Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Summer Session 1999 Telephone: (Work) 887-4125
Dr. Michael Downey: (Home) 882-9028
emial: downey@wncc.nevada.edu (FAX) 887-3117
Required Texts:
America Government, 5th Brief Edition, Lowi & Ginsberg, W.W. Norton & Company, 1998.
About the Course - This course fulfills both the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions requirements for the University of Nevada System. As a student you should go beyond the mere mechanics of government and seek insight into what really makes our political system function. You are excepted to develop an ability to systematically analyze processes of government in the world around you. In today's society, the direct and indirect influences of government are everywhere. Our destinies are impacted by the political system and to be ignorant of that system is foolish, to learn more is applicable to any discipline you choose to study.
Teaching Philosophy - This class will be structured around the required readings, class participation, videos and lectures. This format will be used to foster active exchanges between the instructor and the students, as well as active learning by the student. Students will be asked to think about issues and express and defend their positions. Opinions can and are encouraged to be expressed, but they must be supported with credible evidence. You are expected to come to class, to read the assigned material by the day it is discussed in class and to be ready and willing to participate in class discussions. If you need help or have questions, you should talk to me. If a lecture is missed it is your responsibility to get class notes from another student. So make a friend in class!
The course is structured into three sections: (1) foundations of democracy, the Constitution and federalism; (2) institutions and process of government and (3) politics and public policy.
Course Grade - Your grade will be determined on the following:
The exams are essay, will not be cumulative, but will incorporate all assigned readings and the materials from the lectures and videos for the proceeding period. Make-up tests will not be given. If you need to miss one exams, you must arrange a test date with me prior to your absence. Four quizzes will be given during the semester, will be of the take home variety and will consist of short essay answer questions. Class participation grades will involve your ability to summarize major themes form class discussions and assigned readings through questions posed by the instructor.
Position Paper: This project is an exercise designed to give you an in-depth knowledge on a particular issue is federal government. The paper should be five pages in length (double-spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins) and should provide a detailed background on the issue. In addition, the paper should show an awareness of the competing arguments involved in the issue, as well as an effective argument for one of these positions. All topics must be cleared by the instructor by the end of the second week with the project due on July 1.
Editorial Cartoon Analysis: On this project, the students will select an editorial cartoon which deals with a current issue from a national newspaper or magazine. The student will then compose a two page analysis of the cartoon, taking the time to describe the background and main points of the issue and what message the artist is trying to convey. The cartoon and essay are due on July 27th. Some or all of these cartoons and analyses will be shared with the class by the instructor.
Attendance - You are expected to be in class. With two three hour class meeting per a week, for eight weeks this is especially important for the summer session. As the lecture material will not cover the information in the book, it would be very difficult pasting the course without attending class regularly.
Tests Dates
Exam One Tuesday, June 29, 1999
Exam Two Tuesday, July 20, 1999
Exam Three Thursday, August 5, 1999
Lecture/Discussion Topics - Reading Assignments
Part One - Foundations
June 15 Introduction/Course Requirements
Video: The Western Traditions - Tape 38, American Republic
June 17 The Foundations of American Democracy - Chapter 1
Construction of Government - Chapter 2
Videos: The Struggle for Democracy - Tape #2, Reborn in
America and Nation In Crisis. The Constitution At 200: Why does it still work?
June 22 Federalism/Separation of Power, Chapter 3
Videos: The Struggle for Democracy - Tape #7, The First Freedoms and The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #13, Federalism
June 24 The Constitution and the Individual, Chapter 4
Video: Struggle for Democracy - Tape #4, The tyranny of the Majority and The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #9,
School Prayer, Gun Control and The Right to Assemble and Tape # 4, Criminal Justice and a Defendant's Right to a Fair Trail
June 29 Test One.
Part Two - Institutions
July 1 The Congress, Chapter 5
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #1, Separation of Powers
Position Paper Due
July 6 The Presidency/The Bureaucracy, Chapter 6
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #3, Nomination, Election and Succession of the President
July 8 The Judiciary, Chapter 7
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #5, The Rule of Law
July 13 Test Two.
Part Three - Politics and Policy
July 15 Public Opinion and the Media, Chapter 8
Video: Politics, Privacy & the Press
July 20 Elections, Chapter 9
Political Parties, Chapter 10
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance Tape # - 7,
Campaign Spending
July 22 Groups and Interests, Chapter 11
Video: A Public Voice
July 27 Public Policy, Chapter 12
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #11, Immigration Reform
Editorial Cartoon Analysis Due
July 29 Foreign Policy and World Politics, Chapter 12
Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance - Tape #2, War Powers and Covert Action
August 3 Can Government Govern? Chapter 13
August 5 Exam Three.