Political Science 150
Introduction to American Government
& Politics
M & Wed 1:00-2:50pm
Agua Dulce Unified School District
Offices
Susan M. Christopher Office Hours
No On-Campus Office (by appointment only)
Telephone: (661) 904-1716 (cell) Contact me any time
E-mail: dmattorney@sbcglobal.net
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Political Science 150 is designed
to give a solid foundation and understanding of the American government and
political system. This class is also devoted,
in part, to helping us understand our
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the class, students should be able to understand and speak knowledgeably about the United States Constitution, federalism, public opinion/media and its role in our political system, political parties and interest groups, elections, congress, the judiciary and our American values in general. Students will be expected to engage and participate in class discussions in an effort to develop speaking and debate skills, as well as necessary critical thinking skills. The exchange of political opinions and experiences by students is vital and expected to be shared in an effort to produce a well-rounded and lively educational experience.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
Attendance: 5 points (one point will be deducted for each class missed)
Exam # 1: 25 points
Exam # 2: 25 points
Opinion paper: 10 points
Final Paper: 35 points
Total Points: 100 points
Extra Credit: 10 points
(listed on the syllabus and strictly voluntary)
90-100 points = A
80-90 points = B
68-80 points = C
BOOKS
American Government and Politics Today (2006-2007 Edition) by Bardes, Shelley & Schmidt
Course Schedule / Outline
|
Date |
Assignment |
Special Notes: |
|
M Sept. 15th |
Introduction to the Course Bardes, Chapter 1 |
|
|
W Sept. 17th M Sept. 22nd |
Our Constitutions Bardes *Be prepared to compare and contrast our state
constitution with the *skim through the |
**extra credit – bring in an article, past or present, describing a measure, referendum, or a recall and be prepared to discuss it in class. If you show me your article, you will receive one point of extra credit! |
|
W Sept. 24th |
Federalism Bardes |
**Email me during the week with something you learned from any of the websites listed in Chapter 3 of Bardes to get one point of extra credit |
|
M Sept. 29th W Oct. 1st |
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Bardes |
*in class debate |
|
M Oct. 6th |
Review for exam #1 Exam #1 (1st hour of class) |
|
|
W Oct. 8th |
Public opinion and media Bardes |
*bring in info on the latest polls re: the election or any
political topic for one point extra
credit |
|
M Oct. 13th |
Media and Politics Bardes |
*watch one news, talk show, or other political-related show and write one paragraph analyzing what you think they were trying to convey. 2 points. |
|
W Oct. 15th |
Interest Groups Bardes |
*come with name and mission statement of one interest
group in California and one national interest group for 1 point extra credit |
|
M Oct. 20th |
Political Parties Bardes |
*one point if you visit or contact the office of a political party and provide proof (name, etc.) |
|
W Oct. 22 M Oct. 27th |
Campaigns Bardes |
*speaker today – hopefully! |
|
W Oct. 29th |
Congress & State Legislature Bardes, |
* OPINION PAPER DUE
TODAY |
|
M Nov. 3rd W Nov. 5th |
The Presidency & the Governor Bardes |
*bring your “I voted” sticker in for 1 point extra credit |
|
M Nov. 10th |
NO CLASS! |
VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY |
|
W Nov. 12th |
The Bureaucracy Bardes, |
*come in with an application or link for one government job you might be interested in for 1 point extra credit |
|
M Nov. 17th |
The Judicial Branch – CA and US Bardes, |
*be prepared to discuss one |
|
W Nov. 19th |
Review and debate |
*paper topic must
be approved by today! |
|
M Nov. 24th |
Exam # 2 |
|
|
W Nov. 26th |
NO SCHOOL!! |
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAYS |
|
M Dec. 1st |
Discuss paper topics Writing workshop |
|
|
W Dec. 3rd |
LAST DAY OF CLASS. |
<*FINAL
RESEARCH PAPER DUE*> |