January 13, 2010 University of Nevada at Las Vegas Department of Political Science Intro to American Politics Pos 101-004 Wednesday 5:30-9pm Room Wright Hall C239 Instructor: Mickey Geiser SYLLABUS This is a class in American Politics. It has been said that the U.S. Constitution and its crucial Bill of Rights survive not because the parchment they were written on is still with us, but because each generation of Americans respects, renews, and works at understanding the principles and values found in these precious documents.” What will happen here will be our joint attempt to answer two important questions. First, where have we been, and second, where are we going both as a nation and as individual citizens in pursuit of that “experiment” which began when fifty-five human beings met in Philadelphia some 215 years ago? *Your personal involvement in this class can make it a life changing experience. All of us in this room and beyond its doors must share in the ongoing dialogue that can hopefully carry this nation toward a positive and productive future **The assignments indicated on the syllabus are to be prepared for the following class and are noted after each assignment. There will be two texts in this class: GOVT by Sidlow and Henschen, and The Sagebrush State by Michael Bowers. These books are available in the bookstore, but it is assumed that you already have them in your possession ***Your grade for this class will be based on two page assignments (25%), response papers (15%), short test (10%), Midterm (25%), and Final essay (25%). GRADING SCHEDULE (100% POSSIBLE) A 90-100% B 89-80% C 79-70% D 69-60% F Incomprehensible – No one should fail this class!PAGE 2 – SYLLABUS AMERICAN POLITICS ASSIGNMENTS Jan. 13: Read Chapter I “The Contours of American Democracy”, and consider the following question: Why study politics and government? Is there such a thing as human nature, and if so does it directly affect the kind of government that is best for human beings to create? Response Paper #1: In a one page paper, please respond to these questions in light of your own experience, and outside research. Due Jan. 20 Jan. 20: Assignment #1: Something to think about! In a two page, double spaced essay please answer the following: In many past elections only 50% of the populous voted? Clearly the presidential election “brought out the vote”, but Americans have historically disengaged from the political arena. Do our citizens feel helpless to affect what their government does? 2008 was the year when the American people determined that change was in order. Has American politics turned a new corner in light of the present administration, and can we expect dramatic change in the direction our country will take in world politics? Due January 27 Jan. 27: Read: Chapter II “The Constitution” Read Declaration of Independence at Appendix A Read American Constitution at Appendix B BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS THESE READINGS AT THE NEXT CLASS Due Feb. 3 Feb.3 Read “Civil Liberties” Response Paper #2: Taking a look at today, bring in an article which deals with what is going on in government and that relates to our Bill of Rights and civil liberties. Attach a short typewritten one page response to the article. Due Feb. 10 Feb: 10 Read Civil Rights **Also find a copy of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” and “A Letter From Birmingham Jail” which we will discuss in class. Due Feb. 17PAGE 3 SYLLABUS AMERICAN POLITICS Feb 17: Read Chapter Chapter VII: Political Parties Read Chapter VIII: Public Opinion and voting Assignment #2: What do you think? The question of what particular philosophy of government –republican or democrat has been an on-going debate in this country. More importantly, please incorporate data you have found on the Internet and look for definitions of what constitutes these two positions by today’s standards. Remember to incorporate this outside information in your paper**WE WILL HAVE A DEBATE WHEN THE CLASS MEETS NEXT TIME AS TO WHAT POINTS OF VIEW ARE CHARACTERISTIC OF BOTH THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT POINTS OF VIEW. I WILL RANDOMLY PLACE YOU IN A GROUP AND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SELECT PEOPLE TO REPRESENT YOUR GROUPS POSITION IN THIS DEBATE. Due Feb. 24 Feb. 24: DEBATE BETWEEN REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS**Read: “The Judiciary” Response Paper #3 Spend some time on the Internet investigating cases Presently being discussed by the Supreme Court of the United States, or look for any recent decisions of the Court. In a one page typewritten response paper Indicate the issues involved and/or the decision the Court has already rendered in that particular case. Due March 3 Mar.3 Read Chapter IX “The Presidency” Assignment #3: After reading this chapter, indicate in a two page paper those qualities that define a good president. Select one of our presidents who you believe is or was most representative of them and provide a short background of that individual’s contributions to our politics. Due March 10. March10 We will discuss the Nevada Constitution which will hopefully prepare you for the midterm essay that is due the next time the class meets. **Remember to quote from both the U.S. Constitution and the Nevada Constitution when you write your essay.PAGE 4 – SYLLABUS AMERICAN POLITICS March 17 **MID TERM ESSAY DUE** Read: Congress Assignment #4: For this two page assignment you will need to do some surfing on the Internet. You are asked here to find out who are our Nevada Senators in the U.S. Senate. You are also asked to find out who are our Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives. After locating this information, you are asked here to devote most of your paper to indicating which of these individuals best represents your political viewpoint and tell me why this is so. **TEST ON CONGRESS DUE AT NEXT CLASS* (Table 11-3 on page 260 of text) Due March 24 March 24: *TEST ON CONGRESS TODAY* Read Politics and the Media Response Paper #4 Bring in an article and a one page response for this class which in your view indicates how much power the media wields in today’s world. If you wish to do so, you can speak to a specific news broadcast you have watched and indicate your perspective on how it attempted to affect public opinion. *Article must be stapled to response* Due
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