American Government & Politics
POLS 100-8, Fall 2006
W 6:00 – 8:40 p.m., DU 459
Instructor: Sara Reed
Office: DuSable Hall 476
Hours: W 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
& by appointment
E-mail: sjreed@niu.edu
Phone: 630-776-1906
I. Course Description
Affecting nearly every part
of our lives, the American political system is exciting and complex. Government often regulates our health and
safety, our economic opportunities and our ability to choose how we express
ourselves. Competing interest groups
and limited resources create an especially challenging climate for politicians
and policymakers as they attempt to resolve pervasive problems such as terrorism,
poverty and global warming. Advances in
technology and our changing cultural norms often add to these challenges.
This course aims to
demystify the complexities of the American political system by providing a
college-level introduction to the foundations, institutions, and processes of American
government. At the beginning of the
course, we will discuss key philosophies on the scope and nature of government,
followed by an overview of democracy, the Constitution, civil liberties and
civil rights. We will subsequently
explore political participation and the mass media. We will examine American political institutions, such as Congress
and the presidency and conclude with an analysis of how public policies shape
our lives. Ultimately, this course
provides students with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how
and why the American political system has evolved into its present state.
II. Course
Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course you will be
able to:
1. Identify and discuss the major philosophical perspectives on
government.
2. Explain the basic legislative and policymaking processes within
the United States.
3. Understand the importance of key Supreme Court cases within
historical and contemporary contexts.
4. Think critically about presidential power.
5. Participate in informed debates about civil liberties and/or
civil rights issues.
6. Reflect upon how you may enrich your life through political
participation.
III. Course
Requirements
A. Textbook and Readings
Your main textbook is: American Government and Politics
Today: The Essentials 2006-2007,
by Bardes, Shelley, & Schmidt, 12th ed., Thomson Wadsworth. I highly recommend you purchase this text
from the NIU bookstore or the VCB (Village Commons Bookstore) because your
purchase will then include the required bundle of readings. The ISBN # for purchases at the NIU
bookstore or the VCB is 0495290904.
Otherwise, if you choose to purchase the main text through another
on-line vendor, you will need to purchase the required bundle of readings
separately. The ISBN # for the main
text if purchased outside of the NIU bookstore or the VCB is: 0534647332.
The ISBN #s for the required bundle of readings if purchased separately
are: 0495003522, 0495171077,
0495130990, and (0534274897 – through Thomson website only).
B. Supplemental Readings
In addition to the textbook and the required bundle
of readings, there will be various required
supplemental readings throughout the course. The supplemental readings are listed on the Course Calendar and
are referenced at the end of this syllabus.
They will be available on library reserve or from JSTOR.
C. Blackboard
You are required to utilize
your Blackboard account. Blackboard
will be used for making important announcements, giving helpful hints, using
interactive study tools and posting grades throughout the semester. For instructions on getting started with
Blackboard, go to:
http://www.helpdesk.niu.edu/its/helpdesk/blackboard_support.shtml
D. Attendance and Participation
Attendance and participation
are considered to be very important aspects of this course. You are strongly
encouraged to ask questions and make relevant comments throughout each class
period. Your class attendance and
participation grade will include three components: 1) Attendance, 2) Weekly
quizzes and 3) One group presentation.
1. Attendance (10%)
You will earn one (1) point
for each full class period that you attend.
One (1) point will be deducted for each class that you are either
partially or fully absent without prior approval from the instructor. Excused absences for either part or the full
class period will be given only with a legitimate excuse such as a documented
illness or emergency, jury duty, military service, or participation in athletic
or other university sponsored activities.
2. Weekly Quizzes (20%)
The quizzes are designed to
help you study for the mid-term and final exam. They also provide a means for you to check up on your
understanding of the important concepts and terms in the course. Quizzes are not intended to be as challenging
as the mid-term or final exam. Rather,
they serve as an opportunity for you to gauge your progress and understanding
of the course material on a weekly basis.
In addition, the quizzes are designed to give you the opportunity to
earn extra credit points. Note that
it is possible to obtain more than a total of 100 percentage points in the
course.
Quiz Administration
There will be a total of
twelve (12) weekly quizzes during the semester. Quizzes will cover the lecture and assigned material for the week
and will be administered during the second half of the class. Each quiz will have a total of fifteen (15)
questions, one point per question.
However, each quiz will only be scored out of ten points. Ten correct answers will result in a score
of 100%. Students who receive at least
ten of the fifteen questions correct will then have the opportunity to receive
one bonus point for each additional question answered correctly. It is possible, therefore, for someone who
receives fifteen out of ten for all quizzes to earn an additional 10% at the
end of the semester. That is, instead
of receiving the full 20% available for the quizzes, a student could receive
30% - a full letter grade increase!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
While the quizzes include
the opportunity for extra credit, students should take care to note that they
are required, not optional. Students
should also note that each quiz is tied in with their attendance. For instance, if a student is marked down as
present at the beginning of the class but does not take and submit the quiz
during the second half of the class, he or she will be counted as absent for the
entire class period.
3. Group Presentation (15%)
Students will be randomly
assigned to a small group (approximately 5-6 students per group) and will be
responsible for one (1), twenty-five minute presentation for the semester. The purpose of the group presentation is to
provide students with a chance to actively engage in the week’s material and to
provide a forum for class discussion.
Detailed instructions will be handed out as a supplement to this
syllabus during the first week of class.
E. Issue Paper (15%)
Students will write one (1)
issue paper on a current events topic of their choice. A detailed instruction sheet will be
provided in class for this assignment.
F. Midterm & Final Exam (20% each)
The mid-term and final exam
will each consist of 75 multiple choice and true and false questions. The exams will be administered in-class and
will be non-cumulative. Students will
be allowed the entire class period to complete each exam. The mid-term will cover the first half of
the course. The final will be
administered during final exam week and will cover the second half of the
course.
IV. Course
Evaluation
Students
will be evaluated based upon the following obligations and grading scale:
Attendance 10%
Quizzes 20%
Group
Presentation 15%
Issue
Paper 15%
Mid-Term
Exam 20%
Final
Exam 20%
Total: 100%
Grading
Scale:
A =
90 – 100%
B =
80 – 89%
C =
70 – 79%
D =
60 –
69%
F = 0
– 59%
Please note that in order to pass the course all
required items must be turned in.
A missing quiz, exam, presentation or paper will result in an “F”
for the course. A student who has a
legitimate, documented excuse will be allowed to make-up an item for
full credit. Students without a
legitimate, documented excuse will still be required to make up the missed
item, but will receive a grade no higher than 65%.
V. Announcements
and Policies
Statement
Concerning Students with Disabilities
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
NIU is committed to making reasonable accommodations for persons with
documented disabilities. Students who
believe that their disability 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 Health Services
Building. CAAR will assist students in
making appropriate accommodations with course instructors. It is important that CAAR and the
instructor be informed of any disability-related needs during the first two
weeks of the semester.
Department
of Political Science Website
Students are strongly encouraged to consult the
Department of Political Science web site on a regular basis. This central source of information will
assist students in contacting faculty and staff, reviewing course requirements
and syllabi, exploring graduate study and researching career options. Undergraduates may find this website
especially useful for tracking down department events and for accessing
important details related to undergraduate programs and activities. To reach the site, go to http://polisci.niu.edu.
Undergraduate
Writing Awards
The Department of Political Science will recognize,
on an annual basis, outstanding 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 of $50.00.
Papers, which can be submitted by students or faculty, must be supplied
in triplicate to the department secretary by the end of February. 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
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.
Classroom
Behavior
Because this course will necessarily involve the
discussion of controversial issues, students are expected to exhibit mutual
respect and tolerance for each other’s opinions. Likewise, it is expected that students will demonstrate courteous
behavior throughout each class period.
Please turn off all electronic devices and refrain from side conversations
during class.
Cell
Phones
The
use of a cell phone or any other communication device during class-time, a quiz
or a test is prohibited.
Cheating
& Plagiarism
Cheating and plagiarizing in any form will not be
tolerated. The instructor reserves the
right to fail (for an assignment and the course) a student who cheats or plagiarizes. Students found in violation of this policy
will be referred to the appropriate university judicial board for disciplinary
action.
Make-up Quizzes and Exams
Make-up quizzes and exams will be given for those
with a legitimate excuse such as a documented illness or
emergency, jury duty, military service, or participation in athletic or other
university sponsored activities.
Students without a legitimate, documented excuse will also be required
to make-up a missed quiz or exam in order to pass the course, but will receive
a grade no higher than 65%.
Incomplete Grade Policy
As indicated in the NIU Undergraduate Bulletin,
incompletes will only be given in rare circumstances, such as illness, death in
the immediate family, or other unusual and unforeseeable
circumstances. Incompletes are given at
the discretion of the instructor and only when it is possible that the
completion of the remaining work could result in a passing grade. An incomplete
must be resolved within the appropriate time limit or it will automatically be
changed to an F. The student is
responsible for seeing that incompletes are made up before the expiration date.
VI. Course
Calendar
The following schedule is tentative. Any modification to this schedule will be
announced in class. If you are absent
from class, you are responsible for becoming informed about any changes made
during your absence. The syllabus on
Blackboard will be the most current.
Readings and assignments should be completed by the date in which
they are listed on the calendar.
|
Week |
Topic |
Assignment Due |
|
|
FOUNDATIONS |
|
|
8/30 |
Welcome and Introduction |
None |
|
|
Syllabus Review |
|
|
|
Politics Defined |
|
|
|
Purpose and Scope of Government |
|
|
|
Forms of Government |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9/6 |
Types of Democracy |
Bardes, Ch. 1 |
|
|
Democracy in the USA |
Bardes, A-4 - A-7 |
|
|
Political Culture and Ideology |
Supplement #1 |
|
|
American Values |
Quiz #1 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/13 |
The Constitution: |
Bardes, Ch. 2 |
|
|
Creation and Ratification |
Bardes, Ch. 2 Appendix |
|
|
Federalists/Anti-federalists |
Bardes, A-7 - A-9 |
|
|
Separation of Powers |
Supplement #2 |
|
|
The Bill of Rights |
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #2 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/20 |
The Constitution: Principles |
Bardes, Ch. 3 |
|
|
Checks and Balances |
Supplement #3 |
|
|
Federalism |
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #3 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/27 |
Civil Liberties |
Bardes, Ch. 4 |
|
|
|
Mayer, J.D. 9-11: Aftershocks |
|
|
|
of the Attack, pp. 37 - 55 (bundle) |
|
|
|
De Jonge v. Oregon (bundle) |
|
|
|
Roe v. Wade (bundle) |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #4 |
|
|
|
|
|
10/4 |
Civil Rights |
Bardes, Ch. 5 |
|
|
Mid-Term Review |
Supplement #4 |
|
|
|
Brown v. Board of Ed... (bundle) |
|
|
|
United Steel Workers v. Weber (bundle) |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #5 |
|
|
|
|
|
10/11 |
Mid-Term Exam |
Mid-Term Exam: 6:00 p.m. |
|
|
|
|
|
10/18 |
Interest Groups |
Bardes, Ch. 7, 8 |
|
|
Political Parties |
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #6 |
|
|
|
|
|
10/25 |
Public Opinion |
Bardes, Ch. 6 |
|
|
Campaigns and Elections |
Bardes, pp. 287 - 310 |
|
|
The Media |
Supplement #5 |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
INSTITUTIONS |
|
|
11/1 |
The Courts |
Bardes, Ch. 13 |
|
|
|
Bardes, A-9 - A-11 |
|
|
|
"Battle Supreme...", pp. 35 - 54 |
|
|
|
Marbury v. Madison (bundle) |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #8 |
|
|
|
|
|
11/8 |
Congress |
Bardes, Ch. 10 |
|
|
|
Supplement #6 |
|
|
|
McCulloch v. Maryland (bundle) |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #9 |
|
|
|
Issue Paper Due |
|
|
|
|
|
11/15 |
The Presidency |
Bardes, Ch. 11, 12 |
|
|
The Bureaucracy |
Supplement #7 |
|
|
|
U.S. v. Nixon (bundle) |
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
|
|
|
Quiz #10 |
|
|
|
|
|
11/22 |
Happy Thanksgiving! - No Class |
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PUBLIC POLICY |
|
|
11/29 |
Public Policymaking |
Bardes, Ch. 14 |
|
|
Economic and Social Policy |
Supplement #8 |
|
|
Science and Technology Policy |
Group Presentation |
|
|
Politics and the Life Sciences |
Quiz #11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARTICIPATION |
|
|
12/6 |
Civic Engagement |
Supplement #9 |
|
|
Final Exam Review |
Quiz #12 |
|
|
|
|
|
12/13 |
Final Exam |
Final Exam: 6:00 p.m. |
VII. Required
Supplemental Readings
TED
is available via library reserve and is an abbreviation for the following book:
David
T. Canon, John J. Coleman, and Kenneth R. Mayer, eds., The Enduring Debate:
Classic
and
Contemporary Readings in American Politics, 4th ed. (New York: W.W. Norton
&
Company,
Inc., 2006).
Required
Supplements
#1: Howard Zinn and Sidney Hook, “How Democratic is America?: How
Democratic is America? A
Response to
Howard Zinn,” in How Democratic is America?
Responses to the New Left Challenge
(Chicago: Rand McNally, 1971), pp. 39 – 75. (available on library reserve)
#2: Charles Beard and Robert Brown, “An Economic Interpretation of
the Constitution:
Founding Fathers, the Question of
Motive,” in TED, pp. 56-67.
#3: Paul Peterson, Jonathan Adler, Thomas, Derthick, and
Kettle, “The Price of Federalism”: “The
Framer’s Design”: “Debating the
Issues: The Future of Federalism,” in
TED, pp. 73 – 87.
#4: Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr., “The
Perpetuation of our Political Institutions”:
“Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” in
TED, pp. 102-115.
#5: V.O. Key, Jr., “The Voice of the People: An Echo from the Responsible Electorate,”
in TED, pp. 330 – 335.
#6: Canon, et al., Sean Paige and Jonathan Cohn,
“Citizens Against Government Waste”: “Rolling out
the Pork Barrel”: “…The Case Against
the Case Against Pork,” in TED, pp. 158 – 174.
#7: James Q. Wilson, “From Bureaucracy: What Government Agencies Do and Why
They Do It,” in TED, pp. 215 – 224.
#8: Charles Lindblom, “The Science of Muddling Through,” in TED, pp.
469 – 477.
#9: Robert Putnam, “Tuning In, Tuning Out: The Strange Disappearance of Social
Capital in America”. 1995. Political
Science and Politics, 28, pp. 664 – 683.
(access in JSTOR).