Humboldt State University

PSCI 110; CRN 22944

Founders Hall 111

Spring Semester 1999

Prof: John Meyer

Office: 138 Founders Hall

Office Hours: Wed. 10-11; Thurs. 1-2; or by appointment

Phone: 826-4497

jmm7001@axe.humboldt.edu

www.humboldt.edu/~jmm7001

Course Overview: In this course, we will study the organization of government and politics in the U.S. We will also discuss questions such as: In what ways is -- or is not -- the U.S. a democratic nation? What values are central in American politics? How has American politics changed over the years? Does the structure of our government promote or prevent social changes? Why do so many people seem to hate politics? These are not questions with simple or agreed-upon answers. They are, however, vital questions that as citizens we should all take at least some time to grapple with.

There are, then, two basic goals of this course. The first is to familiarize you with the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the American political system. The second is to encourage you to think carefully and critically about the sorts of questions listed above. While the first goal is necessary to pursue the second, the second may be ultimately more important. I hope that each of you will finish this course with a clearer sense of your own political values, of what you believe is good and bad about American politics, and of how you might choose to participate in the political life of this nation.

Course Requirements and Grading: While I will lecture some, we also will devote time to questions, discussion, or debate. For everyone’s benefit, then, the first requirement of the course is that you complete the assigned reading prior to class and come prepared to participate. Because we meet only once a week, it is imperative that you attend regularly. Other requirements are as follows:

Two mid-term exams. The first exam will be on TUESDAY, MARCH 2^nd. The second exam will be on TUESDAY, APRIL 6^th. The format will be a combination of identification, short answer, and essay questions. The first exam is worth 20% of your grade, the second is worth 25%.

One in-class debate and concise briefing paper. While the debate is a group assignment, the paper should be written individually. The paper should be 2-3 pages long (600+ words), on the topic of your debate, and will be due at the BEGINNING of the class session of your debate. Because of the nature of this assignment, papers must be turned in on time to receive credit. Each component of this assignment (debate and paper) is worth 15% of your grade (30% total). More details for this assignment will be explained on a separate handout.

One final exam. The exam will take place between 5-6:50 p.m. on FRIDAY, MAY 14. This will be worth 25% of your grade.

Often, at the end of the semester, a student’s overall grade is on a borderline. Regular attendance and participation in class can boost this to the next higher grade level, while irregular attendance and lack of preparation will result in a lower grade.

Plagiarism: Presenting the words or ideas of another as though they are your own is plagiarism. It is the most serious academic offense. Copying distinctive phrases, sentences, paragraphs, whole pages, or more from the work of another (whether a classmate, newspaper, book, or website) without proper footnotes or attribution will result in the harshest penalties. Changing a few insignificant words, while still copying the rest, is as bad if not worse. JUST DON’T DO IT. If you are at all unsure about this, please see me in advance of turning in an assignment.

Ginsberg, Lowi, and Weir, We The People: An Introduction to American Politics, shorter edition.(noted in outline as "WTP")

Miroff, Seidelman, and Swanstrom, Debating Democracy: A Reader in American Politics (noted in outline as "DD")

1/19: American Political Culture and Political Change

1/26: The Politics of Race, Class, Gender, and Religion

2/2: The Founding and the Constitution

2/9: Federalism and State Government

2/16: The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties

2/23: Public Opinion and Media (Please note: these subjects will be covered on the

readings: WTP, Chapter 6, 7

DD, Chapter 7, 8

DEBATE 4: Is public opinion wise or ignorant?

3/2: MIDTERM, finish Media

3/9: Political Parties

3/23: Voting, Campaigns and Elections

3/30: Groups and Interests

4/6: MIDTERM

4/13: Congress

4/20: The Presidency

4/27: The Bureaucracy

readings: WTP, Chapter 13

DD, Chapter 15

DEBATE 10: Is bureaucracy in conflict with democracy?

5/4: Federal Courts and Course Conclusion

FRIDAY, 5/14, 5:00 p.m. FINAL EXAM