Introduction to National Government Syllabus Overview National Government is a semester long survey American Federal Government system Introductory study of the U S constitutional framework Role and context of American political process Key individuals groups directly and indirectly influence US political process Second half of the study concentrates on the examination of U S Government institutions Their role in formulating US public policy General Course Objectives Acquire knowledge interest in American political system Develop understanding of Fed Government its institutions Examine political social context of politics Examine the constitution its guaranteed freedoms Analyze role of government in domestic foreign policy Develop reinforce reading writing and verbal skills Grading Criteria Total GRADE Points 100 point scale Meaningful Participation Discussion of assigned Learning Objectives preparation contribution attendance Quiz RP Thesis Statement Test I Key Terms Part I Midterm Exam Parts I II Test II Key Terms Part III Research Paper Project 8 10 pages due last class meeting Final Exam Parts I II III IV Possible accumulated points 10 points 10 20 10 20 30 100 total points Letter Grades Total accumulated points letter grade 100 90 points 89 80 points 79 70 points 69 60 points A B C D Research Project 8 10 page double spaced typed paper Based on student s own research and analysis Select thoroughly research examine and answer One of the political economic or social questions below Research Project Questions 1 Senate Approval Process of Presidential Judicial Nominees The Nuclear Option 2 Supreme Court s Balance of Judicial Philosophy 3 Iraqi Exit Strategy Should we have one See paragraph IX of Syllabus for details Thesis Statement more guidance Clearly state your thesis and rationale Objectively analyze both sides of issue s identified Present supporting rationale for your conclusion s Submit IAW standard Style Manual use 4 sources see Syllabus paragraph IIIC for details Write IN YOUR OWN WORDS Cite all work Due Week 15b Turn in at beginning of class Attendance Complete attendance is strongly encouraged Class discussions highlight significant areas of interests Class discussions lectures clarify potential tested material 10 of your grade is based in part on class preparation Student discussion of learning objectives Quizzes announced unannounced 3 or more absences may result in a lower grade 5 or more will result in failing the course No make up Quiz or Test will be administered No make up exams w o a properly excused absence Campbell University s Purpose Mission and Policies Core University Policy Theme Provide students with the option of a Christian World view Described in further detail in the Campbell University Bulletin Standards and Expectations see University Bulletin paragraph IV of syllabus Textbook Reading Materials Squire Peverill James Lindsay et al Dynamics of Democracy 4th ed 2006 Available at bookstore or www atomicdog com Supplemental Additional articles and readings as assigned Course Outline Part I Context of American Politics Chapters 1 5 Chapter 1 Conflict Rules and Change Chapter 2 The Constitution Chapter 3 The Social Context of American Politics Chapter 4 Civil Liberties Chapter 5 Civil Rights Course Outline Chapter 1 Learning Objectives Be prepared to discuss analyze and be tested on each chapter s Learning Objectives Key Terms as identified and discussed in the Text and highlighted in Bold Print below Chapter 1 Conflict Rules Change Learning Objectives 1 Define Politics and examine the role of conflict its roots in US political process 2 Explain government s role in managing conflict and why its citizens comply 3 Contrast government s structural rules and policy rules 4 Examine the bias character of the rules 5 Examine the changing rules of government 6 Summarize overall objectives of the text Parts I IV Political Context Individual Groups Institutions Policy Parts I II Course Requirements and Learning Activities Classroom discussions and learning objectives Be prepared to discuss all key terms KT learning objectives prior to class Reading Assignments and student preparation Refer to schedule in Syllabus Course Schedule Part I see Syllabus for details Week 1 Introduction to Text Chapter 1 Dynamics of Politics Class 1 Introduction Course Overview Review text and Syllabus Discuss chapter learning Objectives Discuss student preparation Outline chapter 1 learning objectives 1 5 students should read chapters 1 and 2a objectives 1 8 prior to next class 2a Week 2 Chapter 1 Dynamics of Politics Chapter 2 The Constitution Class 2a Text chapter 1 Review learning objectives 1 5 Text chapter 2a Discuss learn object 1 8 Read Constitution pp 63 76 Class 2b Text chapter 2b Discuss learning objectives 9 14 Week 3 Chapter 3 The Social Context of Politics Chapter 4 Civil Liberties Class 3a Text chapter 3 Discuss learning objectives 1 4 Class 3b Text chapter 4 Discuss learning objectives 1 8 Week 4 Chapter 5 Civil Rights Class 4a Text chapter 5a Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Research Paper Guidance Class 4b Text chapter 5b Discuss learning objectives 12 15 Week 5 Test I Part I Chapter 6 Public Opinion Class 5a Text chapter 6 Discuss learning objectives 1 10 Quiz I Class 5b Test 1 Part I test on key terms in chapters 1 5 Course Schedule Part II see Syllabus for details Week 6 Chapter 7 Voting Participation Chapter 8 The News Media Week 7 Chapter 9 Political Parities Chapter 10 Interest Groups Class 6a Text chapter 7 Discuss learning objectives 1 10 Res Paper Preparation Class 6b Text chapter 8 Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Class 7a Text chapter 9 Discuss learning objectives 1 11 Class 7b Text chapter 10 Discuss learning objectives 1 8 possible Quiz Continue to work on Research paper Thesis Statement identify sources Week 8 Make up Review Parts I II Midterm Examination Class 8a Make up for remaining learning objectives Review of Parts I II Chapt 1 10 Class 8b Midterm Exam Chapters 1 10 Learning Objectives Key Terms Bring Blue Book pen and SCANTRON 100 W 2 pencil to class Also Due e mail your Research Paper thesis statement with bibliography Course Schedule Parts III IV Additional Information We will begin 2nd Half Parts III IV upon return from break Office Hours M W 1100 1230 or after class Contact me for appt via e mail or Vicki ext 1480 Roll Seating Chart provide e mail address History Gov Dept website links Class Notes Short cut www google com Captain Slattery