Political Science 150:

 

Instructor:  Lena Smyth

Contact Info:  Lena.Smyth@canyons.edu

Office Hours:  By Appointment

 

Course Description

This course is an introduction to American and California Government.  Students will learn the functions of the three branches of government as well as the influence of political parties, interest groups, and the media on those functions.   We will also examine democracy and the role of the U.S. and state constitutions.  Following current events is essential as they will be a frequent topic in class discussion.

 

 

Textbooks

We the People, An Introduction to American Government

by Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore Lowi, Margaret Weir  (Norton)

Governing California
by Theodore Anagnoson, et al (Norton)

 

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to identify the basic institutions of government at the state and national level as well as compare and contrast democratic theories of American government.  Additionally, students will exhibit a heightened sense of personal efficacy and civic responsibility. 

 

 

Course Objectives

• Summarize Federalism and the relationship between national, state, and local government within that political structure.
• Describe and evaluate the basic theories behind the U.S. Constitution and their role in contemporary American political life.
• Compare the functions of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national level.
• Explain the differences in the major contemporary political ideologies and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand and compare outside influences on policy-making including political parties, interest groups, the media, and public opinion.
• Think critically about current events

 

 

Classroom Policies

• Please arrive to class on-time, ready to learn and discuss relevant current events.

• Turn off on cell phones and PDAs upon entering class.
• Be respectful of other students’ political views and opinions.

 

 

Grading Policy

Class participation                                           10 points

Midterms and Final                                         60 points

Research Paper/Project                                   30 points (5 points topic/25 points paper)

Total Points in Class                                       100 points

 

Grading Scale:

90-100 points= A

80-89 points= B

70-79 points= C

60-69 points= D

Below 60 points= F

 

 

Class Participation

Each student will be responsible for a reading/current events discussion during the semester.  I will pass around a sign up sheet and students should choose a day to present.  On the assigned day, students must come prepared with 1 question for discussion based on the reading as well as 1 related news item to discuss.  This information should be typed (no more than a page) and given to me at the end of class for credit.  Each presentation is worth 10 points and if a student fails to come to class on their assigned day or forgets to do the assignment a zero will be given.  Please write down your day once you sign up for it because I will not remind you (this is YOUR responsibility).

 

 

 

Written Assignment

Students will be responsible for one research paper, which will be an analysis of a current political issue.  I will hand out a list of topic ideas or students may come up with their own topic.  The paper should have at least 5 sources (cited in a bibliography) and be 5-7 pages in length (double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font).  It should be an analysis (not merely informational) and should present multiple points of view on a particular issue.   I would also like to see students relate material in the text to the topic.

 

Your topic statement must be turned in on the due date and it will be worth 5 points of your paper.  If you fail to turn it in when it is due, you will get a zero.  I will accept emailed topics and they should arrive in my mailbox no later than midnight on the due date.  A note of caution on emails, it is YOUR responsibility to get them to me.  If you say you sent me an email and I don’t receive it, you will need to show proof to get credit.  Therefore, the best way to give me your topic is in person so you know that I receive it.

 

Late papers will be accepted only up to one week after the due date.  I will deduct 2 points for each calendar day papers are late (before grading them) so plan to turn them in on time.  After one week, late papers will not be accepted and you will receive a zero on the assignment.  Keep in mind that 30 points is 3 letter grades and it will be VERY difficult to pass this class if you do not complete the research paper.

 

 

Exams

We will have 2 midterms and a final.  None of the exams are cumulative (including the final).  The exams consist of a combination of multiple choice as well as short answer and essay questions.  You will need a standard scantron as well as a blue book.  Makeup exams may be scheduled in advance with a documented excuse. 

 

 

Plagiarism and Cheating

These issues will be taken very seriously and will be referred to the Dean of Students should they occur.  Do not cheat on exams and do not plagiarize on your paper.  The college lists the following with regard to plagiarism:

To PLAGIARIZE is to "steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own without crediting the source; present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source," (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, Springfield: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1973, 870.).

Most of the time, you have to incorporate other writers' words and ideas in an assignment. If given permission to consult those writers, go ahead, but be sure to cite them. If you aren't sure how to use the material you have without plagiarizing, ASK or CHECK A WRITING GUIDE before submitting the work for credit.

In other words, do not copy and paste things from the internet onto your paper and attempt to pass off the work as your own.  This is a serious offense (it will be recognized by me) and you will face the consequences.  I will check your sources so please cite them in a detailed manner.

 

Online Course Resources

 

Every student who is registered in this class will have access to the class in Blackboard (COC’s online learning system).  I will post helpful links, study guide information, as well as some grades in that forum.  It is not mandatory for you to use it but I think you will find it helpful should you choose to do so.  If you have never accessed Blackboard, the following information can be used:

URL: http://bb7.canyons.edu/

Username: 7 digit id number

Password: student

 

Help with Blackboard can be found online at the distance learning website:

http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/blackboard/

 

 

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be given at the instructor’s discretion. 

 

 

Course Calendar

 

Dates	Topics	Reading
Week 1	Political Culture/ CA Government overview	Ginsberg Ch 1/Anagnoson Ch 1
Week 2	Political Culture/CA Govt. continued
Week 3	The US and State Constitutions	Ginsberg Ch 2/ Anagnoson Ch 2
Week 4	Federalism/ Local Government	Ginsberg Ch 3/ Anagnoson Ch 9
Week 5	Civil Liberties and Civil Rights	Ginsberg Chapters 4 and 5
Week 6	Review Thur- MIDTERM #1 TUE
Week 7	Public Opinion/ The Media	Ginsberg Chapters 6 and 7
Week 8	Elections and Voting	Ginsberg Chapters 8 and 10
Week 9	Political Parties	Ginsberg Ch 9/ Anagnoson Ch 4
Week 10	Interest Groups	Ginsberg Ch 11/Anagnoson Ch 3
Week 11	Review Thur- MIDTERM #2 TUE
Week 12	Congress and the State Legislature	Ginsberg Ch 12/ Anagnoson Ch 5
Week 13	The Executive Branch	Ginsberg Ch 13/ Anagnoson Ch 6
Week 14	The Judicial Branch	Ginsberg Ch 15/ Anagnoson Ch 7
Week 15	Policy Decisions	Ginsberg Chapters 16, 17, 18
Week 16	Review Tue- FINAL EXAM THUR