1 Introduction to American Government PSC 101: Section: 1012 – LEC (25975), Spring 2012 Day & Time: Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: BEH 103 Instructor: Mr. Jason Mitchell Office: WRI A213 Office Hrs: Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.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 five percent (25%) of the student’s grade. These exams are not cumulative and will only test your knowledge of information contained in the relevant (i) assigned readings, (ii) in-class lectures/videos, and (iii) any additional assigned readings made available to you on WebCampus. Make-up Examinations: 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 that 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. 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 20-Jan Syllabus / Course Introduction (Overview of American Politics) 27-Jan American Political Culture, and The Founding & The Constitution 1, 2 Articles: 5 & 7 3-Feb Federalism 3 Articles: 4 & 6 Amendments: 9 & 10 Federalist Papers: 51 10-Feb NV Constitution & Public Opinion 1, 2 17-Feb Legislative Branch 12 6 24-Feb Exam 1 (Chapters: 1,2,3,12, & 1,2,6 and Art., Amd., and FP.) on WebCampus Executive Branch 13 7 Article 2 Amendments: 12, 20, 22, 25 Federalist Papers: 70 2-Mar Bureaucracy in Democracy 14 9 9-Mar Judicial Branch 15 8 Article 3 Federalist Papers: 78 16-Mar Public Opinion, and The Media 6, 7 23-Mar Exam 2 (Chapters: 13,14,15,6,7 & 7,9,8 and Art., , Amd., and FP) on WebCampus Political Participation and Voting, and Political Parties 8, 9 4 30-Mar Campaigns and Elections, and Groups and Interests 10, 11 5 6-Apr [SPRING RECESS – NO CLASS] 13-Apr Civil Liberties 4 Amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 20-Apr Exam 3 (Chapters: 8,9,10,11,4, and 4,5 and Amendments) on WebCampus Civil Rights 5 3 27-Apr Economic Policy, and Social Policy 16, 17 10 4-May Foreign Policy 18 Finals Week Exam 4 (Chapters: 5,16,17,18, and 3, 10) 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, 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 you 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 path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution. An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the
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