Roanoke College – Public Affairs Department

INQ-260PS - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTATION

Fall, 2011

“Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.”

-Louis Brandeis[1]

Instructor: Roy H. Kirby III

Email:(most reliable method of communication)

Classroom: WEST Hall, Room 125

Course time:M/W/F from 10:50AM-11:50AM (Block 3)

Office location: WEST Hall, Room 208

Office hours:MONDAY 12-1PM, WEDNESDAY 2:45-3:45PM, THURSDAY 2:45-3:45PM, or by appointment

Office phone: 375-4967

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This writing intensive course is a direct response to the quote from Associate Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, seen above. The American Republic’s long-term sustainabilitydepends on vigilant citizen participation and political representation. Yet, today, few citizens vote regularly and even fewer run for elected office. This isincongruous, considering that more citizens look to government to solve problems, while fewer choose to become involved in public affairs. It takes an informed and committed citizenry to participate in public affairs and hold representatives accountable for their actions.

This course will examine the political and extra-governmental institutions that structurethe Americanpolity, focusing extensively on the importance ofpolitical participation and representation in the functioning of those institutions. Those that successfully complete this course will develop the necessary tools to become informed and involved members of our Republic, whilehoningthe critical thinkingand communication skills necessary to understand, explore, and critique current events.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will:

  • Hone oral and written communication skills, which are essential to a successful career.This course will be writing intensive.
  • Develop critical thinking skills.
  • Evaluate the importance and efficacy of participation in the political process, and how this can affect the judgment and actions of government representatives.
  • Acquire a better understanding of what American government is, what it does, and how it has evolved.
  • Possess the ability to think critically about government, question the underlying logic of governmental decisions, and explore the role of government in American society.
  • Understand how to perform a brief historical analysis, which is important to social science methodology, as it serves to verify important relationships and the effects of those relationships.

COURSE TEXTS

The following books and materials are required for this course:

O’Connor, K., Sabato,L. J., Yanus, A. B. (2011). American government: Roots and reform(2011 ed.). Boston: Longman.

Hacker, D.Sommers, N. (2012). A writer’s reference: Roanoke College edition(7th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s Custom Publishing.

READ A DAILY NEWSPAPER OF YOUR CHOOSING. It can be a national newspaper (e.g. The New York Times, The Washington Post, etc.) or a local newspaper (e.g. The Roanoke Times, etc.).

COURSE GRADING REQUIREMENTS

The student’s grade for this course will be determined by eight factors:

1.Mid-termExamination[2]

  1. The mid-term exam will consist of a mixture of true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer questions. Additionally, there will be two written essay questions designed to evaluate student critical thinking skills. The essays should be approximately one page or more in length.
  2. Research papers (page length and content requirements to be determined by the instructor) will be assigned to make up tests, but only if the examination was missed due to a medical or family emergency (further verification - such as a doctor’s note, etc. - may be required).

2.Final Examination

  1. The final exam will be comprehensive and shall have a format identical to the mid-term exam.

3.Constitutional Amendment Essay

  1. For this 3-5 page essay[3] you will utilize your critical thinking skills to propose a constitutional amendment to address a pressing societal problem. You are to draft the official language of your proposed constitutional amendment (no more than one page in length, placed in the Appendix section). Your essay should utilizeat least three (3)scholarly sources and include the following information:
  2. A thesis statement pertaining to the proposition of a Constitutional Amendment designed to address a societal problem.
  3. Background information that includes the following:
  4. Reasoning (e. g. Why is this amendment needed? Is a Constitutional Amendment the proper course of action? If so, why?)
  5. Evidence (statistics and policy arguments pertaining to the societal problem you are addressing.)
  6. Analysis of the arguments for and against ratification of your amendment (e.g. are there already laws in place that can address this issue? Is timing an issue in ratifying a Constitutional Amendment?)
  7. Take into account stakeholders likely to supportyour amendment AND those likely to oppose it
  8. Conclusion that assesses your amendment’s probability of passage based on the influence of political participants (e.g. concerned citizens and interest groups) and the political views of elected representatives.
  9. The essay must be submitted electronically via the “Turnitin” feature on Inquire no later than 10:50AM on the due date.Late submission of the research essay (without prior approval by the instructor), will result in a 5 point deductionper day for up to seven (7) daysuntil the assignment is received.No late essay will be accepted after 10:50AM of the following week and shall receive a grade of 0 “F.”
  10. Illnesses, family situations, and other unforeseen incidents do occasionally occur. If such incidents arise that may hinder assignment completion by the required due date, please consult your instructor immediately (email is the most reliable method of communication).

4.Framing the Issue Essay

  1. Many people claim that there is bias and agenda setting in the media today. The topic of media bias is important because it affects everyone; the media is often where most people acquire the information they use to form their opinions, take political action, and hold government representatives accountable. Hence, if the information we use to form our opinions is misconstrued or incomplete, our opinions and resultant actions may be as well. This assignment will utilize your critical thinking skills to discern the salient facts of a current event - utilizing multiple sources from the liberal and conservative perspectives - to create a centristessayfocusing on a newsworthy topic. In doing so, you will hone your ability to think independently and critically when assessing current events.
  2. For this 2-3 page essay,[4] you will write your own analysis of a current event. The tone of this essay should frame the issue in a centrist manner. During your research for this assignment, you willbecome cognizant of the techniques news outlets use to frame issues from a liberal (e.g. The New York Times, CNN) and conservative (e.g. The Washington Times, Fox News) perspective, while learning to separate the facts of a case from the political leanings of news outlets.Your essay should utilize at leastsix (6) scholarly sources- at least four (4) of which should be newspaper articles -and include the following information:
  3. Background information about the current event (e.g. What is the topic? Why is this topic considered newsworthy?)
  4. Important facts of the current event (e.g. important stakeholders, geographic locations, relevant statistics – presented objectively).
  5. Conclude your essay by critiquingan equal number ofstrengths and weaknessesfor both liberal and conservative assessments of the current event. Leave the reader equipped with the facts of the case, as well as where the conservative and liberal political ideologies have it right and wrong. In sum, let the reader make up his or her own mind based on a recounting of the facts and astute analysis that offsets the emotion and demagoguery often associated with political ideology.
  6. The essay must be submitted electronically via the “Turnitin” feature on Inquire no later than 10:50AM on the due date.Late submission of the research essay (without prior approval by the instructor), will result in a 5 point deductionper day for up to seven (7) daysuntil the assignment is received.No late essay will be accepted after 10:50AM of the following week and shall receive a grade of 0 “F.”
  7. Illnesses, family situations, and other unforeseen incidents do occasionally occur. If such incidents arise that may hinder assignment completion by the required due date, please consult your instructor immediately (email is the most reliable method of communication).

5.In-Class Presentation

  1. During the semester, each student will give a 10 minute presentation about his or her House of Representatives member.Please see the handout entitled “INQ-260PS House of Representatives Research Essay Content and In-class Presentation Procedures” for more information.
  2. Research papers (page length and content requirements to be determined by the instructor) will be assigned to make up in-class presentations, but only if the presentation was missed due to a medical or family emergency (further verification - such as a doctor’s note, etc. - may be required).

6.Research Essay on each student’s House of Representatives Member[5]

  1. The 7-10 page research essay[6]should adhere to the APA citation requirements,[7]writing style,[8]and essay format[9]outlined in Hacker & Sommer’s A Writer’s Reference, be double-spaced, paginated, using no larger than a 12 point font - Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman - with one inch page margins.The essay must be submitted electronically via the “Turnitin” feature on Inquire no later than 10:50AM on the due date.
  2. Late submission of the research essay (without prior approval by the instructor), will result in a 5 point deductionper day for up to seven (7) daysuntil the assignment is received.No late essay will be accepted after 10:50AM of the following week and shall receive a grade of 0 “F.”
  3. Illnesses, family situations, and other unforeseen incidents do occasionally occur. If such incidents arise that may hinder assignment completion by the required due date, please consult your instructor immediately (email is the most reliable method of communication).

7.Weekly Quizzes[10]

  1. There will be 10 quizzesrandomly assigned throughout the semester that measure student comprehension of the assigned readings, current events, class discussion, and instructorelucidations.
  2. Another purpose of therandomly assignedquizzes is to encourage class attendance. Hence, makeup quizzes will only be granted under extenuating circumstances that are approved by the instructor (further verification - such as a doctor’s note, etc. - may be required).Advance notice of absence should be given, whenever possible.
  1. Participation/Attendance Points awarded for thoughtful, respectful participation. This applies to class discussion contributions, paying attention when others are speaking, and attending each class session on time.

The student’s final course grade will be determined as follows:

  • Constitution Essay10%
  • Mid-term Exam10%
  • Framing the Issue Essay10%
  • HOR Essay15%
  • In-class Presentation20%
  • Quizzes (1% each)10%
  • Participation/Attendance05%
  • Final Exam 20%

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

  1. Students are expected to attend each class session and be on time. Being late for class will be counted as an absence; if class has begun and you are late, please do not enter the room.I respect student time by ending classes promptly. Please respect the instructor’s time by being punctual.Students are permitted up to six (6) absences.Students whose absences seem to be contributing to unsatisfactory performance may receive a formal written warning concerning this problem; continued absences after such warning will cause the instructor, in conformance with College policies, to drop the student from the course with a failing grade (“DF”).
  2. This course relies on student participation in discussing and analyzing course concepts. Active participation will facilitate the learning process and benefits all parties involved. Each person shapes his or her own learning environment. Every class you take is as interesting or boring as you make it … so let’s make this class fun! (Even instructors disdain boring classes!)
  3. I encourage the RESPONSIBLE use of laptops in class. ALL OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES (which includes - but is not limited to - cell phones) MUST BE TURNED OFF AND PLACED FACE DOWN ON YOUR DESK.[11] It is a simple matter of respect for others. Additionally, internet access is prohibited for all students while class is in session.The instructor reserves the right to perform a visual inspection of any electronic device at any time based on probable cause of irresponsible use. Negative consequences are in order for inappropriate use of electronic devices (e.g. using the internet to browse websites, post on Facebook, text, IM, etc.). A first violation shall result in a formal written warning and a grade of 0 “F” for the participation points segment of the final course grade. This will negatively affect the student’s final course grade.A second violation will result in being dropped from the course with a failing grade (“DF”). This will negatively affect the student’s cumulative GPA.Inappropriate use of electronic devices during examinations will be considered a breach of academic integrity!
  4. If you are on record with the Roanoke College Office of Special Services as having special academic or physical needs requiring accommodations, please discuss this with your instructor immediately. Accommodations must be discussed before they can be implemented. Also, please note that the student is responsible for scheduling extended times on exams and testing in a semiprivate setting; such preparations must be made at least one week ahead of time. If you believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted the Office of Special Services, please contact the Center for Learning & Teaching (x2247).
  5. Students may not use audio and/or video recording devices in class.
  6. You are a member of a learning community which enjoys intellectual freedom; but with such freedom comes academic responsibility. Doing your own work and properly acknowledging the work of others is the foundation that academia is built upon. When you arrived at Roanoke College you pledged to uphold these values and abide by the practices and policies described in the brochure “Academic Integrity at Roanoke College.” It is your responsibility to read this brochure carefully and understand it well.

In a course such as this one, which involves independent scholarship and writing, it is especially important to cite and discuss your sources as a part of our intellectual exchange. And, as a matter of honesty, it is imperative that you understand what plagiarism is and avoid even unintended violations because any Academic Integrity violations will be dealt with swiftly and severely! For this reason, if you ever have any questions concerning Roanoke College’s Academic Integrity policy, please consult your instructor immediately. That is what I am here for! Please follow the hyperlink to obtain more information on Academic Integrity at Roanoke College.

CLASS SCHEDULE[12]

Week 1 (Aug. 31Sept. 2) - Introductory Remarks/ The Political Landscape – Then & Now

  • An overview of the syllabus and course expectations.
  • Read chapter 1, pp. 7-21 beginning with the subheading “The Theoretical Foundations of American Government.”

Weeks 2 & 3 (Sept. 5, 7, 9 12, 14, 16) -The United States Constitution

  • Week 2 Readings:
  • Federalist #2,Federalist #8, Federalist #10, Federalist #51, Federalist #63, Federalist #70.
  • Read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety (found at the link below).
  • Watch a film in class –John Adams.
  • On Wednesday, September 7th class will be held in Fintel Library, room 300. The Instruction and Reference Librarian, Ms. Cumbo, will be presenting an interactive session designed to familiarize each of you with various social science databases. The information Ms. Cumbo imparts will aid you in your research endeavors.
  • Week 3 Readings:
  • Read the Constitution in its entirety.
  • The U.S. Constitution is a vital, yet imperfect document.Hence, it is important to read the U.S. Constitutionthoroughly and with a critical eye.
  • Read Chapter 2.

Week 4 (Sept. 19, 21, 23) - Civil Liberties

  • Read Chapter 5.
  • Watch a documentary in class - Gideon’s Trumpet: The Poor Man and the Law.

Week 5 (Sept. 26, 28, 30) - Federalism

  • Read Chapter 3.
  • CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ESSAY DUE ON MONDAY, SEPT. 26

Week 6 (Oct. 3, 5, 7) - State and Local Government

  • Read Chapter 4.

Week 7 (Oct. 10, 12, 14) - Congress

  • Read Chapter 7.
  • MIDTERM EXAM COVERING WEEKS 1-6 ON FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Week 8(Oct. 24, 26, 28) - The Judiciary

  • Read Chapter 10.

Week 9(Oct. 31 & Nov. 2, 4) - The Presidency & Public Administration

  • Read Chapter 8.
  • Read Chapter 9.
  • Read pp. 70-88 beginning with the subheading “Citizen Participation” in Milakovich, M. E., Gordon,G. J. (2009). Public Administration in America(10th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
  • Read pp. 181-194 beginning with the subheading “A Constitutional Theory of Public Administration” in Rohr, J. A. (1986). To run a Constitution: The legitimacy of the administrative state. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas.

Week 10 (Nov. 7, 9, 11) - The Media

  • Read Chapter 15.
  • HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ESSAY DUE ON FRIDAY, NOV. 11

Week 11 (Nov. 14, 16, 18) - Interest Groups

  • Read Chapter 16.

Week12 (Nov. 21) - Political Parties

  • Read Chapter 12
  • FRAMING THE ISSUE ESSAY DUE ON MONDAY, NOV. 21

Week 13 (Nov. 28) – Electionsand Voting

  • Read Chapter 13.

Part of Week 13 & All of Week 14 (Nov. 30 & Dec. 2, 5, 7, & 9) – STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

Week 15 (Wednesday, December14) -FINAL EXAM(from 8:30AM - 11:30AM)

[1]The quote was excerpted from page 479 of the following text:Dissenting Opinion,Olmstead v. United States, 277 U.S. 438 (1928).

[2]All assignment due dates are highlighted in yellow under the “
CLASS SCHEDULE” heading.

[3] The page count EXCLUDES works cited pages.

[4]The page count EXCLUDES works cited pages.

[5] Please see the handout entitled “INQ-260PS House of Representatives Research Essay Content and In-class Presentation Procedures” for more information.