POLI 172 Honors Introduction to American Government Fall 2020 PDF

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Bridgewater State University POLI 172—Honors Introduction to American Government Fall 2020 Instructor: Dr. Kevin P. Donnelly Email: [email protected] Office: Clifford House, Room 202 Phone: 508-531-2442 Office Hours: Wednesday 3:00-5:00 pm, and Friday 11:00-12:00 pm (available online via appointment). Class Meetings: Online: September 2nd– December 9th

Course Description This course is designed to introduce students to the many facets of the American political system. We will first consider theoretical dilemmas of democracy; specifically, we will explore the notions of freedom, order and equality. Next, we will examine the United States Constitution and the federal system, as well as the major institutions and processes of American government. We will also consider the roles that public opinion, the media, political participation, and political parties play in forming the unique composition of American politics. We will also discuss current political events and policy issues throughout the course, connecting critical questions facing the American public to the concepts and themes outlined previously. Attention will also be given to the nature and study of public policy. Course Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students who apply themselves should expect to meet the learning objectives outlined in each of the following core areas: 

Critical Analysis of Political Processes, Institutions, & Practices: Students will critically assess the systematic factors that underlie political processes, systems, and practices.

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Effective Written Communication: Students will effectively communicate about political systems, processes, and theories in a rigorous manner by developing cogent, logical arguments that properly employ and make use of relevant evidence.

Course Methodology Each week, you will be expected to: 1. Complete all assigned readings and assignments under the Course Content link. 2. Prepare and submit a one-page, single-spaced, written reflection on each week’s assigned book chapter and associated supplemental materials 3. Participate in the Discussion Board according to the terms described below

4. Complete all work by the stated due dates 5. Work steadily on the researching and writing of your Research Paper 1. Participation on the Discussion Board (DB): Please Read Closely a. General Participation The opening week will feature a singular Discussion Board to be used to introduce yourself to the class. Please respond to this initial posting by Friday, September 4th . After Week One there will be a Discussion Board for each of the assigned chapters in the book/supplemental readings/videos. You will be required to post at least two responses for each of these DBs: first, a response to the Instructor’s primary question about the readings and, second, a response to other students’ comments and subsequent observations by the Instructor. Beginning in Week 2, all DB comments related to the week’s initial question must be posted by Wednesday, 11 p.m., and all secondary responses (to other students or the instructor) must be posted by Friday, 11 p.m. A DB entry should be at least two substantial, well-developed, and incisive paragraphs. (It is recommended that you draft and edit your entries before posting.) Longer responses may sometimes be called for and will be recognized for their greater effort in the grading process, although a lengthy response will not necessarily be seen in a positive light if it is simply wordy or lacking in focus. In general, DB entries will be valued for their (1) intellectual content, (2) relevance to the discussion under way, and (3) quality of expression and argument. Further, whenever students’ DB entries incorporate appropriate concepts and principles from the weekly reading material and/or from current events, that will also be noted as an enhancement. Your Discussion Board participation will be evaluated at mid-semester, and again at end of semester. 2. Personal Chapter Reflections: This begins the week of September 7th Students must submit a one-page, single-spaced, reflection on each assigned chapter in the textbook, beginning with Chapter 1 during the week of September 7th. These reflections should be entered in the space that has been created for you under the Course Content link for this course. Your weekly reflection papers are due by Monday (11 p.m.). A reflection should consist of two elements in roughly equal measure: (1) a concise summary of one or two basic concepts or themes presented in the chapter and at least one of the supplemental profiles, videos or articles offered; (2) analytical observations about how those concepts/themes are relevant to today’s political environment/issues. To receive credit for a chapter reflection, it must be submitted by the deadlines noted above.

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A student who submits all chapter reflections—of at least minimum quality—on time will receive full credit for 25% of the course grade. (In other words, you get an “A” for this component of the course.) The large number of chapter reflections being submitted by course members prohibits detailed individual grading. However, I will be monitoring your reflections, selecting a certain number of students each week for careful review and my comments. 3. Final Research Paper Project:

For this assignment, you’re asked to write a research briefing pertaining to a current public policy issue using the policy domain concept as a guide. As we’ll discuss in class, the concept of policy domain consists of three dimensions, including an issue’s substantive characteristics, associated set of organizations, and cultural constructs. Your research paper should explore in depth each of these dimensions in order to provide a complete overview of the issue at hand. The issue area that you select is up to you, but it should be narrow enough to fit within the confines of a brief paper. You will also be expected to record and post on Blackboard a 5-minute video presentation, summarizing your topic area and highlighting the main elements of your briefing. The use of PowerPoint or Prezi to supplement your presentation is required. Grading/Evaluation Standards Personal Chapter Reflections 25% One-page, single-spaced reflections for each assigned chapter that must be submitted by Monday of each week. Discussion Board Participation 40% Response to Instructor’s Primary Discussion Board Question on each chapter and at least one response to other students’ posts and subsequent Instructor observations due by Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Research Paper Project 35% Research Paper that must be submitted by the date listed below. PLEASE NOTE: Any work turned in after the stated deadlines above will receive only partial credit. Course Policies  Cheating and academic misconduct: Bridgewater State University takes very seriously the issue of academic dishonesty and such violations will not be tolerated in this class. Please be sure to read thoroughly the University’s policy dealing with academic integrity (http://www.bridgew.edu/Handbook/PoliciesProcedures/academicintegrity.ht m).  Accepting diverse views: Bridgewater’s students represent many diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

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As a result, not everyone will have the same experiences and orientations to politics. It is expected that everyone will respect and be courteous to every other class member—this is especially important to keep in mind given the “anonymous” nature of the online Discussion Board.

Required Textbook American Politics Today: The Essentials, 6th edition Course Schedule: Week of 9/2 Topic: Course Overview and Introductions Wek of 9/7 Topic: Understanding American Politics Required reading: Chapter 1 in American Politics Today Week of 9/14 Topic: The U.S. Constitution Required reading: Chapter 2 in American Politics Today Week of 9/21 Topic: Federalism Required reading: Chapter 3 in American Politics Today Week of 9/28 Topic: Domestic Public Policy/Policy Domain Required Reading: Burstein’s “Policy Domains: Organization, Culture, and Policy Outcomes,” Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 17 (1991), pp. 327-350 and Chapter 14 in American Politics Today Week of 10/5 Topic: Civil Liberties Required reading: Chapter 4 in American Politics Today Week of 10/12 Topic: Civil Rights Required reading: Chapter 5 in American Politics Today Week of 10/19 Topic: Public Opinion and Political Parties Required reading: Chapters 6 and 7 in American Politics Today Week of 10/26 Topic: Elections Required reading: Chapter 8 in American Politics Today

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Week of 11/2 Topic: Congress Required reading: Chapter 10 in American Politics Today Week of 11/9 Topic: The Presidency Required reading: Chapter 11 in American Politics Today Week of 11/16 Topic: The Courts Required reading: Chapter 13 in American Politics Today Week of 11/23 Topic: Public Policy Agenda Setting Required reading: Chapters 1-2 in Kingdon’s Agenda’s, Alternatives, and Public Policies (electronic copy) Week of 11/30

FINAL PAPER & VIDEO PRESENTATION DUE

Week of 12/7 Topic: Course wrap up and discussion of final projects Please note that the above course schedule is meant to serve as a guideline and is subject to modification at the instructor’s discretion.

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