Political Science 101 (H)

American Politics—Process and Behavior

  • Professor Stacy Gordon
  • Office Hours: Tues 11-12 & by appt.
  • Office phone:  784-4675
  • Office: 237 Mack Social Science
  • email:  sgordon@unr.nevada.edu

    •  

    Expectations:

     The purpose of this course is to familiarize you with American government.  You will learn not only the “facts” as we have come to know them, but also how we have come to know these facts and the theoretical basis for that knowledge.  In other words, we will discuss American government from both a civics and a social science standpoint.
         In addition, you will receive an introduction to the study of American government as conducted by political scientists.  We will be using simple data on various aspects of the U.S. political system to test hypotheses that are presented to us in the readings.
         You are expected to have done the readings and other assignments prior to class.  I make a distinct effort not to cover the same material in the lectures as in the books, except where necessary, and will often refer to the books briefly to point out examples, etc.  Lectures will be difficult to follow unless the readings have been completed.
     

    Grading:

    EXAMS (20% each)—There are two midterms and a final.  The questions from the exams will be drawn equally from the books and lectures.  They will include identification and essay questions, so please bring a blue book to each exam.  I will go over the format in more detail prior to the first exam.  Missed exams will NOT be made up for any reason.  If you have a doctor’s note for the missed exam, your final exam will be worth 40% of your class grade.
         The purpose of the discussion sections prior to each exam is to outline what we have learned, to answer any questions and to give more examples as necessary.  I will not go over any specific concepts unless (1) I am specifically asked to or (2) I have received numerous questions in office hours.  You must be prepared ahead of time to ask questions.

    The midterms are on October 11th and November 6th.  The final exam will be on Friday, December 14th at 7:30 a.m.

    PAPER ASSIGNMENT (20%)-Students will complete a group paper assignment for this course.  There will be 3-4 students per group.  The paper assignment will be from 15-20 pages long and will the topic will be up to the students.  The groups will present their papers to the class on December 4th and 6th.  More detailed expectations regarding the paper assignment will be discussed in the third week of the course.

    PARTICIPATION (20%)—Participation in class discussions is important.  My lectures are often Socratic in nature, so there will be opportunities for students to offer examples, ask/answer questions, be critical of the readings, theories, and lectures.  Participation includes speaking up in class and any in-class assignments that pop up during the semester.  The assignments in the Microcase book will comprise half of the participation grade.
     

    Other information of which you should be aware:

    Cheating, plagiarism and other acts of academic dishonesty will, at the least, result in a failing grade in this class.  Self-plagiarism is cheating and will result in a failing grade as well.

    Students with disabilities often have special needs. If you are a student with physical, educational or other disability-related needs, please make me aware of any accommodations you require.  I am more than happy to work with you in any way necessary.  All discussions of this nature will be confidential.
     

    Required Books:

    Lowi and Ginsberg. American Government, 6th Edition.
    American Government: An Introduction Using Microcase Explorit.
    Gerber.  Sources: Notable Selections in American Government.
     

    Readings and Lectures:


    Aug 28            Introduction
                                    Chapter 1:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                    Chapter 1:  Gerber

    Aug 30           NO CLASS

    Sept 4           Development of the System
                                     Part I, exercise 1:  Microcase

    Sept 6            The Constitution and Its Precursors
                                 Chapter 2:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 2:  Gerber

    Sept 11           Federalism
                                 Chapter 3:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 3:  Gerber
                                 Part I, exercise 2:  Microcase

    Sept 13/18     Congress
                                 Chapter 5:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 10:  Gerber
                                 Part IV, exercise 12: Microcase

    Sept 20/25     Presidency
                                 Chapter 6:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 11:  Gerber
                                 Part IV, exercise 13: Microcase

    Sept 27        Bureaucracy
                                 Chapter 12:  Gerber
                                 Part IV, exercise 14: Microcase

    Oct 2/4       Courts
                                 Chapter 7:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 13:  Gerber
                                 Part IV, exercise 15:  Microcase

    Oct 9/11      DISCUSSION AND MIDTERM

    Oct 16          Political Behavior: Voting and Elections
                                 Chapter 9:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 8:  Gerber
                                 Part III, exercises 8 & 10:  Microcase

    Oct 18        Political Behavior:  Political Parties
                                 Chapter 10:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 7:  Gerber
                                 Part III, exercise 9:  Microcase

    Oct 23        Political Behavior:  Interest Groups
                                 Chapter 11:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                 Chapter 6:  Gerber
                                 Part III, exercise 11:  Microcase

    Oct 25        Political Behavior:  The Media
                                Chapter 8:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                Chapter 9:  Gerber
                                Part III, exercise 7:  Microcase

    Oct 30         Issues and Reforms

    Nov 1/6      DISCUSSION AND MIDTERM

    Nov 8       The Policy Process

    Nov 13       Policy Issues:  Civil Liberties
                                Chapter 4:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                Chapter 4:  Gerber
                                Part II, exercise 4:  Microcase

    Nov 15        Policy Issues:  Civil Rights
                                Chapter 5:  Gerber
                                Part II, exercise 5:  Microcase

    Nov 20        Policy Issues:  Economic/Domestic Policy
                                Chapter 12:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                Chapter 14:  Gerber

    Nov 22       THANKSGIVING--NO CLASS

    Nov 27        Policy Issues:  Foreign Policy
                                Chapter 13:  Lowi and Ginsberg
                                Chapter 15:  Gerber

    Nov 29        Issues and Reforms
                                 Chapter 14:  Lowi and Ginsberg

    Dec 4/6       Paper Presentations

    Dec 11       DISCUSSION

    Final exam on Friday, December 14th at 7:30 a.m.