PS 1010 (01 & 02)Introduction to Politics

Sp 2013Dr. Charles Kelly

(01) J137 T/Th 11AM

(02) J200A T/Th 2PM

Phone: 908-737-3992/3990Office Hours: T – 10 - 11 AM

Office J-103P Th. 10 – 11 AM

In the event of misplacing your syllabus, lecture notes, and or notebook questions/guideline, you can acquire an additional copy off my web page. .

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to present systematically to the student approaches

to politics as an organizing principle in the larger social community and as a way of life.

Student will be introduced to the concepts, terminology, problems, and analytical

approaches in the field of Political Science.

Objectives of the Course:

1. To introduce the student to the study of political science the scope of the discipline

and the problems which characterize the study of government.

2. To provide a firm foundation for understanding politics.

3. To enhance the student’s appreciation of the political process.

Required Texts: (Available at the campus bookstore)

Magstadt, Thomas M. Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues, 10th Edition, (New York: Cengage Learning). ISBN# 0-534-60381-5

Course Requirements:

In addition to the assigned readings, students are required to answer essay questions and keep notebooks (see attached questions/guideline). There will be two non-cumulative exams based on reading material and class lectures. The exams and notebook are weighed equally, i.e. 1/3 of your final exam. No substitute work is allowed.

ACADEMIC POLICY

Students are responsible for becoming familiar with, and will be held accountable for, the Kean University Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Code of Conduct. The Academic Integrity Policy is available at the Web site for The guide at and the Student Code of Conduct is available at the Web site for The Guide at

Students are encouraged to register for CampusAlert, the University’s emergency notification system ( in order to be informed of campus emergencies, weather notices, and other announcements. Also, all students must have a valid Kean e-mail account. For those who do not already have one, forms are available on-line at click onE-mail Account Request Form.

DATES TO REMEMBER

January 29 - Last day to WD with 100% refund.

February 14 - Last day to WD with 75% refund

February 19 - Last day to declare course as an audit, P/F option.

February 19- Last day to WD with 50% refund, declare course as PF/Audit

February 28 - Last day to withdraw with WD grade.

Weekly Reading Assignments:

Jan. 22-29 Introduction

Magstadt, Chapters 1 & 2

Feb. 5 Politics & Utopias

Magstadt, Chapter 3

Feb. 12 Constitutional Democracy

Magstadt, Chapter 4

Feb. 19 The Authoritarian Model

Magstadt, Chapter 5

Feb. 26 Totalitarian States

Magstadt, Chapter 6

March 5Parliamentary Democracy

Magstadt, Ch. 7

Exam Review

March 7Mid-term Exam

March 11-16Spring Recess

March 18 States In Transition

Magstadt, Ch. 8

March 25Developing Countries

Magstadt, Ch. 9

Apr. 2Political Socialization

Magstadt, Ch. 10

Apr. 9Political Participation

Magstadt, Ch. 11

Apr. 16 Political Leadership

Magstadt, Ch. 12

Apr. 23-30Revolution & Terrorism

Chapters 14 & 15

May 7War

Magstadt, Ch. 16

May 9Exam Review

May 11 Final Exam

Notebooks are due

All students are required to take the exams and present proposals on dates specified. Please note that “INC” grades will not be given simply because a student fails to complete the course. There must be a compelling rationale in terms of illness or other severe problems beyond the student’s control for missing an exam or schedule deadline. In such a case it is the RESPONSIBILITY of the student to initiate the request for a make-up exam or for an extension of a deadline. The student MUST initiate this request immediately upon discovering that he/she will not be able to meet the above requirement. FAILURE to get EXPLICIT (in writing) PERMISSION to miss an exam or deadline will result in grade of failure.

  1. All students are expected to be on time for class, stay for the entire class period and leave when excused or when the class is dismissed. If students need to leave class during class period, he or she shall speak to me as soon as possible (preferably before class begins) as to the necessity.
  2. In class, please turn off the “Audible Alert” of cell-phones and pagers.

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCEPS 1010 Essay Questions

Sp 2013Dr. Charles Kelly

Weeks of Jan. 25 - Feb. 5

  1. On what three fundamental concepts is the study of politics based?
  1. What can the study of utopian thought teach us about politics in the contemporary world?
  2. What general characteristics must constitutional democracies posess to serve the public good?

Weeks of Feb. 12 - 26

  1. Summarize the six myths that surround authoritarian governments. What are the fallacies associated with these myths?
  1. What are the basic characteristics of the totalitarian system of rule? (
  1. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of parliamentary versus presidential rule.

Weeks of March 5 - Apr. 2

  1. “One of the most important questions facing Russia today is whether it can become a stable democracy,” comment on the problems of transition facing Russia today.
  1. What are the barriers to development? Why do nations seek modernization?
  1. What factors influence the political socialization of citizens?

Weeks of Apr. 9 - 23

  1. What are the different forms of electoral systems? Contrast their advantages and disadvantages?
  1. How can political leaders be classified? Explain the differences between the various categories.
  1. What are the similarities and differences between revolutionary communism and democratic socialism?

Weeks of Apr. 30 - May 7

  1. What theories have been advanced to explain revolutions?
  1. What obstacles stand in the way of an effective counterterrorist policy?
  1. Into what general categories do most explanations of the ultimate causes of war fall?

Students should answer the above questions from the chapters in parentheses. The answers should be in essay form at least a page in length from your notebook for each question. Write each question before answering it. Answers need not be typed but should be clearly written. Notebooks are due on Thursday, May 11 . Treat this assignment as an exam. You are to work alone and will be evaluated as if this assignment was a take-home examination. Students who submit someone else’s work as their own risk failure, suspension and/or possible dismissal for plagiarism. AVOID LISTING concepts and/or phrases as your answers. Answers should be in sentences and paragraphs.

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