University of Hartford	Fall 2005	Politics 100	Phone: 768-4284
Instructor:  Michael Clancy	Office: 123c Hillyer	Office Hours: T/Th 3-4;  By Appointment	email me

Introduction and Overview

      This course presents students with a broad  introduction to the subject of American national politics by examining institutions, actors and behavior. The central thematic question we will investigate over the semester is, "what is the state of democracy today in the United States?" In answering the question we will consider the roles played by public officials, but also will examine societal players such as interest groups, the media, voters, and parties. We will also look at political processes such as elections and policy making in order to give students a broad substantive introduction to American Politics. Finally, we will make a closer examination of contemporary political issues and actors.

      Note: This course is part of a FIG, or First-year Interest Group, along with English 140, Introduction to Literature. In addition to being first-year students, students must be enrolled in each course in order to take either course. FIG's have many goals, but foremost among them is to aid students in seeing connections between disciplines. This FIG contains three integrative learnings blocs (ILBs) that includes assignments from both courses. More information is available on Blackboard.

Course Objectives

    The primary objective of this course is for students to gain command over the basic institutional arrangements and political processes associated with American government.  They will be introduced to the historical foundations of the American political system as well as central structures and processes of that system including such basics as how elections are organized, how bills become law, how Congress and the courts are organized. In addition, a second key objective is for students to be able to identify, digest and evaluate political arguments relating to American government. Students should display their ability to do these things orally and in written form and will be evaluated as such. Finally, students will engage in very basic Internet research relating to American politics.

Conduct and Course Requirements

     Because class meetings will in large part determine the success of the class, attendance is required and students are expected to have done the assigned reading. Most class sessions will combine lecture and discussion. Therefore students are expected to participate regularly, thoughtfully, and with respect for others.  Final grades for the course will be determined by evaluation of six components:

Note: Written assignments are due in class. Extensions are given only in extreme circumstances.
Note: Late work will be penalized one third (1/3) of a grade per day. After 10 days the student receives a grade of zero for the assignment.
Note: Attendance in class is expected.  One's participation grade will suffer significantly after two absences..

 

Required Materials

 

•    Steffen W. Schmidt, Barbara A. Bardes, Mack C. Shelley, American Government and Politics Today
•    "JoinIn" Wireless response system ("Clicker') bundled with textbook
•     Infotrac online library service, bundled with textbook
  
•    Eric Hyer, "Values Versus Interests: The U.S. Response to the Tiananmen Square Massacre," Pew Case Study
•    The New York Times
  
•    Assigned Readings on Blackboard and on the Internet

 
 

Class Schedule  and Assignments

Weeks 1-2
August 30-Sept. 8
           Introduction: Politics and the U.S. Political System

               Schmidt, ch. 1
                FIG exercise: Political Satire
                      "The Border"
                      Sexton: Cinderella
                      Video: Silver City

Weeks 3-4: Foundations of the System
 September 13-20
           The Foundations of the System

              Schmidt, ch. 2.
              William Hudson, American Democracy in Peril, Introduction

Weeks 4-5
September 22-29
          Individual Protections and the Political System

          Schmidt, chs. 4-5
FIG First Assignment due on Sept. 22

Exam 1: September 29

Weeks 6-7
October 4-13
           Interest Groups and Parties

             Schmidt, ch. 7
            "The Business of Persuasion Thrives in Nation's Capital"
            "A New Form of Lobbying Puts Public Face on Private Interest"

Week 8
October 18-20
        Public Opinion and the Media

                  Schmidt, ch. 6
                  (R) Ken Auletta, "Fortress Bush: How the White House Keeps the Press Under Control," The New Yorker  

Weeks 9-10
October 25-November 3
         Elections and Voting

         Schmidt, ch. 8

Week 11
November 8-10   
       Race, Class and Participation

       Hudson, American Democracy in Peril, ch. 6
       Film: Fugard's "Master Harold and the Boys"

Exam II: November 10

FIG Second Assignment due on November 15

Week 12
November 15-17
           The Presidency

           Schmidt, ch. 10

Week 13-14
November 22-29
           Congress

           Schmidt, ch. 9

Weeks 14-15
December 1-6
            The Courts
            
             Schmidt, ch. 12

Week 15
December 8     
          Making Policy

   Case: Hyer, "Values Versus Interests"


Week 16
December 13

Exam III: December 13