Northern
Department of Political Science
Spring 2006
POLS 100: American Politics &
Government Instructor:
Halima Kaiser-Khan
Section
9: TTh
Office
Hours: TTh
Phone: (815)
753-1818
Interrogo, Percipio, Adicio
Question,
Understand, and Apply
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
Patterson, Thomas H. The
American Democracy Seventh Alternate Edition (
Hill, 2005)
The Chicago Tribune, Christian
Science Monitor, New York Times, and Washington Post (to name
a few) are available free online and students will be required to read at least
one newspaper a week 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: 25%
C = 70-79%
Attendance: 10%
D = 60-69%
Class Participation: 10%
F = 59% and below
Assignments: 20%
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.
Assignments: At the end of
each chapter, under the Critical Thinking section, there is a question which
asks for some analysis pertaining to the readings for the week. You will be required to write a thoughtful
two page (minimum 300 words) essay answering the question of your choice. Students are free to use which question they
would like to answer. Please make sure
the essay is pertinent to the topic and not a restating or summary of the
chapter. The essay should give me an
insight as to what you think is wrong or right with the system and some ideas
for further improvement. The author also
lists some websites and further ideas to participate. You need to check those websites and
incorporate information found there in your essay. You need to turn in 4 written assignments during the course of the semester. I need the essays typed, double spaced, 12
point font Times New Roman and 1” margins.
Please also remember to type the question which you are answering at the
start of your assignment. Essays not
meeting these requirements will not be accepted.
Journal: “Government and the Media” This journal exercise is
designed to help students follow media coverage of the government. Comprehensive guidelines for the assignment
will be handed out during the second week of class.
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. Sleeping in class is counted as
an absence.
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 still continue to sit) 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 until 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.
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 until 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
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.
Week 1: Jan 17:
Introduction and Overview of the Syllabus
Jan 19: Chapter 1
Week 2: Jan 24 and 26:
Chapter 2
Read
“Federalist Papers 10 and 51” and The Declaration of
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 the rest of the course proceeds.
Week 3: Jan 31: Chapter 2 continued
Feb 2: Begin Chapter 3; Assignment 1 due
Week 4: Feb 7 and 9:
Chapter 3
Week 5: Feb 14 and 16:
Chapter 4
Feb 16: Assignment 2 due
Week 6: Feb, 21 and 23:
Chapter 5
Week 7: Feb 28: Exam I
Mar 2: Begin Chapter 7
Week 8: Mar 7 and 9: Chapter 7 continued
Mar 9: Assignment 3 due
Week 9: Spring Break
Week 10: Mar 21 and 23: Chapter 8
Week 11: Mar 28 and 30: Chapter 9
Mar 30: Assignment 4 due
Week 12: April 4 and 6: Chapter 10
Week 13:
April 11: Exam II
April 13: Chapter 11
Week 14: April 18 and 20:
Chapter 12
Week 15: April 25 and 27: Chapter 13
April 27: Journal Assignment
“Government and the Media” due
Week 16: May 2 and 4: Chapter 14
Week 17: Final Exam
Tentative
date: Tues, May 9