POLS 1100: Introduction to American National Government

Dr. Leah Murray

Summer 2009 | Email: lmurray@weber.edu

Course	This course is designed to introduce students to American political institutions, interests, ideals and the processes through which policies are formulated and implemented. We will study the American political system’s history, design and dynamic changes over the past two centuries. We will examine the rationale behind the political system in order to more fully understand the Founders’ motives. Second, we will examine the extra-institutional players in the political system to see their impact on the people and politics. Finally we will examine each of the national institutions and their relationships with one another and how they implement policy.
Required Materials	Edward Sidlow and Beth Henschen. GOVT. Wadsworth Cengage, 2010. Also available on www.ichapters.com for a discount
Assignments	Exams 5 exams; multiple choice Based on each unit 15% each of final grade You will need a proctor: see http://wsuonline.weber.edu/students/testing/ for information Get Involved 100 points total given See separate instruction sheet for options to earn the points 15% average grade Discussions 10 short responses to Where do you Stand in text? Graded based on quality of response 10%
Policies	Academic Integrity You have integrity if you treat other students with respect. This includes not plagiarizing, not cheating on exams and quizzes and not treating other students’ opinions with intolerance. Any breach of this will result in a failing grade on the assignment or immediate expulsion from the classroom. Services for Students with Disabilities Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials in alternative formats if necessary. Grading Grades will be given within 2 weeks from when I receive the assignment. Any discussion about grades should be done within two weeks. Late Work No assignment will be accepted late without arrangements made with me.

When We Are	What We’re Covering	What We’re Reading	What’s Due
The Foundations of Our American System
May 11 – 15	Contours of American Democracy Constitution	GOVT ch. 1 – 2	Discussion 1 Discussion 2
May 18 – 22	Federalism	GOVT ch. 3	Exam 1
Our Liberties and Rights
May 25 – 29	Civil Liberties	GOVT ch. 4	Discussion 3
June 1 – 5	Civil Rights	GOVT ch. 5	Discussion 4 Exam 2
The Politics of Democracy
June 8 – 12	Interest Groups Political Parties	GOVT ch. 6 – 7	Discussion 5
June 15 – 19	Public Opinion and Voting Campaigns and Elections	GOVT ch. 8 – 9	Discussion 6
June 22 – 26	Politics and the Media	GOVT ch. 10	Exam 3
Institutions
June 29 – July 3	Congress	GOVT ch. 11	Discussion 7
July 6 – 10	Presidency	GOVT ch. 12	Discussion 8
July 13 – 17	Bureaucracy	GOVT ch. 13	Discussion 9
July 20 – 24	Judiciary	GOVT ch. 14	Exam 4
Public Policy
July 27 – 31	Domestic Policy	GOVT ch. 15	Nothing
August 3 – 7	Foreign Policy	GOVT ch. 16	Discussion 10 Exam 5
August 10 – 14	Nothing	Nothing	Get Involved Work