POLS 308: The American
Chief Executive Syllabus
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1015
http://www.niu.edu/, http://polisci.niu.edu/
Course Title: The American Chief Executive
Course Number: POLS 308, Section 1
Class Location: DuSable Building, Room 246
Semester: Spring, 2011
I. Faculty Information
a. Instructor: Geoff Rogal (grogal@niu.edu)
b. Office Location: DuSable 476
c. Office Hours: Wednesday: 3:00- 6:00 p.m. Also, By Appointment
d. Mailbox Location: Zulauf 415, Outside of Departmental Office
e. Department Phone #: (815) 753-1015 (leave a message with one of the
administrative assistants at the Political Science Department).
II. Course Identification:
a. Credit Hours: 3
b. Total Credit Hours: 3
c. Days and Hours Course Meets: Wednesday: 6:00- 8:40 p.m. (1/19/11-5/11/11)
d. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing or consent of department. A previous course in American politics (POLS 100, 150) is highly recommended.
e. Corequisite: None
f. Course Description:
Within this course, we will explore the philosophical and constitutional origins of the American Chief Executive and the evolution of the office to gain a greater understanding for the role the President occupies in modern American politics. To this end, theoretical, historical, legal, institutional and psychological approaches will be used to examine the Presidency and those individuals who have served the office. Special attention will be given to the institutional Presidency and its relationship with Congress and the Supreme Court, as well as the influence public opinion and the media have on the office. Finally, the philosophical and theoretical foundations of Presidential leadership, ethics, and decision-making and their influences on public policy will be explored.
III. Textbooks/Reading List:
a. Required
1.
Kernell, Samuel. 2007. Going Public: New Strategies of Presidential
Leadership. Fourth Edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.
2. Milkis, Sidney and Michael Nelson. 2008. The American Presidency: Origins and Development. 5th Edition. Washington: CQ Press.
3.
Neustadt, Richard E. 1990. Presidential Power and the Modern
Presidents. New York: The Free Press.
4. Pika, Joseph and John Maltese. 2010. The Politics of the Presidency.
Seventh Edition (Revised). Washington, DC: CQ Press.
Additional handouts and required readings listed below may be accessed via web addresses, Blackboard or through NIU’s electronic reserves. It is your responsibility to read these articles before attending class.
IV. Program/Course Goals or Major Purposes:
a. To think critically
b. To understand the origin, powers and structure of the Executive Branch.
c. To gain a better
understanding of the selection, tenure, succession,
and
leadership of the American chief executive in the policy, administrative,
and
legislative processes of American government.
d. To understand the concept of separation of powers.
e. To better understand the United States Constitution.
f. To understand the role of the President in formulating and implementing the
annual federal budget.
g. To investigate the influence special interest groups, the media and public opinion have on the President.
h. To understand the history and role of the federal bureaucracy in the American
political process.
i. To understand the relationship between the President, Congress and the
Supreme Court.
j. To gain a better understanding of Presidential War Powers.
k. To investigate the role Presidential leadership and decision making have on
public policy formulation and implementation.
V. Classroom Policies/Procedures, i.e. The Rules of the Game
a. Any student who fails to complete ALL of the following assignments will not
pass this course!
b. Withdrawal Policy:
If you do not attend the
first class session and have not contacted me by e-mail, phone or mail, you
may be dropped from this course to accommodate students who wish to enroll. Furthermore, a student
who does not withdraw prior to the withdraw date will receive a grade of ‘F',
which will become a part of the student's permanent record. Please note the withdraw date in the NIU
Academic Calendar.
c. Final Exam Date:
Final Exam: Wednesday, May
11, 2011, 6:00-7:50 p.m.
d. Turn off cell phones, pagers, Droids and Blackberries before the start of all classes.
Also, do not text message during class. This is just disrespectful. I don’t mind if you bring a laptop as long as it is used for class purposes, not surfing the web.
e. Be considerate of your classmates.
f. Attendance Policy:
From
past teaching experiences, I have amassed substantial empirical evidence
suggesting a student who attends class on a regular basis is more likely to
perform at a higher level during course evaluations (examinations, papers, class
participation) than a student who is frequently tardy or absent from scheduled
classes. So, come to class! As this class meets only once a week, attendance and
participation are vital to be successful on the aforementioned paper and
examinations. Therefore, each
student will be allowed one absence (except for examination dates) before a
letter grade will be deducted from his or her final grade (A final grade
of “A” with 2 absences will become a “B”; with 3 absences the final grade will
become a “C” etc…)
Moreover,
you, or somebody else, are/is paying for this opportunity to gain knowledge—Take
advantage of it!
Once again, please attend class. The examinations will consist of lecture materials and information absorbed, comprehended and otherwise discerned from assigned readings. However, I understand a class may be missed, skipped or “blown off” on occasion. It is your responsibility to acquire the missed class material. Please, do not ask me for lecture notes or missed materials. If a class is missed, ask a fellow student for the lecture notes. You might have to wash his\her car, but the reward of increased knowledge is worth it!!!
VI. Grading Policies/Procedures:
a. There will be two (2) examinations: one (1) midterm examination and one (1) final examination. Each examination will be worth 100 points. You will be tested on the required readings from the textbooks, websites and handouts, as well as the information presented during class lectures. The examinations will consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer and essay questions. The final examination will not be cumulative.
b.
Additionally, you will be required to complete a
research paper. The research paper will explore some aspect of the American
Presidency. Your grade will be determined by your ability to compose a
well-written, legible, grammatically correct research paper (minimum 7 pages in
length with 5 cited scholarly sources, double-spaced, spell-checked and typed).
The paper will be evaluated according to the quality (support for the thesis,
spelling, grammar, sentence structure, organization) of the information
presented. The expectations for the paper will be discussed in detail during the
second week of class. The
final paper will be due no later than April 27, 2011. No exceptions! However,
papers may be submitted prior to 4/27/11. The research paper is worth 80
points. A copy of the research
paper will be uploaded to Safe Assign.
If it is not, no credit will be earned for the research paper.
To
assure you are actively researching your chosen paper topic, I will have you
submit an abstract to me in hard copy by February 9, 2011 stating your
thesis and providing an annotated bibliography including 4 sources (basically,
cite each source and provide 3-4 sentences explaining why the book or journal
article is relevant to your research topic). This will be worth 20 points.
c. The final grade will be based upon your performance on and successful completion of the aforementioned examinations, activities and research paper.
d. The individual assignments will comprise the following percentages of your
final grade:
Midterm Examination : 100 points (25%)
Final Examination: 100 points (25%)
Research Paper Abstract 20 points (05%)
Research Paper: 80 points (20%)
Attendance: 50 points (12.5%)
Participation:
50 points
(12.5%)
Total: 400 points 100%
e. The grading scale will be as follows:
360-400 points =A
320-359 points =B
280-319 points =C
240-279 points =D
239 or below =F
f. No extra credit will be awarded.
g. No late papers will be accepted.
h. Make-up exams and
incompletes will be allowed only
with the PRIOR
approval of the instructor.
i. Cheating, Plagiarism and Student Conduct:
Academic misconduct is an act in which a student: (a) seeks to
claim credit for the
work or efforts of another without authorization or citation; (b) uses
unauthorized
materials or fabricated data in any academic exercise; (c) forges or
falsifies
academic documents or records; (d) intentionally impedes or damages the
academic work of others; (e) engages in conduct aimed at making false
representation of a student’s academic performance; or (f) assists other
students in
any of these acts. The above
acts are subject to disciplinary action.
Furthermore, respect for human dignity is essential to an appropriate university environment. Thus, sexual harassment of students and employees is impermissible and unprofessional conduct and will not be tolerated. Conduct determined to fall within the definition of sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable due process requirements, including, but not limited to, reprimand, temporary suspension, expulsion, or discharge of the harassing individual.
If found cheating on an exam, the student(s) will receive a grade of zero for that exam. If plagiarism occurs, the student(s) will also receive a zero for that paper, activity or project. Northern Illinois permits the instructor to withdraw the student(s) from the course if found plagiarizing or cheating on an assignment, paper or examination. I will not hesitate in doing so in the aforementioned cases. Each student is responsible for adhering to the code of Student Conduct as stated in the NIU Undergraduate Student Catalogue.
k. How to succeed in this
course:
Complete the assigned readings prior to class sessions
Take notes in class during lecture
Attend and bring your book(s) to class.
Study for quizzes and exams.
Come to my office hours if you do not understand the material or if you wish to discuss the material in greater depth.
Take all quizzes and exams.
Turn in writing assignments on time.
l. Rubric for class participation:
Grade of A = Exceeds expectations
This student:
1) Consistently raises questions and makes comments that illustrate complete to near-complete mastery of course concepts.
2) Consistently uses course materials to answer questions raised by professor and colleagues.
3) Completes all in-class/take-home assignments
4) Makes links between current and past course material and concepts.
5) Shows consistent evidence of reading and comprehending course material prior to class meeting.
6) Holds an exceptional record of attendance (i.e. misses no more than one class meeting).
Grade of B = Meets expectation
This student:
1) Consistently raises questions and makes comments that illustrate partial mastery of course concepts
2) Completes all in-class or take-home assignments
3) Sometimes uses course material to answer questions raised by professor and colleagues
4) Shows consistent evidence of reading course materials prior to class meeting
5)
Holds a good record of attendance (i.e.
misses no more than two class meetings).
4) Holds a below-average record of attendance (i.e. misses more than four class meetings).
m. Paper Rubric:
A/A– Paper offers a clearly stated, interesting thesis which is supported with
valid and sound arguments. The paper shows that the writer has thought
about the assignment and developed his or her own ideas about it,
instead of just offering minimal responses to the different components
of the assignment. Interpretations of theories are sophisticated and
supported with textual evidence; more than one source is considered.
Writing is between good and brilliant: the organization of the paper is
clear, prose is good and grammar flawless.
B/B+ Paper offers a clearly stated thesis which is supported with for the most
part valid and sound arguments. The paper stays on topic, considering
all the relevant aspects of the assignment. Interpretations of theories are
plausible and supported with textual evidence; more than one source is
considered. Writing, including outline and grammar, is solid.
B– Paper offers a thesis and attempts to support it with arguments.
However, the thesis is simplistic and/or the arguments weak or
unconnected to the thesis. Interpretations are weak or problematic,
textual evidence minimal or weak. Paper only uses one textual source.
Writing and organization have problems that affect readability.
C/C+ Paper offers a minimal thesis and minimal or no arguments in its
support. Interpretations thoroughly misguided and/or unsupported
with any evidence. Writing — both at the level or paper organization
and grammar — seriously problematic.
D+/C– No thesis, no arguments or no textual evidence. Organization
incoherent, writing very awkward and unintelligible.
D No thesis, no arguments, no evidence. Writer has no conception of
most rudimentary aspects of writing (paragraphs, outline).
F The paper displays a fundamental lack of understanding of the
principles that guide scholarly endeavors. Examples include but aren’t
limited to gross mistakes in citing source materials as well as significant
errors in framing the paper (e.g., writing a short story instead of an
essay).
VII. Students With Disabilities:
NIU abides by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that mandates reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination accommodation, please tell me early in the semester so I can help you attain the needed assistance. You will need to register with the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR), the designated office on campus to provide services for students with disabilities. The CAAR office is located on the 4th Floor of the University Health Services Building (telephone #: 815-753-1303).
VIII. Student Athletes
Student athletes should submit the official NIU Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS) form to me as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in unsatisfactory reports when academic progress is requested from the NIU Associate Director of Athletics.
IX. Course Schedule/Calendar:
Spring 2011 Semester Course Outline and
Required Reading Assignments
(Assigned Readings and
Examinations May Change At the
Discretion of Instructor. If so, I will inform the class prior to the
change(s).
Week/Date:
Required Readings
Part I: The
Origins and Evolution of the Presidency
First Week
January 19: Introduction, distribute syllabi and other necessary stuff
Lecture: Approaches to Studying the Presidency
Readings: Pika, Chapter 1, pp. 12-31
Second Week
January 26:
Lecture: The Constitutional
Convention and Creating
the
Presidency
Readings: Milkis, Chapter 1, pp. 1-23, Chapter 2, pp. 26-63 (pay
special attention to pp. 60-62) and Pika, pp. 1-11.
Article,
Roche; “The Founding Fathers: A Reform
Caucus
In Action” Blackboard
Handouts:
Debate of the Constitutional
Convention and Checks
and Balances Blackboard (review)
Federalist Papers #s 47, 48 and 51 can be accessed via:
http://www.conservativetruth.org/library/fed47.html (Paragraphs 1-3)
http://www.conservativetruth.org/library/fed48.html
http://www.conservativetruth.org/library/fed51.html (review)
Third Week
February 2: Lecture: The Pre-modern Presidency and Sources of Constitutional Ambiguities
Readings: Milkis, Chapter 3, pp. 68-93, Chapter 4, pp. 97-114 (George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson), Chapter 16, pp. 451-461 (Vice President) and Pacificus/Helvidius Debates, Access from the website:
http://www.teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=429
Fourth Week
February 9: Research Paper Abstract Due
Lecture: Jacksonian Democracy, Abraham Lincoln and Expanding Presidential Power
Handout: (Elite versus Popular Democracy) Blackboard
Readings: Milkis, Chapter 5, pp. 121-147, Chapter 6 (Abraham
Lincoln), pp. 151-170 and Chapter 7 (Reaction against Presidential Power), pp. 173-180
Fifth Week
February 16: Lecture: The Rise of Executive Power, the Progressives and the End of the Progressive Era
Readings: Milkis, Chapter 8, pp. 208-232, Chapter 9, pp. 237-255 and Chapter10, pp. 258-277
Part II: The Modern
Presidency
Sixth
Week
February 23: Lecture: The Modern Presidency, the Consolidation of Executive Power and the Executive Office of the President (EOP)
Readings:
Milkis, Chapter 11, pp. 280-317 and
Pika, Chapter 6, pp. 245-288
Seventh Week
March 2: Lecture: Economic Policy, the Evolution of the Presidential Selection Process and Elections
Readings: Pika, Chapter 9, pp. 368-411and Chapter 2, pp. 37-83,
Handouts: The Nomination Process & Electoral College
Blackboard
(I will schedule a review session for the midterm examination for those students interested)
Eighth
Week
March 9: Midterm Examination
Ninth Week
March 13-20: Spring Break, No Classes!!
Part III: Institutional Checks on the
Executive Branch
Tenth Week
March 23:
Lecture: The President, Congress
and the Judiciary
Readings: Pika, Chapter 5, pp. 200-237, Chapter 7, pp. 298-
328
and pp. 221-23 (The War Powers Act of
1973 and Signing Statements and
Executive Orders)
Part IV: Executive Leadership in
Domestic and Foreign Policy
Eleventh
Week
March 30: Lecture: Presidential Decision Making: Domestic Policy and Foreign Policy
Readings: Pika, Chapter 8, pp. 334-364, Chapter 10, pp.417-453.
Twelfth
Week
April 6:
Lecture: Presidential Leadership
in the Washington
Community
Reading: Neustadt, Preface-p. 90
Part V: The President and the
Public
Thirteenth
Week
April 13: Lecture: The President and the Public
Readings: Pika, Chapter 3, pp. 92-134 and Kernell, pp. 1-45 (Chapters 1 and 2)
Fourteenth Week:
April
20:
Lecture: Personalizing the
Presidency: Kennedy-Carter
Readings: Milkis, Chapter 12, pp. 323-360 and Kernell, pp. 48-106 (Chapters 3 and 4)
Fifteenth
Week
April 27:
Research Paper Due (Final
Draft)!!!!!!!!
Lecture:
A Restoration of the American Presidency?
Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush
Readings:
Milkis, Chapter 13, pp. 368-393 and Kernell, pp. 110-177 (Chapters 5 and
6)
Sixteenth Week
May
4:
Lecture: Evaluating Presidential
Performance and the Presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W
Bush
Readings: Pika Chapter 4, pp. 143-190 and Milkis, Chapter 14, pp. 398-419, Chapter 15, pp. 423-447
(I
will schedule a review session to prepare for the final exam for those students
interested)
Seventeenth Week Final Exam Week
May 11, 2011
Final Examination
Special Time: 6:00-7:50 pm, same location (This time is designated by the university)