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Instructors Office Phone Email Lane Sunderland GDH 211E 7299 lsunderl@knox.edu Duane Oldfield GDH 211D 7156 doldfiel@knox.edu Randy Smith GDH 211B 7380 rdsmith@knox.edu Leah Heister, Teaching Assistant 8560 lheister@knox.edu Class Meets in CFA, Round Room Course Overview and Objectives This course will introduce you to the institutions and policies of American national government and to the practice of politics in the United States. Topics covered include the constitutional basis and historical development of key institutions, the role of mass politics in affecting those institutions, and the impacts these institutions have on public policy. The Course is designed to: Encourage you to examine the beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape your interpretation of political events by exposing you to a variety of perspectives (disciplinary and ideological) that can explain those events. Motivate you to become an active and informed citizen by raising current political issues and providing you with the skills necessary to understand them in their political context. Enhance your rhetorical skills (both written and oral) by providing you with opportunities to articulate positions on various issues, argue persuasively for them, and respond to counter-arguments. Prepare you for more advanced study in political science and related disciplines by providing you an understanding of concepts, ideas, and facts about American government, politics and political science. Course Texts Brewer, Mark D. and Jeffrey M. Stonecash. (2007). Split: Class and Cultural Divides in American Politics. Diamond, Martin. (1981). The Founding of the American Republic. Wilson, James Q. (2005). American Government: Brief Version Requirements Attendance/Class Participation (10% of course grade). Regular attendance is mandatory. Excessive absences may result in your failing the course. Your are responsible for completing all assignments before class. This responsibility entails not only reading the materials, but also reflecting on them. 3 Exams (Exams 1 & 2 count for 30% of the course grade each. Exam 3 will count for 25%). Questions will be drawn from the readings, current events, and class discussion. Each exam will cover one instructor’s section of the course (i.e. they are not cumulative). The exams must be taken at the scheduled times unless you receive prior permission from the instructor or present a written note from the Dean of Students. The third exam will take place on the final exam date set by the registrar. A short paper profiling a 2008 presidential candidate. (5% of course grade). Details to be provided in the third section of the course. Class Schedule Wed., Mar. 21 Introduction Fri., Mar. 23 The Founding Diamond, Chapters 1 and 2, Federalist 10 (in Wilson). Mon., Mar. 26 The Constitution Diamond, Chapter 3, Wilson, Chapters 1-2, Federalist 51. Outline of Federalist 10 Due . Wed., Mar. 28 The Constitution Outline of Federalist 51 Due . Fri., Mar. 30 Federalism Wilson, Chapter 4. Mon., Apr. 2 The First Amendment & Freedom of Religion Wilson, Chapter 3. Wed., Apr. 4 Civil Liberties Wilson, Chapter 3. Fri., Apr. 6 The Judiciary Wilson, Chapter 11. Mon., Apr. 9 Judicial Review Wilson, Chapter 11. Wed., Apr. 11 Executive Branch: Electoral College Wilson, Chapter 10. Fri., Apr. 13 First Examination Mon., Apr. 16 Executive Branch: Presidential Power Wed., Apr. 18 Executive Branch: Institutional Presidency Wilson, Chapter 11. Fri., Apr. 20 Legislative Branch: Congressional Power Wilson, Chapter 9. Mon., Apr. 23 Legislative Branch: How a Bill Becomes a Law Wed., Apr. 25 Policy-Making: Domestic Wilson, Chapter 13. Fri., Apr. 27 Policy-Making: Foreign Wilson, Chapter 14. Mon., Apr. 29 A Struggle for Power? Crabb and Holt (On Reserve). Wed., May 2 Second Examination Fri., May 4 Public Opinion and Democratic Theory Wilson, chapter 5, pp. 91-109. Brewer and Stonecash, Chapter 1. Mon., May 7 Inequality and Participation Wilson, Chapter 7, pp. 161-168. Brewer and Stonecash, Chapter 2. Wed., May 9 Interest Groups Wilson, pp. 143-159 Fri., May 11 Social Movements Brewer and Stonecash, Chapter 5. Mon., May 14 What’s the Issue? Parties and Realignment Wilson, pp. 124-143, 182-187. Wed., May 16 The Politics of Class in Comparative Perspective Brewer and Stonecash, Chapters 3 & 4. Fri., May 18 Cultural Politics Brewer and Stonecash, Chapters 6 & 7 Mon., May 21 Campaigns, Money, and the 2006 Election. Wilson, pp. 168-198. Brewer and Stonecash, Chapter 8. Wed., May 23 Capaign 2008 Candidate Profiles Due in Class Fri., May 25 Review Third Examination: At Exam Period Set by the Registrar |
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| American National Government PS 101 Spring 2007 |
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