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UNLV PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics PSC 101 Sect 001

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Introduction to American PoliticsUNLV Introduction to American Politics PSC 101 Sect 001 Fall 2006 M,W 8:00-9:45 AM BEH 112 SYLLABUS I. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide students with a general overview of what political science is and how it relates to the other social sciences. 2. To develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the United States Constitution. 3. To develop the students’ understanding of the major institutions of government: legislature, executive, judiciary, and the bureaucracy. 4. To increase the students’ understanding of how government has and will affect their lives and those of their progeny. II. COURSE OUTLINE: The course provides a basic overview of the political system, institutions and policies of the United States. The course will be divided into three separate but related sections. The first section will examine the formal (Constitutional) institutions of American government. This section will provide an in-depth examination of the Constitution itself as well as the US Congress, the American Presidency and Bureaucracy, and the American Court System. Also, a discussion of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights will be included in this section to illustrate the workings of these institutions. The second section will focus on the informal institutions of American government. This section will examine the role of political socialization and ideology, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, and the media in American politics. The final section will focus on other various related topics including foreign policy, social welfare policy and economic policy. This section will illustrate how the institutions of American government work in the creation of these policies. Also included in this section will be the study and discussion of American Federalism. Interspersed throughout the semester at appropriate times will be readings and discussion of the Nevada Constitution and how our state system of government functions here in Nevada. 1III. COURSE ADMINISTRATION: 1. Instructor: Rick Steinkamp Office – Wright Building A-226 Hours: MW 10:00—11:30AM Telephone: 895-5250 (office) 898-0562 (home) E-mail: [email protected] 2. Course Materials: A. American Government Brief Version 7/E James Q Wilson Houghton Mifflin Co. 2005 B. The Sagebrush State by Michael Bowers, 2nd Ed., University of Nevada Press, 2002. 3. Student Responsibilities: Each student is responsible for all the assigned reading materials. These materials include the textbook, hand-outs, and materials that may be placed on reserve in the library. The instructor may require a few home work assignments as a supplement to the lectures. Students will be expected to complete all the homework assignments and use them as a basis for classroom discussion. All homework assignments must be turned in on the deadline date. 4. Method of instruction: The course will be taught in an informal lecture/seminar format with emphasis on student participation. Your contributions to the class through your attentiveness, the frequency and quality of your contributions, and the degree of your preparation will influence your grade. While the syllabus provides a structured path, current events may suggest some worthwhile detours. The contents and/or dates of this syllabus are thus subject to change. 5. Class Attendance: Attendance in this course is crucial. The students should arrive at the class on time or even a few minutes prior to the session. This instructor prefers that you come to class late rather than not at all, but if you must be late, enter the classroom quietly and take your seat with the least possible disruption. If you must leave class before it is over, please notify me before class and again, make the least possible disruption. Each student’s attendance and punctuality have a direct quantifiable effect upon his or her “Student Participation” grade. Students are expected to take all exams. There will be no make-up exams. EXCEPT FOR EXTRODINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, A STUDENT MUST TAKE THE FINAL EXAMINATION IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE. 6. Evaluation: There will be two mid-term examinations and one final examination. Quizzes, usually announced beforehand, will be given occasionally. Each mid-term will be worth 20% of the total grade. The final examination, which will be cumulative, will be worth 40%. The remaining 20% will be based on quiz grades, homework assignments and, importantly, class participation. 2All students are expected to be prepared for class by having the reading assignments completed prior to the class meeting. The student’s punctuality, preparation, and informed participation in classroom discussion are the major influences on the subjective portion of his or her grade. All final letter grades will be translated from numerical grades as follows: 100 - 93 A 75 - 73 C 92 - 89 A- 72 - 69 C- 88 - 86 B+ 68 - 66 D+ 85 - 83 B 65 - 63 D 82 - 79 B- 62 - 59 D- 78 - 76 C+ 58 - 0 F 7. Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and any other misrepresentation of work are prohibited. Sanctions may range from a failing grade on the work, to failure of the course, to expulsion from the college. Those providing information will be held equally accountable. 8. Extra Instruction and Counseling: All students are encouraged to seek extra instruction or other counseling whenever needed. My main concern is to be of assistance to you in understanding the material. However, my job does not include doing the work for you. I look forward to working with each of you and to making this course as informative and interesting as possible. 9. Withdrawing from Class Should you at any time decide to withdraw from this class, I would prefer you notify me, but in any event, please be sure to notify the Administration. If I get the final grade sheet and there is not a w or wt opposite your name, I will be forced to give you an F. 10. Special Needs If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact LES for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Disability Service is located within the Learning Enhancement Service (LES) in the Reynolds Student Services Complex in room 137. The phone number is (702)895-0866 (TTD 702-895-0652) . 11. Religious Holidays and


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UNLV PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics PSC 101 Sect 001

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