Political Science 102 Syllabus
Introduction to Political Science - (Government and the Individual)
FALL 2010 – Lee Ann Hagan
Office: Aspen Bldg. 126Phone: 732-6867
Hours: M W F 10:00-10:50/12:00-12:45
TTh 10:50-11:50
and by appointment.
CSI Mission Statement: The College of Southern Idaho, a comprehensive community college, provides quality educational, social, cultural, economic and workforce development opportunities that meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. CSI prepares students to lead enriched, productive and responsible lives in a global society.
Course Description: A basic introduction to political science, discussing origins and justification of government and how and why people get involved in politics. The course emphasizes different forms of government and public policy and basic ideas and theories.
Purpose of this Course: This course is a beginning course in Political Science and is designed to introduce students to the basic ideas and theories of the discipline. I see the discipline as being very diverse because it lies at the intersection of a number of other disciplines, all of which have something to say about politics and have influenced the discipline. Political Scientists do some economics, sociology, psychology, geography, anthropology, history, literature, and even biology.
Nevertheless, Political Science does have a distinct body of theorizing about things political.
The purpose of this course is twofold. First, this is a course on how to think analytically--specifically about things political. You will discover the politics of roommates, families, cities and nations all have a great deal in common. Some of the questions we will answer are:
Do different perspectives determine the types of questions we ask in the first place?
Are altruists suckers?
Why do bystanders just stand by?
How do you organize a revolution?
Is voting irrational?
What determines our understanding of the best means of governance?
The second purpose of this course is to provide an introduction in the inherent political culture of western civilization. Because much of what we know about the relationship between government and individuals is drawn from this historical tradition, it is important that we understand some of the fundamental concepts of political philosophy from more ancient times to the contemporary era.
Outline of Course GOALS: In order to provide structure and direction to our exploration and understanding of the appropriate role for government, which is the primary course goal. The readings and lecture topics have been organized around the following possible themes:
1. The origin and justification of government.
2. Political motivation.
3. What government makes possible.
4. Building on the basic ideas about people.
5. How do people get involved in politics?
6. Why do people get involved in politics and why don't they?
7. The Liberal Tradition.
8. Individualism and private property.
9. The Socialists Tradition.
10. Different Forms of Government.
11. Politics and the Environment.
12. Politics between Nations.
In addition this course should meet the following:
General Education Criteria: This course satisfies all eight criteria for general education. It is designed to:
1.Provide a broad-based survey of a discipline and show the interconnectedness of knowledge.
2.Develop a discerning individual.
3.Practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4.Promote awareness of social and cultural diversity in order to appreciate the commonality of
mankind.
5.Foster the balance between individual needs and the demands of society.
6.Reinforce reading, writing, speaking, and/or quantitative skills.
7.Encourage and inspire life-long learning.
8.Encourage creativity.
Social Science & Education Department Goals: This course also addresses the following Social Science & Education Department goals. During this course you will:
A. Understanding
1.Understand important facts, concepts, and theories of Social Science and Education subjects.
2.Acquire techniques and methods used to gain new knowledge in the disciplines.
B. Interpreting
3.Develop ability to distinguish between fact and fiction.
4.Use evaluation, analysis, and synthesis to interpret and solve problems.
C. Applying
5.Use different perspectives from the social sciences and education to make better-informed decisions.
6.Acquire an informed understanding of various cultures.
7.Prepare to transfer to a university.
Political Science Program Objectives: This course is structured upon the following goals:
a.To comprehend political theories, structures and processes.
b.To prepare students to think, integrate, and logically organize, not just memorize, political information.
c.To encourage students to gather knowledge from other disciplines to interpret political situations.
d.To apply insights from the study of political science to understand local, state, national and international developments.
READING: There will be no required text. Instead, I have organized a set of materials from different sources relating to the course and these will be available as handouts. Lectures are conducted as if you have read the week's assignment. Lectures are in addition to, not simply a recitation of the readings.
Hopefully the lectures and reading materials will be supplemented by occasional guest lectures by people who specialize in areas relating to class topics. This practice should broaden the perspective of this course.
The first class period of each week is designated as a discussion period. I would appreciate it if you would ask questions and make comments during all class periods, but the first class of each week is set aside specifically for that purpose. In order to encourage attendance and preparation, a short quiz will also be given. Discussion day quizzes count for 10% of your grade (if your quiz scores average less than 80%). (You will receive bonus points for a quiz average over 90%). Quizzes cover only the readings assigned for that week. Quizzes are graded on a 10 points scale and usually consist of a short essay.
TESTS: There will be two midterms and one final exam. They are taken in class with only the benefit of your memory to aid you. The midterms each count for 25% of your final grade and the final exam counts for the remaining 40%. (I do grade up for improvement.) Before each exam, I will hand out a set of 10-12 possible questions from which most of the questions on the test will be selected. I choose the test questions randomly so that you cannot "second guess me" and only study the obvious questions. You will be required to write on three of the questions for each midterm and on four questions for the final. There will be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester.
Two recommendations:
1. Organize yourselves into study groups, but beware of free riders.
2. Visit the professor often. I will help you better understand the readings and lectures.
Outcomes Assessment: Outcomes Assessment is intended to address whether and how your experience in this course has been effective in achieving the objectives as stated above.
Matrix of Goals/Criteria Addressed by Each Assignment: Each of the course assignments are meant to address the objectives of the course as depicted in the matrix below:
Outcomes Assessment: Alignment of course objectives with assessment methods.
Short Answer Questions / Essay Questions / In Class Assignments / Practice Quizzes / Review Groups1 / / / / /
2 / / / / /
3 / / / / /
General Education Criteria / Social Science & Education Department Goals / Political Science Program Objectives
Weekly Quizzes / 1, 2, 3, 6 / A, B
2 Preliminary Exams / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 / A, B
Final Exam / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 / A, B, C / a
Class Assignments / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 / A, B, C
Students With Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability may be eligible for related accommodations. To determine eligibility and secure services, students should contact the coordinator of Disability Services at their first opportunity after registration for a class. Student Disability Services is located on the second floor of the TaylorBuilding on the Twin Falls Campus. 208-732-6250 (voice) or 208-734-9929 (TTY), or email