October 26November 23Political Science 101 PSC 101 Introduction to American Politics & Nevada Constitution BEH 111 Section 16 FRI 8:30AM-12:00PM Instructor: Sigal Chattah Office Hours: FRI 12:00PM-1:00PM & 4:30PM-5:30PM Required Texts: 1. Government By the People; Burns, Peltason, Cronin et al; Seventh Edition Brief Grading System Your grade in this class will be based on the following: Midterm Examination-------------------------------------------------------------------20% Midterm Paper -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20% Attendance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------20% Final Examination ----------------------------------------------------------------------40% Midterm Examination The midterm examination will be held on October 12, 2007 and will cover Chapters 1 – 11 of the Government by the People. The examination is a closed book examination and will be essay based. Midterm Paper The midterm paper must be based on any of the subjects discussed in class. The topic should be broad enough to allow for a full development of the subject matter of the topic. The Paper will be due on October 12, 2007. The topic of your paper must be submitted by September 21, 2007. In addition to the topic chosen, you must provide a brief description of your topic and the context of your proposed paper. You will not be able to change your topic once it is approved. The citations and bibliography for all papers must follow either the guidelines outline by the Modern Language Association, or by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) 3rd or 4th edition. Both of these guides are in the reference section of the library. A list of references or bibliography must be submitted to me by September 28, 2007. Attendance & Participation All students are expected to attend every class session and be ready to discuss the reading materials thoroughly. The assigned readings must be completed before attending class. Failure to comply with the reading requirements and to participate in class discussions will adversely affect one’s grade in the class. 1Final Examination The final examination will be held on December 14, 2007 AT 8:30 A.M. and will be a two hour examination. The final examination will be a cumulative examination and will cover the entire semester’s lectures and course reading materials. The final examination will be a closed book examination and will be essay based. 40% of your grade in this class is based on this examination- I recommend you prepare for it. Additional Office Hours If you are unable to attend my scheduled office hours, additional office hours are available by appointment at my office. To schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to contact me at my daytime office (702) 360-6200. Reading Assignment August 31, 2007 Introduction Text: Government By The People (“GBP”) Chapter 1: Constitutional Democracy September 7 Chapters 2: American Federalism and Chapter 3: Political Culture and Ideology September 14 Chapter 4: The American Political Landscape Chapter 5: Political Parties and Interests Groups September 21 Chapter 6: Public Opinion, Voting, Elections Chapter 7: The Media and American Politics September 28 Chapter 8: Congress Chapter 9: The Presidency: October 5 Chapter 10: The Federal Administrative System Chapter 11: The Judiciary October 12 Midterm Examination- Chapters 1 through 11. October 19 Chapter 12: First Amendment Freedoms 2October 26 Lecture Fourth Fifth & Sixth Amendment November 2 Chapter 13 Equal Justice Under the Law November 9 Chapter 14: Making Economic, Regulatory and Social Policy November 16 Chapter 15: Making Foreign and Defense Policy November 23 Lecture Nevada Constitution Final Review November 30 Thanksgiving December 14, 2007 8:30 a.m. Final Examination MIDTERM PAPER TOPICS Constitutional Principles 1. Democracy Is Democracy Possible in Developing Countries? [i.e. a look into bringing Democracy to the Middle East] 2. Checks & Balances The President and the Veto 3. Checks & Balances Where would we be without Judicial Review and Marbury vs. Madison. 4. Constitution Evolving and Timeless, How the Constitution and Jurisprudence Protects Liberties in the 21st Century. 5. Constitution Propose an Amendment based on research, study and analysis. 6. Constitution Equal Protection Act, what went wrong? Can it ever be implemented? Federalism 1. Implied vs Express Powers of the Constitution, limits? 2. Article I §8 of the Constitution-Necessary & Proper Clause 3. Implications of the Commerce Clause on Interstate Commerce 34. Full Faith & Credit Clause—General Discussion 5. Government & Free Enterprise- A discussion of America and Antitrust Litigation of the 1990’s. 6. Government & Free Enterprise- What happens when greed goes bad? A discussion of the Rise & Fall of the Corporate Empire [Enron/Worldcom/Tyco] Include Discussion of SEC regulation thereon 9. Government & Free Enterprise- Compare and Contrast Arbitrage/Leverage Buy Outs of the 1980’s and Corporate SEC violations of the last four years. Bill of Rights 1. Search & Seizure under the Patriot Act 2. Denial of Bail at Detention Hearings 3. Compliance with Religious Requests in State Prisons, Equal Protection ramifications thereon. The topics you CANNOT write about under any circumstances are the following: 1. Execution of Juvenile/Mentally Retarded Offenders 2. Postpartum Depression as Diminished Capacity for Capital Offense committed by Women 3. Full Faith & Credit Clause- Divorce, Custody and Support 4. Full Faith & Credit Clause- Same Sex Marriage 5. Abortion/Partial Birth Abortions/Roe v Wade These topics are just a beginning and can be used to guide you in choosing the topic for your midterm paper. This paper is a learning experience and the more you are challenged, the better your paper will be. GOOD LUCK & ENJOY THIS SEMESTER!
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