American Politics

Political Science 101 (Majors Only)

Instructor: Dr. Troy Gibson

Course Website: ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w302011

Office

Location: LAB 418

Phone: 601-266-4277

E-mail:

Hours: 9:30-11 TR; 11-noon Friday

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to help students become familiar with the structures and processes that makeup American government. We will focus on the interaction between political participants and the political institutions fashioned to govern them. As an honors course, analytical thinking, writing, and political debate will be key focuses and features as well.

Course Requirements:

25% Exam1

25% Exam 2

25% Exam 3
25% Daily Grades (Issue Summaryy Assignments*; pop quizzes, participation)

Grading:

A 10-point grading system will be used (i.e. 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B… Below 60 = F)

Course Materials:

  • American Government and Politics Today The Essentials 2009-2010. Authors: Bardes, Shelley, Schmidt (Recommended)

Attendance:

While attendance will not be taken daily, missed quizzes and assignments will result in a zero and can not be replaced. However, I will drop your lowest daily grade at the end of the semester. Missed exams will not be made up without a documented excused absence. If you must miss class, notify me in advance. Always consult the course website and contact me for any missed assignments.

Class Policies:

I strictly follow this institution’s standards with respect to academic dishonesty. Conviction will result in an automatic “F” in the course and may also involve an additional penalty from outside authorities. Consult your Student Handbook for details.

Also, please turn cell phones off during class time.

Course Schedule

Aug 25 – Introduction to Course
Aug 30 Sept 1 - Background of American Politics; Bardes Ch 1; Article: “Reformation roots of the Social Contract” Hall (see link on website)

Sept 68 – The Constitution and Federalism; Bardes Ch 2; Issue 1 Same-Sex Marriage (Thursday)

Sept 13 15 –Political Participation: Public Opinion and Voting; Bardes Ch 6 and Ch 9

Sept 20 22 – Continue

Sept 27 29 – Political Parties and Groups; Bardes (Ch 7); Bolce, L. “Our Secularist Democratic Party”EXAM 1 THURSDAY

Oct 4 6– Civil Liberties; Bardes Ch 4;Issue 2: Abortion (Thursday)

Oct 11 13 – ***Fall Break Thursday***
Oct 18 20 – Federal Judiciary;Bardes Ch 13

Oct 25 27 – continue; Issue 3 Why is there poverty and what do we do about it?

Nov 1 3 –EXAM 2 TUESDAY; CongressBardes Ch 10

Nov 8 10– Continue; Issue 4 Assessing President Obama’s health care plan?

Nov 1517 –The President; Bardes Ch 11;

Nov 22 24 – continue; ***Thanksgiving Break Thursday***

Nov 29 Dec 1 – Economic Policy (Bardes Ch 14; pp. 495-501)

Dec 6 8

Exam 3 will be given final exam week. See registrar’s exam schedule for time/date

*You will be expected to turn in “Issue Summaries” during this course. They are to be 2-3 single-spaced (12 point font). You must use at least threeThink-Tank resources (see link). Make sure to cite with superscript numerals all of the references to which you are referring in text. At the bottom or on a separate page, list your references (by corresponding numeric superscript). In doing so, make sure to put the actual web addressof the think-tank source, so that I can revisit that website if desired.

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans with
Disabilities Act and requires accommodations, he/she should contact
the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA), for information on appropriate policies andprocedures. Box 5128; voice telephone or TTY 214-3232.