Lamar University College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Political Science
Spring 2003
POLS 2302 ‑ INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVT II
Section 09 ‑ TR 9:30 ‑ 10:45 ‑ ROTC 101
Instructor: Dr. Terri Davis Office Hours: MWF 11:00 ‑ 1:00
Office: 83 Maes TR 12 :30 ‑ 1 :30
E-mail: DavisTB@hal.lamar.edu and by appointment only
Phone: 880‑8533
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Description
This course introduces students to the institutions and policies of American government. It focuses on the three branches of government and governmental policy issued from the branches including those in the areas of civil rights and civil liberties, social welfare, and foreign policy. Aspects of Texas government are incorporated into the lectures and are the focus of the final section of the course.
The objectives of the course are to provide students with an intellectual foundation from which to (1) analyze government and governmental activities, (2) actively engage in political discussion and activities, and (3) obtain further education in political science, law, and other social sciences. Students are encouraged to formulate their own opinions on topics covered in the course and discuss their opinions in class as they relate to the subject matter, readings, and lectures of the course. Knowledge of governmental structures and processes is essential to the survival of all democratic systems, and a primary goal of the course is to help you become a more knowledgeable and active participant in national, state, and local government and politics.
Text
Ginsberg, Benjamin, Theodore Lowi, Margaret Weir, Anthony Champagne, John Forshee, and Edward Harpham. We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, 3rd ed., Texas ed., (New York: W. W. Norton & Co), 2001.
Students are strongly encouraged to read a daily newspaper.
Course Requirements
Grades will be determined by three in‑class examinations, each counting one-third of your final grade. The exams consist of fifty multiple choice questions counting two points each. In‑class examinations cover the material given in lectures and assigned readings from each particular section. A complete list of the chapters covered by each test is provided in the "Course Schedule" section of this syllabus. Students will have fifty (50) minutes to complete their examinations during the class period.
An optional final examination will be given on the dates and times shown on the Course Schedule. Students electing to take the optional final must sign up with the instructor prior to the examination date. The final examination grade will replace your lowest exam grade if the final examination score is higher than your lowest test score. The final examination is comprehensive and consists of two essay questions.
Please note the following Rules of the Class: (1) If you feel there is a problem in the grading of your exam, you will have three class days from your receipt of the exam to make your concerns known to the professor; (2) All make-up examinations are essay and will be given ONLY to students who can authenticate their absence with a written excuse from a physician, counselor, or appropriate dean. Absolutely no other make-up exams will be given; (3) The standard grading system will be used (90‑100=A; 80‑89=B; and so forth). Under no circumstances will the professor give extra credit assignments to students (so don't ask); (4) Any student found to plagiarize the work of another or otherwise cheat on an examination or assignment will be expelled from the course and reported to the appropriate university officials; (5) Noise-making electronic devises (pagers, cell phones, beepers) must be silenced before the students enters the classroom; (6) The carrying of guns or other weapons onto University property is a violation of state law; (7) Children and other non-tuition-paying individuals will be allowed to attend the class only upon prior permission by the professor; (8) All persons arriving late to class must take the first available seat nearest the door. If any student arrives after the lecture has begun and passes in front of the professor to take a seat, the door will be locked at the beginning of the next class period and every subsequent class period for the remainder of the semester.
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you have a disability that needs special accommodation, please speak privately with the professor at the beginning of the semester. Students must provide documentation from the appropriate dean and/or testing center before accommodations will be made.
Course Schedule
The course is divided into five sections: the judiciary and judicial policy (Exam 1), the legislature and legislative policy, the executive and executive policy (Exam 2), additional policy considerations including social policy, welfare, and national security, and Texas government (Exam 3).
Jan 9 Course Introduction
14 The Articles of Confederation and the Founding; The Four Features of the U. S. Constitution
16 Marbury v. Madison: The Structure of the Federal Judiciary, the Politics of Judicial Appointment, and the Power of Judicial Review (Ch. 3)
21 Marbury v. Madison continued: The Political Theory of Judicial Review; Aristotle and the Concept of Higher Law (Ch. 16)
23 The Civil War Amendments, the 14th Amendment, and the Politics of Race (Ch. 6)
(Note: January 24 is the last day to drop with a refund.)
28 The Politics of Race continued (Ch. 6)
30 Film: Eyes on the Prize series
Feb 4 Barron v. Baltimore, the Incorporation of the Bill of Rights, and Levels of Judicial Scrutiny (Ch. 5)
6 Freedom of Speech (Ch. 5)
11 Freedom of the Press (Ch. 5)
13 Freedom of Religion (Ch. 5)
18 Crime and the Criminal Defendant (Ch. 5); Review for Examination I
20 EXAMINATION I (Chapters 3, 5, 6, 16)
(Note: February 21 is the last day to drop or withdraw with an automatic Q/W.)
25 Tests returned; McCulloch v. Maryland, the 10th Amendment, and the Implied Powers of Congress (Ch. 4)
27 Expanding the Powers of Congress: The Commerce Clause (Ch. 4; also review Ch. 17)
Mar 4 The Politics of Congress: Logrolling, Pork Barreling, Reapportionment and Redistricting, and the Structure of Congress (Ch. 13)
6 Article II and the Structure of the Executive Branch (Ch. 14)
11 No Class ‑ SPRING BREAK!!!!
13 No Class ‑ SPRING BREAK!!!!
18 The American Presidency: Constitutional and Extra‑Constitutional Powers (Ch. 14)
20 The President as Head of Government: The National Budget and the Budgeting Process (Ch. 14)
25 The Structure and Functions of the Federal Bureaucracy; Iron Triangles, the Bureaucracy, and Bureaucratic Power (Ch. 15)
27 EXAMINATION II (Chapters 4, 13, 14, 15)
Apr 1 Tests Returned; Social Welfare and the Politics of Wealth (Ch. 18)
3 Social Welfare and the Politics of Wealth, continued (Ch. 18)
8 National Security and American Foreign Policy (Ch. 19)
10 National Security and American Foreign Policy, continued
(Note: April 11 is the last day to drop or withdraw.)
15 Introduction to Texas Government (Chs. 21, 24, 25, 26)
17 The Three Branches of Texas Government (Chs. 24, 25, 26)
Apr 22 EXAMINATION III Chapters 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26)
24 Tests Returned; Course grades distributed; sign up for optional final exam
Optional Final Examination Schedule
Students in all sections (02, 03, 09) may take the final examination at any of the following times:
May 2 8:00 ‑ 10:30 Hayes 107
May 5 11:00 ‑ 1:30 Hayes 107
May 6 8:00 ‑ 10:30 ROTC 101