonts, 12 point type, one inch margins, double spaced). In the abstract you need to address three
items: (1) the topic of your research paper, (2) your plan of research, and (3)
at least three sources of information other than the assigned readings. The most important parts of your abstract are
to explain your topic (e.g.: your research question and why it is important)
and how you plan to answer your topic/question.
I want to see how you are thinking about answering your topic/question. Specify where you will get information (hence
the listing of the three sources) and what research method you are using to analyze
information and arrive at your answer.
Your abstract is due no later than
Exams:
There will
be two exams. The midterm exam will be
on
Research Paper:
The final
course requirement is a research paper on some aspect of the modern American
presidency. Each student is free to
choose a topic to examine and write about.
However, all research topics/questions must be cleared by the instructor, no
later than October 22nd. The
research paper can use portions of the assigned readings, but you must use at
least three other sources outside of those assigned for the class. It is not necessary to complete the research
paper to pass the course, however failure to complete the paper will result in
a grade of zero (0) for 30% of the total grade. Your research papers are due
Research papers should be an analytical review of research materials (readings, data, and theories) that answer the question and/or theory that you pose as your research topic. Topics cover a range of items from reforming the presidential election system to an examination of how specific modern American presidents have interacted with other political institutions and actors in their duties as President. No matter what topic you choose, you must demonstrate your knowledge of at least a few of the topics, theories, and/or ideas that we have covered in the required material and/or class discussions.
The length of research papers should be no less then seven
(7) and no more than eight (8) typed double spaced pages (standard fonts, 12
point type, one inch margins), not including a title page or references. Given the limited amount of space, your topic
must be specific enough to allow a full analysis and review of the topic. Do not
go beyond eight (8) pages! I will stop
reading at the end of the eighth page and grade your paper based on the first
eight pages. All research and
writing must be your own. Academic
dishonesty, including plagiarism, copying others’ work, and turning in someone
else’s work as your own will not be tolerated.
Any student guilty of academic dishonesty will receive a grade of F for
the paper and the course.
Determination of Final Grades:
Each student’s final grade will be determined on the following basis:
Class participation: 10%
3 Short assignments: 20% (6.67% each)
2 Exams: 40% (20% each)
Research Paper: 30%
Missing assignments, including the research paper, will normally be counted as zero. However, based on the situation I may allow assignments/papers to receive some credit when handed in late. In such cases, points will be deducted on a daily basis. Only serious emergencies, such as a student or family long-term illness, constitute grounds for an incomplete. If you face a significant emergency during the semester you should contract me as soon as possible. You should also contact me as soon as possible if you think you will be late on any assignment for any reason.
Both exams must be completed to
pass the course. Makeup exams
will only be given in extraordinary circumstances/emergencies. If such circumstances/emergencies come up,
please contact me as soon as possible before
the exam. Students may be asked to
support requests for makeup exams with documentation. A missed examination without prior
notification and a documented excuse will results in a zero and a course grade
of F.
Instructor
Availability
Students wishing to meet with me can do so after class, during my office hours (listed on the first page), or by appointment. My time is usually flexible (although not always) and I can arrange to meet with you. Remember I am available to you as a resource – if you need or want to talk about the course and/or your work I am more than willing. Please be aware that the easiest way to reach me is via email (I check it several times through out the day) or my office phone (listed on the first page). I anticipate being gone once or twice this semester and I have arranged the course around these date, but if I need to be gone another time I will let you know as far in advance as possible.
Students with Disabilities
Under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, NIU is committed to making reasonable
accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Those students with
disabilities that may have some impact on their coursework and for which they
may require accommodations should notify the Center for Access-Ability
Resources (CAAR) on the fourth floor of the
Undergraduate Writing
Awards
The
Department of Political Science will recognize, on an annual basis, outstanding
undergraduate papers written in conjunction with 300-400 level political
science courses or directed studies. Authors do not have to be political
science majors or have a particular class standing. Winners are expected to
attend the Department’s spring graduation ceremony where they will receive a
certificate and $50.00. Papers, which can be submitted by students or faculty,
must be supplied in triplicate to a department secretary by February 28. All
copies should have two cover pages – one with the student’s name and one
without the student’s name. Only papers written in the previous calendar
year can be considered for the award. However, papers completed in the current
spring semester are eligible for the following year’s competition even if the
student has graduated.
Department of Political
Science Web Site
Undergraduates
are strongly encouraged to consult the Department of Political Science web site
on a regular basis. This up-to-date, central source of information will assist
students in contacting faculty and staff, reviewing course requirements and
syllabi, exploring graduate study, researching career options, tracking department
events, and accessing important details related to undergraduate programs and
activities. To reach the site, go to
Course Outline
Weekly Schedule and Reading Assignments
Week 1: Introduction
August 23 Course Introduction
Explanations of requirements, expectations, and policies
Outline of subject matter
August 25 More
Intro and Foundations
Survey of Students
Theoretical and Constitutional Foundations
Edwards and Wayne, pp. xvi-xvii, pp. 1-27, and Appendixes A, B, and C
August 27 Theoretical and Constitutional Foundations
Edwards and Wayne, pp. xvi-xvii, pp. 1-27, and Appendixes A, B, and C
Week 2:
August 30 The American Presidency
September1 The Nomination Process I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 28-59
September 3 The Nomination Process II
Week 3:
September 6 Labor Day – No Class
September 8 The Political Environment
September 10 The General Election I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 60-86
Week 4:
September 13 The General Election II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 60-86
September 13 The General Election III
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 87-99
September 15 Election 2000: An
Exceptional Election?
Review: Edwards
and
Wayne, pp. 17-22, 51-52, 253-256, 289-290, Appendixes A, B, C
Week: 5
September 20 The Office of the President
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 190-222
September 22 Presidential Decision Making
Edwards
and
September 24 Psych and the Presidents
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 252-284
Week 6:
September 27 The President and the Public I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 100-152
September 29 The President and the Public II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 100-152
October 1 The President and the Media I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 153-189
Week 7: Midterm
October 4 The President and the Media II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 153-189
October 6 Review
for the Midterm Exam
October 8 Midterm Exam
Bring a Blue Book or lined paper for writing.
Week 8:
October 11 Off – No Class
I will be out of town this day so no class. I suggest that you use the time to prepare the abstract for your research paper that is due Friday.
October 13 The President and Congress I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 330-376
October 15 The President and Congress II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 330-376
Abstracts for research papers are due by
Week 9:
October 18 The President and the Bureaucracy I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 285-329
October 20 The President and the Bureaucracy II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 285-329
October 22 The President and the Judiciary
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 377-406
Your research paper topics must be cleared
by me no later than today!
Week 10:
October 25 Shared
Powers and Presidential Leadership
Cronin
& Genovese, pp. 102-113, and pp. 115-125 (photocopied)
October 27 Presidential Policy Making I
Review Edwards and Wayne, pp. 223-280
October 29 Domestic Policy Making I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 407-439
Week 11: Election Time
November 1 Domestic Policy Making II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 407-439
November 3 Election
Outcomes: Now What?
November 5 Domestic Policy Making III
Week 12:
November 8 Economic Policy Making I- Budgeting
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 440-475
November 10 Economic Policy Making I- Economics
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 440-475
November 12 The President and Foreign Policy I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 476-503
Week 13:
November 15 The President and Foreign Policy II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 476-503
November 17 The Presidency in Crisis I
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 504-516
November 19 The Presidency in Crisis II
Edwards and Wayne, pp. 504-516
Memos to the President are due by
Week 14: Thanksgiving
Week
November 22 Off – No Class
I am out of town so we will not
have class. Many of you will likely be
on the way out of town as well, but I recommend that you use the extra time to
work on your research papers that are due the Wednesday we return (
November 24 Off – No Class – Thanksgiving Break
November 26 Off – No Class – Thanksgiving Break
Week 15: Last Week of Classes
November 29 The Future of the Presidency I
Cornin & Genovese, pp. 322-346 (photocopy)
December 1 The Future of the Presidency II
Cornin & Genovese, pp. 322-346 (photocopy)
Research Papers are due, no later than
December 3 Last Day of Classes
Survey of Students
Class Evaluations
Review for Final Exam
Week 16: Final Exams
December 6 Final Exam (Non-cumulative)
246 DuSable Hall
Bring
a Blue Book or lined paper for writing.