Political Science 1100 Dr. Jay A. DeSart
Spring 2012 E-Mail: JDeSart@uvu.edu
Room: LA 235 Office: LA 012m (801) 863-6314
T, Th : 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
http://desart.us/courses/1100/		Office Hours: T, Th   10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
            1:00 PM - 2:00 PM



American National Government


I. Course Objective

        This course is a survey of the origins and development of the U.S. political system, focusing on the ideals of democracy and constitutional government. We examine institutions (the Presidency, Congress, courts), political processes (the formation of public opinion, interest groups, political parties, elections), and domestic and foreign policy. The aim is an understanding of and ability to think critically about contemporary political issues related to the politics of the United States.

        In analyzing the American political system, we are seeking more than a knowledge of the formal and legal aspects of the governing process in the United States. More importantly, we are seeking an understanding of fundamental questions in political science. Why do people behave the way they do in political settings? Why do political and governmental institutions function the way they do? What are the policy consequences of these patterns of behavior?


II. Required Textbooks

        The following textbook has been ordered for the course and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore:
Gitelson, Alan R., Robert L. Dudley and Melvin J. Dubnick, American Government. 10th Edition. Houghton-Mifflin.


III. Expectations of Students

        Students are expected to keep up with assigned readings and participate in class discussion. Lecture and discussion will be much more meaningful if the students come to class prepared.  It would also be helpful if students pay attention to the national media for news about political events as I will be using examples from current events to highlight points in the material.
        With respect to class attendance and participation, I direct you to your academic responsibilities as stated in the Student Code in the College Catalog:
    Each student is expected to take an active role in the learning process by meeting course requirements as specified in the written syllabus.
An "active role" includes regular attendance.  I will regularly take attendance, but whether or not you choose to attend is entirely your choice. However, you should be aware that missing class will hinder you in meeting course requirements.  By failing to attend class, for whatever reason, you assume the responsibility of your choice.  Class attendance and participation will factor into a student's grade when they are on the borderline between two grades.

       The Student Code also states that it is your responsibility to "maintain academic ethics and avoid dishonesty in all its forms". No academic dishonesty will be tolerated in this course. The penalty for a first offense is an "F" for the assignment or exam. A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course and you will be reported to the Department Chair and Student Advising for further action. For more information on the Student Code and for definitions of what constitutes "academic dishonesty" please refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of the College Catalog.

IV. Grading

        The grades for this course will be based upon three examinations. The weights of each of these items in the calculation of the course grade will be:

1st Exam – February 14 30%
2nd Exam – March 20 30%
Final Exam – April 26 40%

        Each of the exams will be part multiple choice and part matching and will be given IN CLASS. The final exam will be cumulative, but will place emphasis on the final section of material in the course.
        There will be absolutely no make-up exams except under dire circumstances. In order for a student to be considered eligible for a make-up exam he/she must:
  1. Contact me prior to the exam to explain the circumstances
  2. Be able to furnish specific and official documentation (e.g.. doctor's note) showing why it was not possible to take the exam at the specified date and time.
 Make-up exams will be scheduled in the Testing Center, and you should be aware that it is their policy to impose a $3.00 charge for this service.

V. Extra Credit

        Over the course of the semester there MAY be opportunities for extra credit. These will typically involve attending speaker events on campus and writing a short paper about it. These events will be announced in class at my discretion and only the announced events will be eligible for extra credit. Students will be limited to ONE extra credit paper for the term. The paper will only be worth an additional 3-5% of the total overall points for the class. In other words, you shouldn't count on the extra credit to save you from bad performance on the exams.


VI. Student Needs

        I invite you to meet with me about any questions or concerns you may have about the class material during my scheduled office hours. If you have conflicts with those office hours, contact me and I will make an attempt to make an appointment at another time that is convenient to both of us. You can contact me via email at JDeSart@uvu.edu or via AOL Instant Messenger at screenname DrDeSart.
        Should any student experience a disability which might require special accommodations, the student is encouraged to contact the Accesibility Service Department [ASD], LC -312, (801) 863-8747, so that appropriate arrangements can be coordinated.  Special accomodations cannot be given unless and until the student has coordinated them with ASD.



VII. Course Outline and Reading Assignments

Date Topic Readings
1/10
Politics, Government, and The Constitution

 Chapters 1 & 2
1/12
1/17
1/19 Federalism
 Chapter 3
1/24
1/26 Civil Rights Chapter 4
1/31
2/2
Civil Liberties

*** 2/9  First Exam Review***
2/7
2/9
2/14 *** First Exam ***
2/16 Public Opinion Chapter 5
2/21 NO CLASS
2/23 Media Chapter 9
2/28 Political Parties Chapters 6 & 8
3/1
3/6
Voting, Campaigns and Elections
*** 3/8   Second Exam review *** 		Chapter 7
3/8
3/13 Spring Break - NO CLASS
3/15
3/20 *** Second Exam ***
3/22 Congress
 Chapter 10
3/27
3/29 The Executive Chapters 11 & 12
4/3
4/5 The Judiciary Chapter 13
4/10
4/12 Domestic Policy Chapter 14
4/17
4/19 Foreign Policy
*** Final Exam Review ***
Chapter 15
*** Final Exam ***
April 26   11:00 AM – 12:50 PM