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Political Science 150 - American Government and Politics
Dr. Steven Reti
Course Description
Politics is about the struggle among political values: liberty,
equality and order. How does our constitutional system seek to
achieve these values and what happens when dilemmas occur among
them? As a class, we will examine concepts and theories that help
us analyze how our political system works. We will argue about
ways to improve our political system. We will also examine the
ways that we can get involved in political life. Students will
read and analyze textbook chapters, write three analytical papers, take
three exams, and share their opinions through essay writing and by
participating in online discussions.
Course Requirements
(1) Online Assignments. Please complete assignments and
discussion questions for each topic. 100 pts. Each.
(2) Three unit tests. Each test will consist of an essay question
based on the readings (two to three pages)
200 points each
(3) One autobiographical paper. One goal of this class is to for
students to better understand their own political viewpoints. 100
pts.
(4) Discussion Boards Students share points of view (due by
Sunday night) 20 pts each
Course Materials (for purchase at the COC bookstore)
(a) Bardes, Barbara A., Mack C. Shelley, and Steffen W. Schmidt,
American Government and Politics: Today: The Essentials
(any edition is acceptable)
(b) Korey, John L., California Government, (any edition is
acceptable).
(1) Online Assignments: Each topic is organized according to the
following template (consult the course calendar below for
guidance).
1. Read assigned chapters in Bardes
and Korey.
Study PowerPoint
highlights online (under “Course Documents”) that
correspond to
readings. Be patient. Files are over 1 MB in size and may take
time to
download. If you don’t have PowerPoint on your computer,
download a
free PowerPoint reader at the Microsoft Download Center,
www.microsoft.com/downloads.
2. Vocabulary: Define terms (posted on course
website, under “Assignments”)
and give political
example or discuss the significance of the term (each with
a short paragraph).
3. Analytical Questions (posted about topic under
“Assignments”)
Due Dates for Vocabulary and
Questions (submit together as one
document) are posted with
each Assignment and below under “Course
Calendar”
Upload your Word or rich-text
format document under (a) “tools,”
“digital dropbox” then
“send.” I can’t read Works,
Wordperfect, or zip
files.
You should see a grade under
“gradebook” within a few days. If you
don’t, email me.
4. Discussion: Using the online message board,
respond to queries from me and from other students.
Due Dates are on Sunday
nights.
5. Unit Tests will be completed after each unit
in the Course Calendar has been completed.
6. Analytical Paper: Autobiography
Course Calendar
Unit 1: The American System:
Topic 1: Introduction to American Politics:
Vocabulary/Analytical Ques. Due Thursday Aug. 27
a. Read chapter 1 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 1 of Korey.
Discussion Boards due by Sunday Nights,, do early so you can reply to
other people
Topic 2: The U.S. and the California System of Government
compared:
Voc/Analytical Questions Due Thursday Sept. 3
a. Read chapter 2 of Bardes
b. Read chapter 2 of Korey.
Discussion Boards due by Sunday night , do early so you can reply to
other people.
Topic 3: Federalism: Voc/An.Questions Due Thursday Sept. 10
a. Read chapter 3 of Bardes.
Paper Assignment 1: Political Autobiography (see “Assignments”
for details (due Thursday September 17
Unit Test 1: Under “Assignments” (due Thursday
September 24)
Unit 2: People and Politics
Topic 4: Public Opinion: Voc/An. Quest. Due Thursday
October 1
a. Read chapter 6 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 3 of Korey.
Reminder: Discussion Boards are due on Sundays
Topic 5: Interest Groups: Voc/An. Quest. Due Thursday,
October 8
a. Read chapter 7 of Bardes.
Topic 6: Political Parties: Voc/An. Quest. Due Thursday
October 15
a. Read Chapter 8 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 4 of Korey.
Topic 7: Campaigns, Elections, and the Media: Voc/An. Q.due
Thursday October 22
a. Read chapter 9 of Bardes.
Unit Test 2: See “Assignments” (due
Thursday October 29)
Reminder: Discussion Board
Unit 3: Political Institutions
Topic 8: Congress: Voc/An Q. Due Thursday November 5
a. Read chapter 10 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 6 of Korey.
Topic 9: Presidency: Voc An/Q, Due Thursday November 12
a. Read chapter 11 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 7 of Korey.
Reminder: Discussion Board
Topic 10: The Judiciary: Voc/An Q., Due
Thursday November 19
a. Read chapter 13 of Bardes.
b. Read chapter 8 of Korey.
Happy Thanksgiving: no work due November 26
Unit Test 3: (due Thursday December 3)
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