Political Science 100
Spring 2001
MW 9:10-10:00am
(and assigned discussion section)
John Geer
Calhoun 308
343-5746
Geer's Office Hours: MW 11:00-11:30pm, M 1:00-3:00pm, and by appointment
E-Mail: john.g.geer@vanderbilt.edu
TA's Office Hours: TBA
This course introduces students to the American political system. The primary focus is on the operation of our national government. Not only will we examine how the formal institutions of government work, such as the Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, but we will also consider the informal institutions, such as public opinion, political parties, and the mass media.
The textbook in the course presents a wealth of information. The lectures, in contrast, will be argumentative, attempting to add flesh and bones to the "facts" presented in the text. I have assigned an additional book that will provide the stimulus for discussions and debates in our discussion sections (what I call "precepts").
Course requirements include three examinations (45% of total grade), a final essay question on whether the US is a democracy (15%), participation in precept (10%), and 2 short papers (30% total). The three tests will use essays and short answer questions to assess your understanding of American politics. You will be expected not only to grasp the factual information, but also be able to craft cogent arguments about American politics. The papers will address two pressing issues in American politics. More will be said about this requirement below. The participation grade is designed to give you an incentive to talk in precept. It will also reflect how well you do in a debate you are required to participate in during one of your weekly precepts. I also encourage you to ask questions and make comments during lecture. Do not let the large class discourage participation.
The overall theme of this course concerns whether the United States qualifies as a democracy. With the recent outburst of nations trying to establish democratic governments around the world, it is imperative that we address this critical issue. Our leaders often claim that America serves as a model for other countries as they struggle with the transition to democracy. But are such claims warranted? As you will see, the answer is far from clear. The final question of the course will provide you a chance to wrestle with this issue explicitly.
This course will also approach this general theme in two other ways. First, the two short papers you write will speak indirectly to this general topic. Second, you will make a presentation to your precept (i.e. the debates) about an issue that has implications for whether the US is a democracy. In the first precept you will be asked about which topics listed below do you want to debate and which do you want to write papers about. We shall try to accommodate your preferences. But it is unlikely everyone will get his/her first choice. The papers will be due the day of the debate in precept. All papers will be graded and handed back with comments before the last day of class.
Books to Purchase:
Fiorina and Peterson The New American Democracy*
*2001 edition, do not buy the old edition
Miroff, Seidelman, and Swanstrom, Debating Democracy, 3rd ed
Lecture Schedule and Reading Assignments:
January 10th:
Organizational Meeting
I. Origins and Foundations of the American Political System
Jan 15th to Feb 12th:
Constitution, Civil Rights, Civil Liberties
Assigned Readings:
Fiorina Chapters 1-4, 16, 17, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Federalist #10 and #51 (Appendices in Textbook)
Miroff Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Debate/Paper topic: "Agree or Disagree: The Constitution, as originally written, is a highly democratic document"
First Examination, February 12th
II. Informal Political Institutions
Feb 14th to March 26th
Voting, Elections, Public Opinion, Parties, Mass Media
