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UNLV PSC 101 - PSC 101, Section 1001 Introduction to American Politics - Fall 2011 Syllabus

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PSC 101, Section 1001 Introduction to American Politics - Fall 2011 8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Saturdays BEH-112 Instructor: Melanie Young Office: Wright Hall A223. Office Hours: 8:00-8:30AM and 12:00-1:00PM Saturdays; & 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 Friday. Phone messages will only be checked during office hours. Do not e-mail using webcampus: Webcampus e-mails will not be checked. Course Description This course, which satisfies the UNLV United States and Nevada Constitution requirements, provides an overview of the political institutions, processes, and cultures in the United States and in Nevada. It also includes an examination of current political, economic, and social issues and policies. Course Overview This course offers an exploration of unique features of the American political system. Particular attention is paid to federalism and the role of states in the American polity using theoretical and analytical approaches. 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. The course will be divided into three separate but related sections. The first section will examine the formal constitutional framework of American government. This will focus on the Constitution, the nature of democracy, and federalism in the United States. Limited government will be discussed, as well as civil liberties and civil rights. The second section will focus on the institutions of American government. This section will provide an in-depth examination of the U.S. Congress, the American Presidency and Bureaucracy, and the American Judiciary. Interspersed throughout the semester at appropriate times will be readings and discussion of the Nevada Constitution and how our state system of government functions here in Nevada. The final section will focus on informal institutions of American government. This section will examine the role of political socialization and ideology, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, and the media in American politics. 4 credits. Satisfies the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions requirement. Course Objectives: The successful student will be able to: 1. Discuss the constitutional framework that shapes and controls the political process in the United States and the State of Nevada. 2. Examine the impact on the political system of American political culture and ideology, the political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and the media. 3. Explain the origin, meaning and purpose of the basic principles of the American and Nevada political systems.4. Provide a standard by which to evaluate the constitutional merits of public policies proposed and adopted by Congress and the President, and judicial opinions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. 5. Identify how the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions provide for separation of powers and federalism. Required and optional Materials for the Course Ginsberg, Lowi, and Weir We the People (full 8th Edition) ISBN: 978-0-393-149-79 This text is available at the UNLV Bookstore, the Lied Library, or may be purchased as an e-book. Further information is provided below. Bowers, Michael. The Sagebrush State: Nevada’s History, Government, and Politics, 3rd edition. 2006. You will be responsible for any videos, handouts, or reserve readings assigned throughout the semester. You are strongly encouraged to utilize your webcampus resources as well as those available via the website for your main text that is listed below. StudySpace Online resources associated with the We the People textbook are available at a StudySpace website. Free access is available at http://www.wwnorton.com/college/polisci/we-the-people8/full/ Method of instruction The course will be taught in an informal lecture/seminar format with emphasis on student participation. Your contributions to the class through your attentiveness, the frequency and quality of your contributions, and the degree of your preparation are important to your success in this course. While the syllabus provides a structured path, current events may suggest some worthwhile detours. The contents and/or dates of this syllabus are thus subject to change. Class Attendance & Participation Attendance in this course is crucial. If you must leave class before it is over, please notify me before class and make the least possible disruption. The instructor reserves the right to institute pop quizzes if either attendance or participation becomes a problem. 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. The standard university grading system will be used when issuing final grades: A=94+, A-= 90-93, B+=87-89, B=84-86, B-=80-83, C+=77-79, C=74-76, C-=70-73, D+=67-69, D=64-66, D-=60-63, F=0-59. All grades will be posted on WebCampus. Classroom Behavior Every student is entitled to a distraction-free classroom. Students may not behave in any manner that interferes with the learning of another student or my teaching. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:  You must arrive on time and be prepared to begin class on time. If late arrivals become a problem, the doors will be locked once class has started.  Texting, accessing the Internet, or reading email during class is absolutely prohibited and will result in your being asked to leave the classroom.  No “side-bar” conversations or passing notes. Ignoring this rule will result in your being asked to leave the classroom.  No recording devices will be permitted. No food or beverage (except water) is allowed in the classroom.  Classroom behavior should always be courteous, respectful of others, and consistent with the expectations set forth by the university. Exams 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/or fill in the blank. Exams will cover readings, lectures,


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UNLV PSC 101 - PSC 101, Section 1001 Introduction to American Politics - Fall 2011 Syllabus

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