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UNLV PSC 101 - Syllabus

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1 Introduction to American Government PSC 101: Section: 1008 – LEC (85238), Fall 2011 Day & Time: Tuesday & Thursday: 2:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Location: CBC A110 Instructor: Mr. Jason Mitchell Office: WRI A213 Office Hrs: Tuesday & Thursday: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Phone: (702) 895-5241 Email: [email protected] I. Course Description: Overview and Objectives: This course examines the formal and informal institutions of American government in order to understand how these institutions interact to form public policy in America. In so doing, we will examine the constitutional basis of governance, the role of the various branches of government, the impact and influence of the media, political parties, and interest groups on American politics, as well as the concept of federalism. Since this course also satisfies the Nevada Constitution requirements set forth by UNLV, we will examine similar functions within our state. At the conclusion of the course, you will be expected to be able to apply theoretical and analytical approaches in order to: i. have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles upon which both the federal and state governments are based; ii. understand the organizational structure and responsibilities of each branch of government (again, at both a federal and state level); iii. be aware of the civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and iv. understand how the formal and informal institutions of American government interact to formulate public policy. Required Texts: There are two required texts for this course. Be sure that you have the correct editions. i. Ginsberg, Benjamin, Theodore J. Lowi and Margaret Weir. We the People. Eighth FULL Edition. Norton: 2011. ii. Bowers, Michael. The Sagebrush State. 3rd Edition. University of Nevada Press: 2006.2 II. Grading: There are four exams scheduled for this course. Each exam is valued at twenty percent (25%) of the student’s grade. These exams are not cumulative and will only test your knowledge of information contained in the (i) assigned readings, (ii) in-class lectures/videos, and (iii) any additional assigned readings on WebCampus of their relevant designated sections. Examinations: There will be four exams, one at the conclusion of each major portion of the course. The examinations are not cumulative. You may make-up a missed exam on the next exam date. Please note that you will have to take both exams on that date. In other words, you will have to take the exam scheduled for the date as well as the make-up exam in the time allotted for one exam. There will be no make-up exam for the fourth exam and you may not take the fourth exam early or late regardless of reason. The date of the final exam will be provided at approximately mid-semester when the University’s examination schedule is published. Do not make plans to leave the area until you know when the fourth exam is scheduled. You may not use a dictionary (hardcopy or electronic) during an examination. You must bring a photo ID and a SCANTRON sheet to each examination. Letter Grading Cutoffs: 90% – 100% = A 80% – 89% = B 70% – 79% = C 60% – 69% = D 0 % – 59% = F Your grades will be posted on the class WebCampus site after each exam. If you have a question about your exam or if the grade is entered incorrectly in WebCampus, you must contact Mr. Mitchell within one week of the exam. For the final exam, this time period is 48 hours. After these 48 hours, your final grade as shown in WebCampus will be submitted formally to the university’s grading system.3 III. Semester Schedule: Please Note: Exam dates are firm; topics are estimated. Date Topic Ginsberg Bowers Other 30-Aug Syllabus / Course Introduction 1-Sep The Congress 6-Sep American Political Culture 1 8-Sep The Founding & The Constitution 2 Articles: 5 & 7 13-Sep Federalism 3 Articles: 4 & 6 Amendments: 9 & 10 Federalist Papers: 51 15-Sep NV Constitution & Public Opinion 1, 2 20-Sep Legislative Branch 12 6 22-Sep (Continued) 27-Sep Exam 1 29-Sep Executive Branch 13 7 Article 2 Amendments: 12, 20, 22, 25 Federalist Papers: 70 4-Oct Bureaucracy in a Democracy 14 9 6-Oct Judicial Branch 15 8 Article 3 Federalist Papers: 78 11-Oct (Continued) 13-Oct Public Opinion 6 18-Oct The Media 7 20-Oct Exam 2 25-Oct Political Participation and Voting 8 27-Oct Political Parties 9 4 1-Nov Campaigns and Elections 10 3-Nov Groups and Interests 11 5 8-Nov Civil Liberties 4 3 Amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1410-Nov Civil Rights 5 15-Nov (Continued) 17-Nov Exam 3 22-Nov Economic Policy 16 10 24-Nov Thanksgiving - No Class 29-Nov Social Policy 17 1-Dec Social Policy (Contiued) 6-Dec Foreign Policy 18 8-Dec Foreign Policy (Continued) Finals Week Exam 4 – Room TBD4 IV. Classroom Behavior: Every student is entitled to a distraction-free classroom. Students may not behave in any manner that interferes with the learning environment of another student or the Professor’s teaching environment. This includes but is not limited to, the following: i. you must arrive on time and be prepared to begin class on time. If late arrivals become a problem, participation grades will be adversely affected. ii. Cell phones, lap top computers, and other electronic devices must be turned off and stored out of sight. Texting, accessing the Internet, or reading/sending email during class is absolutely prohibited and will result in your being asked to leave the classroom. iii. No “side-bar” conversations or passing notes. Ignoring this rule will result in your being asked to leave the classroom. iv. No recording devices will be permitted. v. No food or beverage (except water) is allowed in the classroom. vi. Classroom behavior should always be courteous, respectful of others, and consistent with the expectations set forth by the university. V. University Policies: Academic Misconduct: Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical


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UNLV PSC 101 - Syllabus

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