PSC 101 Political Science 101 Introduction to American Politics & Nevada Constitution WRI C-151 Section 3- Fri 8:30a.m.12:00p.m. Section 2- 1:00-4:30p.m. Instructor: Sigal Chattah Office Hours: WRI- A-221 Friday 12:00- 15:50p.m. 4:30-5:30p.m. Telephone: 895-0403 Email: [email protected] Required Texts: 1. Government By the People; Burns, Peltason, Cronin et al; Brief Seventh Edition; Grading System Your grade in this class will be based on the following: Midterm Examination-------------------------------------------------------------------20% Midterm Paper -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20% Attendance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------20% Final Examination ----------------------------------------------------------------------40% Midterm Examination The midterm examination will be held on March 21, 2008 and will cover Chapters 1 – 12 of the Government by the People. The examination is a closed book examination and will be essay based. Midterm Paper The midterm paper must be based on any of the subjects discussed in class. The topic should be broad enough to allow for a full development of the subject matter of the topic. The Paper will be due on Monday, March 21, 2008. The topic of your paper must be submitted by February 29, 2005. In addition to the topic chosen, you must provide a brief description of your topic and the context of your proposed paper. You will not be able to change your topic once it is approved. The citations and bibliography for all papers must follow either the guidelines outline by the Modern Language Association, or by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) 3rd or 4th edition. Both of these guides are in the reference section of the library. 1A list of references or bibliography must be submitted to me by March 07, 2008. Attendance & Participation All students are expected to attend every class session and be ready to discuss the reading materials thoroughly. The assigned readings must be completed before attending class. Failure to comply with the reading requirements and to participate in class discussions will adversely affect one’s grade in the class. Final Examination The final examination will be held on May 16 2008, and will be a two hour examination. The final examination will be a cumulative examination and will cover the entire semester’s lectures and course reading materials. The final examination will be a closed book examination and will be essay based. 40% of your grade in this class is based on this examination- I recommend you prepare for it. Additional Office Hours If you are unable to attend my scheduled office hours, additional office hours are available by appointment at my office. To schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to contact me at my daytime office (702) 360-6200. Reading Assignment January 25, 2008 Introduction Text: Government By The People (“GBP”) Chapter 1: Constitutional Democracy FEBRUARY 1, 2008 Chapters 2: American Federalism and Chapter 3: Political Culture and Ideology February 8, 2008 Chapter 4: The American Political Landscape Chapter 5: Political Parties and Interests Groups February 15, 2008 Chapter 6: Public Opinion, Voting, Elections Chapter 7: The Media and American Politics February 22, 2008 Chapter 8: Congress: The People’s Branch Chapter 9: The Presidency: The Leadership Branch February 29, 2009 Chapter 10: Congress and the President Chapter 11: The Federal Bureaucracy 2March 7, 2008 Chapter 12: The Judiciary: The balancing branch March 14, 2008 SPRING BREAK- NO CLASS March 21, 2008 Midterm Examination- Chapters 1 through 12. March 28, 2008 Chapter 13: First Amendment Freedoms April 4, 2008 Chapter 14: Equal Justice Under the Law April 11, 2008 Chapter 15: Making Economic and Social Policy April 18, 2008 Chapter 16: Making Foreign and Defense Policy April 25, 2008 Discussion May 2, 2008 Discussion May 9, 2008 Final Review May 16, 2008, Final Exam is same time as Class Time 3MIDTERM PAPER TOPICS Constitutional Principles 1. Democracy Is Democracy Possible in Developing Countries? [i.e. a look into bringing Democracy to the Middle East] 2. Checks & Balances The President and the Veto 3. Checks & Balances Where would we be without Judicial Review and Marbury vs. Madison. 4. Constitution Evolving and Timeless, How the Constitution and Jurisprudence Protects Liberties in the 21st Century. 5. Constitution Propose an Amendment based on research, study and analysis. 6. Constitution Equal Protection Act, what went wrong? Can it ever be implemented? Federalism 1. Implied vs Express Powers of the Constitution, limits? 2. Article I §8 of the Constitution-Necessary & Proper Clause 3. Implications of the Commerce Clause on Interstate Commerce 4. Full Faith & Credit Clause—General Discussion 5. Full Faith & Credit Clause- Divorce, Custody and Support 6. Full Faith & Credit Clause- Same Sex Marriage 7. Government & Free Enterprise- A discussion of America and Antitrust Litigation of the 1990’s. 8. Government & Free Enterprise- What happens when greed goes bad? A discussion of the Rise & Fall of the Corporate Empire [Enron/Worldcom/Tyco] Include Discussion of SEC regulation thereon 9. Government & Free Enterprise- Compare and Contrast Arbitrage/Leverage Buy Outs of the 1980’s and Corporate SEC violations of the last four years. Bill of Rights 1. Search & Seizure under the Patriot Act 2. Denial of Bail at Detention Hearings 3. Execution of Juvenile/Mentally Retarded Offenders 4. Postpartum Depression as Diminished Capacity for Capital Offense committed by Women 5. Compliance with Religious Requests in State Prisons, Equal Protection ramifications thereon. 4These topics are just a beginning and can be used to guide you in choosing the topic for your midterm paper. This paper is a learning experience and the more you are challenged, the better your paper will be. GOOD LUCK & ENJOY THIS SEMESTER!
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