Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

POLS 115: American Government 3 B denotes work that is above average in quality. It demonstrates that the student knows and understands the material covered in class and being analyzed, and that student is capable of synthesizing it into a competent assignment. It is accurate, detailed, and well organized, with an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion. Usually, either writing problems or a lack of analysis is what prevents a B from being an A. C is given for work that is average. Student shows familiarity with the material, answers the central questions posed, and is mostly accurate, but lacks the sophistication of either the B or A student. The C assignment might make general points but fail to support them with specific evidence or details, or it might have problems with organization or writing style. Student’s work is merely a collection of facts, with no coherent theme or thesis. D is given for work that is inadequate. Student omits important points, provides more than a few inaccuracies, and poorly organizes work. Student does not answer the central questions posed in the assignment. It suggests one of three things: 1) the student missed several classes, 2) the student misunderstood the course material, and/or 3) the student has difficulties expressing ideas in writing and/or during discussions. If you have been trying hard and receive a D grade for an assignment, please discuss work with the professor. Tentative Course Outline:  See Class Schedule on Blackboard for all required materials, lectures, & assignments Introduction to the Course Week 1: Course Overview & Doing  Tuesday, January 8: Course Overview  Required Texts : Syllabus & Class Schedule  ICE : Making the Rules  Tuesday, January 10: Doing Political Science  Textbook: Gitelson, et al. “Making Sense of American Politics,” 1-24.  ICE : Plotting Your Course Section 1: American Political Foundations Week 2: The Constitution  Tuesday, January 15: Foundations  Analytical Essay : Initial Prospectus Due  Textbook : Gitelson, et al. “Constitutional Foundations,” 25-65.  Required Text : U.S. Constitution, Preamble  Thursday, January 17: Three Branches  Required Text : U.S. Constitution, Articles I-III.  ICE : Group Presentations on Articles  IP : Last day to submit issue paper on the constitutional foundations Week 3: Federalism  Tuesday, January 22: Evolution  Analytical Essay : Revised Prospectus and Outline  Textbook : Gitelson, et al. “Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations,” 66-78.  Required Text : U.S. Constitution, Articles IV-V  Thursday, January 24: Actors  Textbook : Gitelson, et al. 79-93.  Required Text : U.S. Constitution, Articles VI-VII.  ICE : Group Presentations on Articles  IP : Last day to submit issue paper on Federalism Week 4: Civil Rights and Liberties  Tuesday, January 29: Civil Rights  Analytical Essay : Rough Draft  Textbook : Gitelson, et al. “Civil Rights and Liberties,” 94-112.  Required Text : U.S. Constitution, Amendments 1-10.