Northern
Department of Political Science
Spring 2005
POLS 100: American Politics &
Government Instructor: Halima
Kaiser-Khan
Section
10: MWF
Office
Hours: M, W
Phone: (815) 753-1818
Course Objectives:
Most students have some idea
of what a democracy means and the institutions that are necessary for the
successful establishment of such a system.
However, very few are able to understand and articulate why these
institutions were established, the practical considerations surrounding the
decisions of the framers, what it takes to sustain a democracy both on the part
of the individual citizen and government at large, and what it is that makes
the American system unique in a comparative perspective. For instance, we will ask: Why a system of
federalism? Why separation of
powers? Why checks and balances? With
these and other questions informing our discussion, this course will help
students apply critical thinking skills to go beyond the “what is” and ask the
more important “why?” Lastly, we will
discuss current events and integrate them into the topics covered to gain a
better grasp of American institutions and practices.
Required Text and
Burns, Peltason,
et al. Government by the People, Brief Fifth Edition. (
Pearson/Prentice
Hall, 2004).
The Chicago Tribune, Christian
Science Monitor, New York Times, and Washington Post are
available free online and students will be required to read at least one
newspaper for current events discussion.
Additional readings may be
assigned either on the web and/or hard copies will be made available at the
reserve desk in the library. The instructor will give further information
regarding these during the course of the semester.
Grading:
Scoring Weights: Grading
Scale:
Exams 1 and
Final Exam: 20%
B = 80-89%
Journal: 20%
C = 70-79%
Attendance and Class
participation: 10% D = 60-69%
In-class presentation: 10%
F = 59% and below
PoliSim exercises: 10%
No incompletes allowed
Course Requirements
Exams (300 points total): There will be three
examinations over the course of the semester and will be a combination of (very
few) multiple choice, short answers, and one or two essays, depending on the
material covered, and may include geographic identification. The final exam will be weighted more because
it will be longer, cover more chapters, and may be comprehensive, depending on
the performance of the class during the course of the semester. In order to avoid a cumulative final exam,
make sure that you perform well on Exams I and II and actively participate in
class discussions. It is understood that
there will be no make-up exams and will only be given if
extraordinary circumstances arise. In
such instances, documentation will be required and I reserve the right to
change the format of the exam.
In-class presentation: Certain topics will need a more in-depth
understanding. Students will be required
to present a comprehensive overview of the assigned topic for the class and
present the material in such a manner as others may take notes. These topics will be considered to be part of
the course and will be included in the exams.
If a student has a particular topic he or she would like to examine and
is relevant to the discussion, I will be more than happy to honor the request.
Journal: “Government
and the Media” This journal exercise is designed to help students follow media
coverage of the four branches of government: Legislative, Executive, Judicial,
and the Bureaucracy. Requirements for
this assignment are as follows: For a minimum grade of “C” each branch should
have at least 4 entries no longer than 4-5 sentences covering different
channels of media—print , two to three opinion pieces, TV news (including shows
like the “Daily Show with Jon Stewart”), one long broadcast piece like “60
Minutes” etc., Internet (only credible ones like Yahoo!, major newspaper
websites, “Slate” and the “Onion” are permitted), news magazines (Time,
Newsweek etc), Radio (NPR). For a grade
of “B”, each branch should have at least 6 and for a grade of “A” the entries
for each branch should be no more than 10.
Each entry should have the following information: place where the news
item was found, date, time (if TV/Radio is used), title, presenter/author,
nature of piece (an editorial etc.).
After all the entries have been made, the student is required to write a
2 page critique of the manner in which media and government interact. Make sure your analysis ties in with the
nature of your entries. It is advisable
to organize your entries in a logical manner.
You can either do them by nature of the medium, branch, type of
coverage, or any other logical manner that you can come up with. However, please be consistent so the
instructor will not have to go back and forth counting the entries up. Entries will be graded on quality of writing
and organization, in addition to the number and variety of entries. Also, please do not use only one source per
medium. As we all know, we have what are
called “conservative,” “liberal,” “right of center,” “left of center,” and
other more innocuous names, nature of media.
There needs to be more than one type covered. This is done to ensure that students read,
view, and/or listen to different types of coverage hoping to come up better
informed. I will be happy to look at
drafts and offer suggestions. Journal is
due Week 15 of class i.e. April 29.
Students have pretty much the whole semester to work on this, but I
advise that you begin after the first exam.
PoliSim Exercises: Attached to the textbook is a CD-ROM with
simulations for American Government.
Each student is required to answer at least one question from the topics
offered, for a total of 4 for the course.
Each answer should be no longer than 2 pages or 500 words (minimum
length is 300 words). You have the option of choosing which question you would
like to answer so long as each one is from a different topic. You will notice that there are 5 PoliSim exercises on the assignment schedule. You do NOT have to do all 5. I will only count the first four that are
turned in and will ignore the fifth. So,
don’t waste your time writing the fifth one in the hopes of extra credit. Please follow the deadlines.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory and will be taken promptly
at the start of each class. All students
are expected to be present and seated before attendance is taken. Late-comers will not be allowed into class
unless prior permission has been taken. It
is the duty of the student to inform the instructor before class in the event an absence is necessitated. More than two unexcused absences will
translate into the final grade being lowered by half a grade.
Class Participation: It is crucial
that students actively participate in class discussions. Each student is capable of bringing a unique
perspective to the subject at hand and in so doing, adds to the enrichment of
all in the classroom. It is for this
reason that class participation will be graded.
I am aware that some of you are more hesitant to speak than others and
would rather be active listeners.
However, I strongly encourage you to overcome these inhibitions and meet
me for guidance. It was not too long ago
that I was sitting where you are now and have felt the same fears. I know that these fears can be dealt with and
participating will not only help in combating your hesitation but will also add
to your personal enhancement. I
personally believe that teaching is one of the best ways of learning. Not only does an educator impart knowledge
and skills, he or she also learns from the students. Let’s make this an enjoyable course for all,
try to learn, and have fun. J
Course Policies:
Classroom Decorum: Usage of cell-phones
and other methods of communication with the outside world are strictly
prohibited in the classroom. Please make
sure these instruments are turned off and stored away upon entering the room. It is strongly advised that you take care of all personal business before the start
of the class. Once you are in the
classroom, you are expected to remain in your seat till the end of the class
period and be respectful of others present.
Violations of these policies will adversely affect your grade. Any exceptions will have to be explicitly
negotiated, in advance, with the instructor.
Extra Credit: Without
exception, extra credit is not an option.
There are plenty of opportunities to improve your grade with the course
requirements and if you find you are having trouble, please seek help early in
the semester. Efforts will be made to
give extra help but it is generally assumed that you will be responsible for
the work in accordance with the stated deadlines.
Unannounced Quizzes: The instructor reserves the right to give pop-quizzes if it becomes grossly apparent that the students are not keeping up with reading assignments. These grades will be averaged into the class participation component.
Disability: NIU abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which mandates reasonable accommodations be provided for qualified students with disabilities. If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination accommodation, please contact me early in the semester so that I can provide or facilitate in providing accommodations you may need. If you have not already done so, you will need to register with the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR), the designated office on campus to provide services and administer exams with accommodations for students with disabilities. The CAAR office is located on the 4th floor of the University Health Services building (815-753-1303). I look forward to talking with you soon to learn how I may be helpful in enhancing your academic success in this course.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism, cheating, and other novel forms of academic dishonesty will be dealt with seriously. The instructor reserves the right to fail the student for the rest of the course in the event these offenses are detected. Please do not purchase papers online or have others do the writing for you. It is not at all difficult to detect writing that does not belong to you.
Definitely do not engage in “academic misconduct,” defined by the NIU Student Judicial
Code as the “receipt or transmission of unauthorized aid on assignments or
examinations, plagiarism, unauthorized use of examination materials, or other
forms of dishonesty in academic matters.”
Withdrawal
Policy: If you choose to stop attending class you,
the student, are responsible for withdrawing from the course. The instructor will not do so for you. If you stop attending and have not withdrawn,
a failing grade will be entered.
General
Advice: This is not a particularly “hard”
course. Keeping up with the readings,
turning in assignments on time, attending class, taking notes, and
participating will assure the student of a good grade. It is recommended that
students read the chapter before coming to class and pace the assignments
according to their schedules. Do not
wait till the last week to cram everything in.
The scoring weights are provided to help you keep track of your grades
as they are turned in. Also, as most
other instructors, I do not purport to have all the answers. I will do
my best to answer your questions and I strongly recommend that you challenge
the instructor so that everyone may benefit.
Please feel free to ask questions because there are no such things as
“dumb” questions. The best way to learn
is by constantly questioning what we are taught and told. Lastly, do utilize the services provided by
the
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 http://polisci.niu.edu.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change
the schedule. Every effort will be made to follow the syllabus. However, certain topics may demand a longer
discussion which will necessitate in modifications to the syllabus. In such an event, the instructor will provide
ample notice about the changes instituted.
However, please read the assigned chapters for the week even if the
chapter for the previous is carried over.
I: CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES
Week 1: The Establishment of the
January
19—Introduction and Overview of the Syllabus
January
21—Declaration of
Burns, Chapter 1 (including
the Constitution)
Week 2:
January
24—Continue discussion on Chapter 1
January
26 & 28—The Federalist Papers, Nos. 10, 51, and 78
Note: The reading load is considerably heavier the first
two weeks. This is necessitated because
of the nature of the material covered.
Please make sure you are familiar with the readings because they provide
the foundation upon which rest of the course proceeds.
II: THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Week 3: American Federalism
January
31—Burns, Chapter 2
February
2 & 4—Burns, Chapter 3 Political
Culture and Ideology
Week 4: The American Political Landscape
February
7 & 9—Burns, Chapter 4
February
11—PoliSim Exercise 1 due
Week 5: Political Parties and Interest
Groups
February
14, 16, & 18—Burns, Chapter 5
Week 6:
February
21—Finish pending discussion
February
23—Review for Exam I (Chapters 1-5)
February
25—Exam I
Week 7: Public Opinion, Voting, and
Elections
February
28—Burns, Chapter 6
March
2 & 4—Burns, Chapter 7: The Media
and American Politics
III: POLICY-MAKING INSTITUTIONS
Week 8: Congress: The People’s Branch
March
7, 9, & 11—Burns, Chapter 8
March
11—PoliSim Exercise 2 due
Week 9: Spring Break
Week 10: The Presidency: The Leadership
Branch
March
21, 23, & 25 —Burns, Chapter 9
Week 11: Congress and the President
March
28, 30, & April 1—Burns, Chapter 10
April
1—PoliSim Exercise 3 due
Week 12:
April
4—Finish pending discussion
April
6—Review for Exam II (Chapters 6-10)
April
8—Exam II
Week 13: The Federal Bureaucracy: The
Real Power
April
11, 13, & 15—Burns, Chapter 11
April
15—PoliSim Exercise 4 due
Week 14: The Judiciary: The Balancing
Branch
April
18, 20, & 22—Burns, Chapter 12
IV: RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES
Week 15: First Amendment Freedoms
April
25, 27, 29—Burns, Chapter 13
Week 16: Equal Justice under the Law
May
2, 4, 6 —Burns, Chapter 14
May
6—PoliSim Exercise 5 due
Week 17: Finals
Monday, May 9—