PSCI 100 - INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Fall 04
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VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Political Science 100 John Geer
Fall 2004 Calhoun 317
MWF 10:10-11:00 am 322-6222
Geer's Office Hours: M 2-3pm, W 9-10 am and W 2-3pm, and by Appointment
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 three additional books that will provide the stimulus for our discussions and papers.
Course requirements include one of two options. Option A: three examinations (45% of total grade), a final essay question on whether the US is a democracy (20%), and 3 short papers (30%). Option B: three examinations (45% of total grade), a final essay question on whether the US is a democracy (15%), 2 short papers (20%) and a participation in a debate (15%). The three tests will use some combination of essays and multiple choice 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 pressing issues in American politics. You also have the option to do a debate on one of the three themes as opposed to a paper. I will say more about this requirement below.
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, worth up to 1/5th of your grade, will provide you a chance to wrestle with this issue explicitly.
This course will also approach this general theme in two additional ways. First, the short papers you write will speak indirectly to this general topic. Second, you have the option of engaging in a debate in front of the class about an important issue that has implications for whether the US is a democracy. I will give you a few days decide which option is best for you. The papers will each be about 4 pages long. The debate will take place in teams of 3 students. There will be a “pro” and a “con” team. You will each make your case to the class. The class will also pose questions, once you have debated. This option (B) could be a lot of fun, but not everyone wants to speak in front of the class. Hence, you can choose the 3 paper option (A). Once I see how much interest there is in the debates, then I will be able to see how best to proceed.
Books to Purchase:
Fiorina and Peterson The New American Democracy, Alt. 3rd Edition
Ellis Founding Brothers
Kahn and Kenney, No Holes Barred
Lewis Make No Law
Lecture Schedule and Reading Assignments
August 25th: Organizational Meeting
I. Origins and Foundations of the American Political System
August 27th to September 20th: Constitution, Civil Rights, Civil
Liberties
Assigned Readings:
Fiorina Chapters 1-4, 16, 17, Declaration of Independence,
Constitution, Federalist #10 and #51 (Appendices in Textbook)
Ellis Founding Brothers, pp.3-205
Debate/Paper topic: “Agree or Disagree: The Founding Fathers were driven by noble goals and the best of intentions.”
First Paper is due, September 20th
First Debate will be held on September 20th
First Examination, September 22nd
II. Informal Political Institutions
September 24th to October 29th: Voting, Elections, Public Opinion,
Parties, Mass Media
Assigned Reading:
Fiorina, chapters 5-11
Kahn and Kenney, entire book
Debate/Paper topic “Agree or Disagree: Negativity in campaigns is undermining our democratic form of government.”
Second Examination, November 5th
Second Debate, November 1st
Second Paper, November 1st
Presidential Election, November 2nd
Class discussion of it, November 3rd
III. Formal Political Institutions
November 8th to December 6th: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy
Assigned Reading:
Fiorina, Chapters 12-15
Lewis, pp 5-248
Debate/Paper Topic “Agree or disagree: The Supreme Court is an institution that advances the cause of democracy.”
Third Debate will be held December 6th
Third Paper is due December 6th
December 8thth: Final Lecture: Is the US Democratic?
Final Examination is December 13th, 9am |