University of Hartford	Spring 2004	Politics 100	Phone: 768-4284
Instructor:  Michael Clancy	Office: 123c Hillyer	Office Hours: M/W 2:45-3:45;  By Appointment	email me

Introduction and Overview

     The last presidential election was one of the closest, and certainly the most contentious, in history. Meanwhile, January 2004 marked the beginning of the next presidential cycle. While the government continues to be challenged by world events, war, and the economy, November 2004 looms. This is undoubtedly a fascinating time for American Politics. This course presents students with a broad  introduction to the subject 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.

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 with repeated absences.

 

Required Readings
 

   Gary Wasserman, The Basics of American Politics, 11th ed.  Harper Collins, 2004

   William E. Hudson, American Democracy in Peril, 4th ed., CQ Press, 2004

   Eric Hyer, "Values Versus Interests: The U.S. Response to the Tiananmen Square Massacre," Pew Case Study

   The New York Times

   Assigned Readings on Reserve in the Library and on the Internet

 
 

Class Schedule  and Assignments

Weeks 1-2
January 21-26
           Introduction: Politics and the U.S. Political System

               Wasserman, ch. 1

Weeks 2-4:
January 28-February 11
           The Foundations of the System

              Wasserman, chs. 2, 6
              Hudson, Introduction, ch. 3

Weeks 5-6
February 16-25
           Interest Groups and Parties

             Wasserman, pp. 217-30, 192-214
              Hudson, chs. 4, 6, 7
             A Politics for Generation X
            "The Business of Persuasion Thrives in Nation's Capital"
            "A New Form of Lobbying Puts Public Face on Private Interest"
 

Exam 1: February 25

Week 7
March 1-3

           Public Opinion and the Media

              Wasserman, pp. 230-46
              (R) Ken Auletta, "Fortress Bush: How the White House Keeps the Press Under Control," The New Yorker
 

Short Assignment 1

Weeks 8-10
March 8-24
           Elections and Voting

              Wasserman, pp. 181-92
              Hudson, ch. 5
              Readings on 2004 election TBA

(Week 9: March 15-21: Spring Break, no class!)

Weeks 11-12
March 31-April 7
           The Presidency

                 Wasserman, ch. 3
                  Hudson, ch. 1

Exam II: April 7

Weeks 13-14
April 12-21

           Congress

              Wasserman, ch. 4
           (Congress Link)

Short Assignment 2

Week 15

April 26
          Making Policy

                Hudson, ch. 8
   Case: Hyer, "Values Versus Interests"

Short Assignment 3

Week 15-16

April 28-May 3
           The Courts

                  Wasserman, ch. 5
                   Hudson, ch. 2
 
 
 

 

Week 16

May 3
 
    Exam III