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UNLV PSC 101 - Syllabus

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Introduction to American Politics POLITICAL SCIENCE 101 College of Southern Nevada - Fall 2011 Professor: Dr. Kenneth E. Fernandez Phone: 702-895-4029 Office: UNLV, Department of Political Science; Wright Hall B209 Office Hours: Tues and Thurs 10 – 11:30am, or by appointment. Email: [email protected] Class Meets: MW 9:30-11:20am ; Cheyenne Campus CY1059 Personal Website: http://faculty.unlv.edu/fernandez Catalog Description: A survey of United States, national, state and local governments with emphasis on the cultural aspects of the governing process. (Satisfies the legislative requirement for the United States and Nevada Constitutions.) Prerequisite: ENG 101. Course Introduction: In this class we will discuss the structure and workings of the American Political System. We will examine the major participants and institutions of the national and state and local government and explore how these actors and institutions interact within our political structure to produce political and policy outcomes. Comparisons to other nations will sometimes be emphasized to help place the U.S. political practices into perspective. Nevada politics will also be given special attention to help provide concrete examples of state and local politics within a federalist system. This course has several objectives. 1. Identify the major political actors and institutions of the U.S. and Nevada political system 2. Understand the cultural and historical origins of the U.S. and Nevada political system 3. Explore various theories used to understand politics (e.g. Rational Choice; Pluralism) 4. Explore several normative arguments about the proper role and functions of government Texts: • Coleman, J.J., K.M. Goldstein, W.G. Howell. Understanding American Politics, A Custom Edition (Same as 2nd Edition). 2011. New York: Longman. • Other Recommended Readings (available on ANGEL): o Davis, William Eric. 2009. The Battle Born Silver State. [Monograph]. Las Vegas, NV: The College of Southern Nevada. o The Nevada Constitution, 2009 o Monkman, Guillermo. On Nevada State Politics. College of Southern Nevada, May 2010. Attendance & Participation: Attendance is required and 10% of your grade will be based on your attendance and participation in class. Exams: There will be three exams conducted online on ANGEL. They will be based on the assigned readings and lectures and consist of mostly multiple choice questions. Exams will be made available at 8am and remain available until Midnight, but once the exam is started you will have 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the exam. Students will need access to a computer with an internet connection and have access to ANGEL. There will be no lecture during Exam days. Instead of attending class, students2can use that time to take the exam. Make-up exams are reserved for emergency situations and official university functions. In all cases, the reason must be documented (e.g., police report for an accident, doctor’s letter for a serious illness on official letterhead, letter from the athletic director). Paper: (5 to 7 pages) Identify a pathology (a problem) in Nevada politics. Explain why the pathology is a problem. Discuss what political reforms could be adopted to help solve or alleviate the problem. Paper should cite at least 5 sources. Of these sources, one should be from the material posted on ANGEL and one should be another academic source (i.e., journal article, academic book). See the document called “Academic Sources” in ANGEL for more information on academic sources. The other sources can be from any other “legitimate” sources (newspapers, magazines, websites). CSN has services to assist students with their writing. Contact the Writing Center for further information http://www.csn.edu/pages/1688.asp or the Online Writing Lab at http://www.csn.edu/pages/1000.asp Grading Policy: The value of each course component is as follows: COMPONENT DATE COURSE VALUE Participation NA 10% Exam I October 3 25% Exam II November 2 25% Exam II December 12 25% Paper July 18 15% The assignment of letter grades is as follows: 92% < = A 80-81 = B- 67-69 = D+ 90-91 = A- 77-79 = C+ 62-66 = D 87-89 = B+ 72-76 = C 60-61 = D- 82-86 = B 70-71 = C- < 59 = F Academic Integrity – 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 CSN community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Integrity Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling at CSN assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with CSN’s function as an educational institution. An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources. See CSN Academic Integrity Policy [http://www.csn.edu/pages/904.asp] for more information on academic misconduct. Students’ rights and responsibilities pertaining to CSN policies and services are found in the College Catalog and on the CSN website. http://www.csn.edu/pages/660.asp Disability Policy: The College of Southern Nevada (“CSN”) is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access to all programs, services and activities to persons with disabilities. This includes rigorous compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For further information on CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy and current CSN Disability Resource Center visit http://www.csn.edu/pages/2566.asp3COURSE CALENDAR: WEEK DATE TOPIC READINGS Week 1 M – August 29 Introduction to Course Week 1 W – August 31 Thinking about American Politics Chapter 1 Week 2 M – September 5 Labor Day: No Lecture Week 2 W – September 7 Institutions, Culture, and Politics Chapter 2 Week 3 M – September 12 The Constitution Chapter 3; Federalist 10 & 51 Week 3 W – September 14 Federalism Chapter 4 Week 4 M – September 19 Discussion of Research Paper Week 4 W – September 21 Civil Liberties Chapter 5 Week 5 M - September 26 Movie: Eyes on the Prize Short Practice Test Online Week 5 W – September 28 Civil Rights Cont.


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UNLV PSC 101 - Syllabus

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