Political Science 101: Introduction to American Politics FDH-109 |M/W 11:30-1:15p |Section 101-1012 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Fall 2010 Instructor: Don Mirjanian |[email protected] | 702-895-5248 Office: WRI A224| Office Hours: M/W 10a-11a and by appointment I. Course 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 tate. At the conclusion of the course, you will be expected to be able to apply theoretical and analytical pproa isa ches n order to: • have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles upon which both the federal and state governments are based; • both a understand the organizational structure and responsibilities of each branch of government (again, at • federal and state level); be aware of the civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and • understand how the formal and informal institutions of American government interact to formulate public policy. There are two required texts for this course. Be sure that you have tion. • the correct edi Ginsber e People. Seventh Ed• Bowersg, Benjamin, Theodore J. Lowi and Margaret Weir. We th ition. Norton: 2009. , Michael. The Sagebrush State. 3rd Edition. University of Nevada Press: 2006. ¾ In addition to being available in the campus bookstore, The Sagebrush State is also accessible online via the UNLV library. (NOTE: Online access is limited! I highly recommend purchasing a physical copy). II. Grading The grading structure is based on three components: the exams (25% each – total 75%), two short papers (10% each – total 20%) and a short quiz (5%). Exams The exams are a combination of multiple choice and short answer identification. Each exam will take place at the conclusion of each segment of the course (see dates on the schedule) and are not cumulative (though I do retain the right to include important material from prior segments). Make‐ups for each of the first two exams are permitted under only the most worthy of circumstances, and will be on the day of the following exam (in other words, on the next exam date). The final exam is scheduled by the University and will be held during Finals week. The exact time and date will be announced. Short Papers uring the course of the semester, you will be required to submit two short papers on topics to be assigned eparately (see due dates on schedule). Ds Short Quiz A short quiz is due on September 1st. The quiz is posted on WebCampus (it is open and available beginning on the first day of class) and is to be completed on WebCampus. The quiz covers the details of the syllabus and the course policies. It is designed to test your familiarity with the syllabus as well as to help you become more familiar with WebCampus (and give you some easy points – so take it seriously!). Grading Cutoffs 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 aced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct hemselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.” (UNLV Policies) 100‐93 = A 82.9‐80 = B‐ 69.9‐67 = D+ ‐ 92.9‐90 = A‐89.9‐87 = B+86.9‐83 = B 79.9‐77 = C+ 76.9‐73 = C 72.9 ‐70 = C‐ 66.9‐63 = D62.9‐60 = D59.9‐0 = F ft An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism: “Using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources.” See the “Student Academic Misconduct Policy” (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentconduct.unlv.edu/misconduct/policy.html Plagiarism, in any form and to any degree, will not be tolerated. Be sure you understand exactly what constitutes plagiarism (see me directly on this issue if you have any questions or concerns) as violation of this policy will subject you to the most severe penalty the University allows. III. Course Schedule The grid below displays the planned schedule for the Fall 2010 semester. However, please note that these dates are open to revision, as the flow of the course itself will dictate the speed with which we progress. All changes will, of course, be clearly announced well ahead of time. If you are planning to miss a class due to religious holiday observance or a UNLV sanctioned event (see “policies” below), please let me know as soon as possible. In the schedule below, “WTP” refers to We The People while “SS” refers to The Sagebrush State. Occasional additional readings may be assigned as necessary, and will be provided. Readings must be completed before the scheduled class. Date Topic W TP SS Other August 23 Course Intro | American Political Culture 1 ‐‐ August 25 US Constitution 2 ‐‐ August 30 US Constitution 2 ‐‐ Sept 1 Federalism 3 ‐‐ Short z Due QuiSep 6 Labor Day – No Class Meeting ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ Sep 8 Federalism 3 9 Sep 13 NV Constitution ‐‐‐ 2 Sep 15 Public Opinion 6 ‐‐ Sep 20 The Media 7 ‐‐ Sep 22 Midterm 1 ‐‐ Midterm 1 Sep 27 Interest Groups |NV Groups 11 5 Sep 29 Political Parties 9 ‐‐ Oct 4 Campaigns and Elections |NV 10 4 Oct 6 Congress 12 ‐‐ Oct 11 Congress | NV Legislature 12 6 Oct 13 Presidency 13 ‐‐ Oct 18 Presidency | NV Executive 13 7 Oct 20 Bureaucracy 14 ‐‐ Oct 25 Bureaucracy 14 ‐‐ Paper 1 Due Oct 27 Midterm 2 ‐‐ ‐‐
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