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College of the Canyons
Political Science 150
American Government/Politics
Dr. R. B. Shirinian
razmig.shirinian@canyons.edu
General Objective
The primary purpose of this course is to assist students in improving
their ability to understand and critically evaluate American Politics.
It is hoped that students will become politically literate, developing
competencies and skills that will enable them to respond creatively and
effectively to local and national events. Various theoretical concepts
and analytical frameworks will be considered in the attempt to
understand national policies and domestic values.
Class Participation
Students who wish to learn and receive a good grade should attend
regularly. It is imperative that students be attentive and courteous.
At the end of the term borderline grades will be decided on the basis
of participation and effort (20 points plus).
Required Texts
1. Bardes, Shelley, and Schmidt, American Government
and Politics Today: The Essentials, 2006-2007 Edition
2. John L. Korey, California Government
Students are expected to complete the reading assignments prior to the
class for which they are scheduled. Lectures and class discussions will
supplement the reading. If students have questions about or problems
with the material I encourage them to come and talk to me.
Exams
Three examinations will be given during the session. The first two
exams will have fifty multiple-choice questions. The final exam will
contain a total of one hundred multiple-choice questions. Each exam
will be on a specific set of chapters. None of the exams will be
cumulative. Make-ups will only be allowed in those instances where
students can provide written proof supporting a valid reason for
missing a scheduled exam.
Research Papers
There will be two of these. The first is due the 7th week of the
Semester and will deal with major principles of democracy and the
Constitution. The second is due the 12th week and will deal with
particular policy issues.
Read the following topics carefully and make selections for your
research papers:
First Paper Topics (Choose One)
1- The U.S. Constitution is based on a particular view of human nature
(i.e., self-interest). How did that view influence the structure of the
government? How were the weaknesses of human nature exploited to
safeguard against abuses of government power?
2- Why, if one is concerned with protecting human liberty, would one
want to make the legislative branch of government dominant (rather than
the executive or judicial)? Are there good reasons why someone
concerned with liberty would distrust a strong executive? A powerful
judiciary? Is liberty most often threatened by a) powerful political
elites who escape public control or b) a majority intent on imposing
its will on a minority? Which of these cases would lead one to favor a
strong legislative branch?
3- Society operates more efficiently if government power is
centralized. What reasons exist for continuing federalism in its
current form? In other words, defend a federal system of government.
4- Did the U.S. Constitution create a system of government that truly
respects liberty? What evidence exists that the U.S. Constitution cut
back on democracy and curtailed the power of the people to influence
decisions? In other words, argue that the U.S. Constitution was
designed to limit democracy and individual liberty.
Second Paper Topics (Choose One)
5- The legitimacy of the United States government has increased over
time. Identify and explain how the following increased legitimacy:
the Constitutional Convention
the Civil War
the New Deal
democracy
6- Compare and contrast the black civil rights movement with the
feminist movement. Consider social, political, and constitutional facts.
7- The federal courts have played a larger role in our government over
time. With respect to the following issues, explain how the court
enlarged the role of the federal government:
slavery
the economy
civil liberties
8. The Patriot Act and war on terrorism. What happens to liberty in
times of war? To what extent the Patriot Act is limiting our liberty?
Or, to what extent should we compromise our liberty for security?
Format
The papers should be three to four pages, printed, and double-spaced.
You should demonstrate in depth knowledge of the topic illustrated with
specific examples. Ideas should be well organized and clearly
presented. Footnotes or endnotes are required. Also, have a title page.
Grading
The following is the basis and point value on which you will be graded:
First Exam
. 50
Second Exam
50
First Paper
.. 40
Second Paper
.
40
Participation/Classwork/Presentations
.. 20+
Final Exam
...
.100
The total number of points you can score is 300. The following scale
will be used to determine your letter grade:
270 - 300
.
.A
240 - 269
..B
210 - 239
..C
180 - 209
..D
179 and less...
...F
Miscellaneous
- I do not grade on a curve
- Please shut off cell phones before you enter the
classroom. Do not leave the classroom to answer or receive phone calls
- Please be in class on time.
- If you arrive after I have called the role, it is
your responsibility to inform me that you are here. Failure to do so
will result in your being marked absent for the class, and ineligible
for the 20 points on attendance and participation.
Reading Assignments
The American System
Week 1 Introduction/Syllabus/Paper Topics
Chapter 1: The American Government and Politics
Democracy
Week 2
Chapter 2: The Constitution
Week 3
Chapter 4: Civil Liberties
Week 4
Chapter 5: Civil Rights
Week 5
Chapter 3: Federalism
California
Government
First Midterm Exam
(Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5)
The Political System in Action
Week 6
Chapter 6: Public Opinion
Week 7
Chapter 8: Political Parties
1st Research Paper Due
Week 8
Chapter 7: Interest Groups
Week 9
Chapter 9: Elections and the Media
Second Midterm Exam (Chapters 6,
7, 8, and 9)
Government Institutions and Politics
Week 11
Chapter 10: Congress
Week 12
Chapter 11: Presidency
2nd Research
Paper Due
Week 13
Chapter 13: Bureaucracy
Week 14
Chapter 12: Judiciary
Week 15
Chapters 12, 13: Bureaucracy, Judiciary
Week 16
Review
Final Exam (Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13)
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