The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Department of Political Science

Fall 2006

 

PLS 101-3 : AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

 

Instructor: Mike Haas                                       Phone: Office: 962-3220; Home: 784-9925  

Office:  LH 264                                                E-Mail:  mike5045@bellsouth.net        

Office Hours: By Appointment                             haasm@uncw.edu

Class Hours: MWF 11:00 to 11:50 a.m.           web-page: http://people.uncw.edu/haasm

 

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES 

 

            This course is a broad survey of American National Government, looking at how and why the government was established, the changes that have occurred through the years and how our present governing institutions operate.  Students will examine the 18^th century views of government, the formulation and later changes made to the US Constitution and the role of citizens as informed participants in a dynamic governmental system, which attempts to balance personal freedom with the order and equality expected in society.  The course will emphasize the role of the citizen in the governmental process.

 

            In addition, students will study many of the political issues of the day in order to identify and examine their own political ideology, actively participate in respectful dialogue and debate, and develop an appreciation and respect for the views of others.  

 

           

II.  REQUIRED TEXTS

 

O’Connor, Karen and Larry Sabato (2006).  American Government: Continuity and Change.  New York: Longman.

 

McKenna, George and Stanley Feingold (2005).  Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues (Fourteenth Edition). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin

 

Other reading material may be added as needed.

 

 

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

A. Class Contribution (20%)

 

            In order to foster active learning, there will be an emphasis on classroom discussion and debate of political ideas as well as use of small group exercises and other techniques.  In order for this format to be effective, students are expected to have read all assigned material and completed all written assignments prior to class.  In addition, classes will often begin with a short five-minute quiz or written response essay about a topic in the reading. 

            Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class.  Each student may have two unexcused absences during the semester, but any other unexcused absences will lower this portion of the grade.  Frequent lateness or early departure from class will also be noted.

 

B. “Taking Sides” Discussions, Assignments & Quizzes (20%)

           

            The topics we will discuss in the “Taking Sides” text are listed on the class schedule.  Students are required to complete all assignments and be prepared to discuss the issues in class.  Assignments will often involve studying various websites connected with class discussions and answering questions about the sites.

 

C. Examinations. (60%)

 

            The course will have two in class exams and one final exam, (each worth 33.3% of the exam total), consisting of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.  The emphasis is on well-constructed exam essays, which show good organization, knowledgeable content and proper use of grammar, syntax and spelling.

 

 

             

IV. CLASS SCHEDULE

 

August 23, Introduction to the Course

 

Part One—Foundations of Government

 

August 25, 28, The Political Landscape, Chapter 1

 

August 30, September 1, The Constitution, Chapter 2 

 

September 4, Labor Day Holiday, No Class

 

September 6, 8,  Federalism, Chapter 3

 

September 11, 13,  State and Local Government, Chapter 4

 

September 15, 18,  Civil Liberties, Chapter 5

 

September 20,  Taking Sides—Should there be a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage?

 

September 22, 25, Civil Rights, Chapter 6

 

September 27,  Taking Sides—Should Hate Speech Be Punished?

 

September 29,  FIRST EXAM 

 

Part Two—Institutions of Government

 

October 2, 4, Congress, Chapter 7

 

October 6,  The Presidency, Chapter 8

 

October 9, Fall Vacation, No Class

 

October 11, 13,  The Executive Branch, Chapter 9

 

October 16, Taking Sides—Do political campaigns Promote Good Government?                                   

October 18, The Federal Bureaucracy, Chapter 9

 

October 20, Taking Sides---Are Tax Cuts Good for America?

 

October 23, 25,  The Judiciary, Chapter 10

 

Part Three---Political Behavior

 

October 27, 30,  Public Opinion and Political Socialization, Chapter 11

 

November 1, Political Parties, Chapter 12

 

November 3,   SECOND EXAM

           

November 6, Voting and Elections, Chapter 13

 

November 8, The Campaign Process, Chapter 14

 

November 10, The Media, Chapter 15

 

November 13, Taking Sides---Do the Media Have a Liberal Bias?

 

November 15, Interest Groups, Chapter 16

 

November 17, Social Welfare Policy, Chapter 17

 

November 20, Taking Sides---Does Affirmative Action Advance Racial Equality?  

 

November 22, 24, Thanksgiving Holiday, No Class

 

November 27, Economic Policy, Chapter 18

 

November 29, December 1, Foreign and Defense Policy, Chapter 19

           

December 4, Taking Sides—Was the Invasion of Iraq Justified?    

 

December 6, Course Review, Last Class

 

December 13, FINAL EXAM, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.