POLS 101S: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS (Fall 2016)

PROFESSOR GLEN SUSSMAN

Classroom:  BAL 3068
Class Meeting Time:  MWF,  11 - 11:50 am
Professor's Office:  BAL 7034
Professor's Office Phone:  683-3857
Office Hours:  Monday and Wednesday 2- 3:30 pm or by appointment

Introduction to the Course 

• This course introduces students to the political processes and institutions of American government and politics in order to help them better understand their political environment.  The course also engages students in the social science research process.  In doing so, students will learn and practice empirical political inquiry.

• The course begins by presenting a framework for studying American politics by examining American political culture, constitutional democracy, civil liberties and civil rights.  The second section concerns political socialization, political behavior (participation), the role of interest groups, and the electoral process. Third, the news media and the three branches of the national government are the focus of our attention with emphasis on the behavior of political actors within the institutional setting.  Finally, we conclude the class with a discussion of the the policy making process, environmental policy and politics, and foreign and defense policy. 

Course Goals

• Gain a better understand the central themes, concepts, institutions and behavior of participants in American politics and government
• Improve descriptive and analytical skills
• Broaden your understanding of American politics and social science research.  

Course Requirements

• Four exams consisting of multiple choice questions and data analysis.
• Two "out of class" online assignments involving data analysis  (discussed in class)

Course Announcements

• Honor Code and Code of Student Conduct:  Students should be mindful of the Honor Code and the code of student conduct.  See the University catalog.
  
• Sexual Harassment:  Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.  Be mindful of the University policy on this matter in the University catalog.
  
• Accomodation of Students with Disabilities:  If you need assistance, classroom accomodations will be provided.  Consult with your instructor at the beginning of the semester.  See the University catalog.
  
• Do not be disruptive during class (e.g., talking, arriving late, texting).  Excessive distrubances will result in 5 points being deduced from your final point total.  On exam days, smart phones must be turned off and put on vibrate.
  
• Class participation:  Encouraged.
• Enlightenment:  You arrive with a variety of backgrounds and political orientations about politics and government.  You will leave with a better appreciation and understanding about the political world around you.

Comment about Attendance

Regular class attendance is expected for all students.  Research shows that students who attend class are more likely to receive higher grades that student who do not attend class.  Arriving on time is expected as well.  Late arrivals are disruptive to the class.  Penalties for missing class and/or arriving late to class will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Evaluations/Student Opinion Surveys (Fall and Spring semesters only)

Student course evaluations are conducted online.  You will receive reminders from the University encouraging you to complete evaluations of your courses during the last three weeks of the semester.  Student course evaluations are helpful to the instructors and the University so I  encourage you to complete the course evaluations for all of your classes