Political Science 1100 Dr. Jay A. DeSart
Summer 2010 E-Mail: jdesart@uvu.edu
Room:  LA 102 Office:  LA 030f (801) 863-6314
T, Th : 1:15 PM - 3:45 PMOffice Hours: T, Th   11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
http://desart.us/courses/1100/  



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?

This course is part of UVU's General Education Program. It addresses the Intellectual and Practical Skills Foundation and Stewards of Place Essential Learning Outcomes.


II. Required Textbook

        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. 8th Edition. Houghton-Mifflin.



III. Expectations of Students

        You are expected to keep up with assigned readings and participate in class discussion. Lecture and discussion will be much more meaningful if the you come to class prepared.  It will also be helpful for you to pay attention to the national media for coverage of political news as I frequently try to use 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 - May 18 30%
2nd Exam - June 3 30%
Final Exam - June 22 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.

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO EXTRA CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR THIS COURSE

V. 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 desartja@uvsc.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], BU -146, (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.



VI. Course Outline and Reading Assignments

Date Topic Readings
5/6 Introduction: Politics, Government and the U.S. Constitution
  
5/11 The Constitution and Federalism
 Chapters 1, 2, 3
5/13 Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

*** First Exam Review - 5/12 ***		 Chapter 4
5/18 *** First Exam ***
5/20 Public Opinion and the Media Chapters 5 & 9
5/25 Political Parties & Interest Groups Chapters 6 & 8
5/27
Voting, Campaigns and Elections

*** Second Exam review *** 		Chapter 7
6/1
6/3 *** Second Exam ***
6/8 Congress Chapter 10
6/10 The Executive Branch Chapters 11 & 12
6/15 The Judiciary
 Chapter 13
6/17 Domestic & Foreign Policy

*** Final Exam review *** 		Chapters 14 & 15
6/18 *** Final Exam ***