GVPT 100: PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Instructor: Mr. Alexander P OtrubaE-mail: [email protected] Descriptio n The fundamental task of this class is a deceptively simple one, to get you interested in the study of government and politics. It is deceptive because for many government and politics is something that feels distant from their daily lives and really only makes itself known periodically when we are asked to vote in one or more elections. To think and act politically it is not sufficient to simply do your “duty” and vote in the most recent election, for this is only one small aspect of an individual's relationship with government and politics. Some might say that it is, in fact, the least part of it. The purpose of this course is structured with the intention of introducing you to the “Principles of Government and Politics” as an agent rather than observer; a citizen rather than a subject. While voting can have much to do with this, your vote matters little if you are left unaware of the nature of political authority or your relationship to the state and your fellow citizens. This course is intended to provide students with not only the means of engaging in broad political questions that they may face, but also the means to engage in a reflective process of locating oneself politically. The term will be organized in such a way so as to highlight the various political relationships that define the individual and the society in which we live and the relations by which it functions.Your grade for the class will be determined in three parts by the following criteria:1. First, you will be expected to participate fully in class discussions. This may include short written responses to class readings as well as meaningful engagement in classroom discussion. In a context of a classroom, the learning process is reflexive and in many way responsive to the conditions of the class. Therefore, the quality of the class in no small way reflects on the on the quality of students, particularly the quality of student participation. Under such circumstances your participation in class contributes greatly to the quality of your learning experience and more importantly the learning experience of the entire class. This will account for 10% of your grade.2. Second, there will be a midterm exam to be given at the end of the second week (8/11). This will collectively account for 40% of your grade.3. Lastly, there will be a final exam to be given on the last day of class (8/18). This will account for 50% of your grade. Your exam grades will be assessed a on a standard letter grade scale.Note on Written Assignments:The clear communication of ideas being central to academic writing andyour exams, all written assignments will be graded with careful attention to grammar and style as well as content. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to proofread your assignments and exams.Missed Assignments and Paper Deadlines: Make-up exams will be considered only in the case of verifiable medical or family emergencies. Otherwise, a missed exam will result in a “failure.” Campus Senate policy requires students who are absent due to illness/injury to furnish documentary support to the instructor. Documentation not presented to me in a timely manner will not be accepted. In addition, if it is found that you have falsified the documentation provided, I will refer you to the University’s Student Conduct Office.Academic Integrity: Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Any form of cheating, plagiarism or collusion will result in failure of this course. In addition, academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. For more information on the University’s policy on academic honesty and the University’s Honor Pledge, please go to http://www.jpo.umd.edu/aca/honorpledge.html .Required Readings:To be made available online or in class:Saul Alinsky, “Prologue”, Rules for Radicals. (New York: Vintage Books, 1971, 1989). pp. Xiii-xxviOrwell, “Politics and the English Language” (1946) http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.htm“Statement by Alabama Clergymen.” 12 April 1963 http://www.stanford.edu/group/King//frequentdocs/clergy.pdfMartin Luther King, “A Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” 16 April 1963 http://www.stanford.edu/group/King//frequentdocs/birmingham.pdfAvailable at the University Book Store:1. Saul Alinsky, “Prologue”, Rules for Radicals. (New York: Vintage Books, 1971, 1989)2. David Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. (Oxford: 2003)3. Sophocles, trans. Richard Braun. Antigone. (Oxford: 1973)4. Machiavelli, The Prince. (Oxford: 2008)5. Locke, “The Second Treatise,” Two Treatises on Government.6. Hoffer, The True Believer. (Harper/Perennial: 1951, 2002)7. Havel, The Garden Party. (Grove Press: 1993) [“The Garden Party”, pp.1-51]*Additional readings may be required, but will be given to you in online or hard copy format. Course Outline:Have the following readings completed for the given day.Week I – (8/1, 8/2, 8/3, 84)Week II – (8/8, 8/9, 8/10, 8/11)Week III – (8/15, 8/16, 8/17, 8/18)1. Introduction – Why we study government and politics Go over syllabusSaul Alinsky, “Prologue”, Rules for Radicals. (New York: Vintage Books, 1971, 1989). pp. Xiii-xxviDavid Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. (Oxford: 2003) Chapter 12. David Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. (Oxford: 2003) Chapters 2-53. David Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. (Oxford: 2003) Chapters 6-7The State and the Citizen:4. Sophocles, trans. Richard Braun. Antigone. (Oxford: 1973)Week II 5. Machiavelli, The Prince. (Oxford: 2008) On Labor, Property, and Political Society6. John Locke, “Second Treatise,” Two Treatises on Government. [excerpts to be assigned]7. Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto.8. MIDTERM EXAMWeek IIIMass Politics and the Individual9. Hoffer, The True Believer. (Harper/Perennial: 1951, 2002)10.Havel, The Garden Party. (Grove Press: 1993) [“The Garden Party”, pp.1-51]FILM: The Conformist (1970)11.Taking Action – the Politics of Dissent“Statement by Alabama Clergymen.” 12 April 1963http://www.stanford.edu/group/King//frequentdocs/clergy.pdfMartin Luther King, “A Letter from a