National Government Background Introduction to National Government Syllabus Overview National Government is a semester long survey American Federal Government system Introductory study of the U S constitutional framework Role and context of American political process Key individuals groups directly and indirectly influence US political process Second half of the study concentrates on the examination of U S Government institutions Their role in formulating US public policy General Course Objectives Acquire knowledge interest in American political system Develop understanding of Fed Government its institutions Examine political social context of politics Examine the constitution its guaranteed freedoms Analyze role of government in domestic foreign policy Develop reinforce reading writing and verbal skills Grading Criteria Total GRADE Points 100 point scale Meaningful Participation Discussion of assigned Learning Objectives preparation contribution attendance 10 points Quiz RP Thesis Statement Test I Key Terms Part I 10 Midterm Exam Parts I II 20 Test II Key Terms Part III 10 Research Paper Project 8 10 pages due last class meeting 20 Final Exam Parts I II III IV 30 100 total points Letter Grades Total Numerical points letter grade 100 90 points 89 80 points 79 70 points 69 60 points A B C D Research Project 8 10 page double spaced typed paper Based on student s own research and analysis Select thoroughly research examine and answer One of the political economic or social questions below Research Project Choice of 3 Questions 1 Senate Approval of Presidential Judicial Nominees 2 Intelligent Design alternative to evolution or religious view 3 Inherent Presidential powers vs Constitutional protections See page 10 paragraph IX of Syllabus for details Thesis Statement more guidance Clearly state your thesis and rationale Objectively analyze both sides of issue s identified Present supporting rationale for your conclusion s Submit IAW standard Style Manual use 4 sources see Syllabus paragraph IX for details Write IN YOUR OWN WORDS Cite all work Due Week 15b Turn in at beginning of class Attendance Complete attendance is strongly encouraged Class discussions highlight significant areas of interests Class discussions lectures clarify potential tested material 10 of your grade is based in part on class preparation Student discussion of learning objectives Quizzes announced unannounced 3 or more absences may result in a lower grade 5 or more will result in failing the course No make up Quiz will be administered No make up tests or exams without a properly excused absence Campbell University s Purpose Mission and Policies Provide students with the option of a Christian World view Described further in the Campbell University Bulletin Standards and Expectations University Bulletin paragraph IV Textbook Reading Materials Squire Peverill James Lindsay et al Dynamics of Democracy 4th ed 2006 Available at bookstore or www atomicdog com Supplemental Additional articles and readings as assigned Course Outline Part I Context of American Politics Chapters 1 5 Chapter 1 Conflict Rules and Change Chapter 2 The Constitution Chapter 3 The Social Context of American Politics Chapter 4 Civil Liberties Chapter 5 Civil Rights Course Outline Chapter 1 Learning Objectives Be prepared to discuss analyze and be tested on each chapter s Learning Objectives Key Terms concepts as identified and discussed in the Text and highlighted in Bold Print below Chapter 1 Conflict Rules Change Learning Objectives 1 Define Politics and examine the role of conflict its roots in US political process 2 Explain government s role in managing conflict and why its citizens comply the role of legitimacy force 3 Contrast government s structural rules and policy rules 4 Examine the bias character of the rules 5 Examine the changing rules of government 6 Summarize overall objectives of the text Parts I IV Political Context Individual Groups Institutions Policy Parts I II Course Requirements and Learning Activities Classroom discussions and learning objectives Be prepared to discuss all key terms KT learning objectives Prior to class Student Objective Understand the underlying concept of how all Key Terms are applied in context of the Learning Objectives Reading Assignments and student preparation Refer to schedule in Syllabus Course Schedule Part I See syllabus para VIII C Week 1 Introduction to Text Chapter 1 G 1 Dynamics of Politics 1 11 2006 Class 1 Introduction Course Overview Review text and Syllabus Discuss chapter learning Objectives Discuss student preparation Outline chapter 1 learning objectives 1 5 students should read chapters 1 and 2a objectives 1 8 prior to next class 2a Week 2 Chapter 1 Dynamics of Politics Chapter 2 G 2 The Constitution 1 16 1 18 Class 2a Text chapter 1 Review learning objectives 1 5 Text chapter 2a Discuss learning objectives 1 8 Read Constitution end of G 2 Class 2b Text chapter 2b Discuss learning objectives 9 14 Week 3 Chapter 3 The Social Context of Politics Chapter 4 Civil Liberties 1 23 1 25 Class 3a Text chapter 3 Discuss learning objectives 1 4 RP Guidance Class 3b Text chapter 4 Discuss learning objectives 1 8 Week 4 Chapter 5 Civil Rights 1 30 4 01 Class 4a Text chapter 5a Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Class 4b Text chapter 5b Discuss learning objectives 12 15 Quiz 1 Chapters 1 5 Week 5 Test I Part I Chapter 6 Public Opinion 2 06 2 08 Class 5a Test 1 Part I test on key terms concepts discussed in Text Chapters 1 5 Class 5b NCS Pearson Test Sheet 50 50 SCANTRON Form 95142 2 Pencil Text chapter 6 Discuss learning objectives 1 10 Course Schedule Part II see Syllabus for details Week 6 Chapter 7 Voting Participation Chapter 8 The News Media 2 13 2 15 Class 6a Text chapter 7 Discuss learning objectives 1 10 Class 6b Text chapter 8 Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Week 7 Chapter 9 Political Parities Chapter 10 Interest Groups 10 03 10 05 Class 7a Text chapter 9 Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Class 7b Text chapter 10 Discuss learning objectives 1 8 Week 8 Make up Review Text Parts I II Midterm Examination 10 10 10 12 Class 8a Make up for remaining learning objectives Research paper prep Review of Parts I II Chapters 1 10 formulate thesis statement research identify sources Possible Quiz 2 on Chapters 6 10 Class 8b Midterm Examination Chapters 1 10 Learning Objectives Key Terms Bring Blue Book pen 2 pencil to class for Exam Also Due e mail your Research Paper thesis statement w bibliography