PSC 101, Section 10 Introduction to American Politics - Fall 2006 2:00-3:45 PM, Tuesdays & Thursdays BEH, 110 (T) Instructor: Melanie Young Office: Wright Hall A223. Office Hours: 10:30AM-12:00 PM, TR; & by appointment. Phone: 895-5247. E-mail: [email protected]. Please note: You are urged to use e-mail if you should need to contact me. E-mail will be checked once a day, Monday through Thursday. Course This course offers an overview of the activities and institutions of American government. The objective of this course is to increase your understanding of the foundations, organization, and functions of the national and Nevada governments. In so doing, we will study the main processes of decision-making, the administration of those decisions, and their importance to individual Americans. PSC 101 satisfies both the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions requirement for non-PSC majors. 4 credits. Grading There will be 3 exams throughout the semester (including the final). The exams will be a combination of multiple choice questions, true/false statements, and short essays. Exams will cover readings, lectures, videos, and any additional handouts/readings. The final exam is not comprehensive. Each exam is worth 1/3 (33.33%) of your final grade for the course. Each exam will consist of the following: 40 multiple choice and/or true false statements worth 2 points each (80 points total) and 2 short essays valued at 10 points each (20 points total). No make-ups will be given unless a legitimate excuse and adequate documentation are provided prior to the examination that will be missed. In other words, plan on showing up for exams. All make-up exams will be given during the last regularly scheduled day of class, Thursday, December 7th. Students must provide their own scantrons and blue books for exams. While student participation is not formally calculated into your final grade, students may improve their final score by ½ a letter grade (e.g., B+ to A- or A- to A) if the quality and quantity of their participation merits it. Required and optional Materials for the Course Required texts: Patterson, Thomas E. We the People: A Concise Introduction to American Politics, 6th edition. 2006. Text. Bowers, Michael. The Sagebrush State: Nevada’s History, Government, and Politics, 2nd edition. 2002. Text. You will be responsible for any videos, handouts, or reserve readings assigned throughout the semester. Disability Resource Center If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the LES for coordination in your academic accommodations. Disability Service is located within the Learning Enhancement Service (LES), in the Reynolds Student Services Complex, Room 137. The phone number is 702-895-0866 or TTD 702-895-0652. Academic Dishonesty Neither cheating nor plagiarism will be tolerated. Please review the University handbook for penalties. Religious Holidays and Absences If you miss a class or exam because of a religious holiday that you observe, you will have the opportunity to make up the missed work. You must notify the instructor at least 2 weeks prior to the examination. Official Extracurricular Activity If the date of any of the examinations conflicts with an official extracurricular activity, notify the instructor at least 2 weeks prior to the examination and provide official written notification no less than 1 week prior to the examination.Tentative Schedule Week of August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27 December 4 Readings Patterson, Chapter 1 Patterson, Chapters 2 & 3 Patterson, Chapters 3 & 4 Patterson, Chapters 4 & 5; Bowers, Chapter 3 Exam 1 Patterson, Chapter 6 Patterson, Chapters 7 & 8 Patterson, Chapters 8 & 9; Bowers, Chapter 4 Patterson, Chapters 9 & 10 Exam 2 Patterson, Chapter 11; Bowers, Chapter 6 Patterson, Chapters 12; Bowers, Chapter 7 Patterson, Chapter 13 Patterson, Chapter 14; Bowers, Chapter 8 Bowers, Chapters 9 & 10 Topics & Holidays Introduction & Foundations of American Democracy: Concepts & History Constitutional Democracy & Federalism Federalism & Civil Liberties Civil Liberties & Equal Rights Public Opinion & Political Socialization Voting & Participation Political Parties, Candidates & Campaigns; Interest Group Politics Interest Group Politics & News Media Structure, organization, & policymaking of Congress & the Nevada legislature Presidential election and office & the Nevada executive The Bureaucracy Thanksgiving Recess - November 23 The Judiciary Local Government; State & local Finance; Make-up exams Exams: Exams will be given on: September 28 and November 2. Final Exam is Thursday, December 12 at 3:10 PM. All make-up exams will be administered on December 7, during the last day of regularly scheduled
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