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Political Science 101 Instructor: Jennifer Martinez

Fall 2018 Office: URBN 670-18


Classroom: CH 271 Office Hours: M/W 1-3pm, and by
Time: M/W/F 10:15-11:20am appointment
Email: mar36@pdx.edu

US Government
Course Description
This introductory course provides a broad background in the political concepts and
institutions that are important in U.S. government. We will focus on describing the
conceptual and historical origins of the US governmental system; applying governance
concepts to the fundamental institutions of US government and analyzing the way that
ideas and institutions influence political processes and outcomes. We will examine critical
institutions of American government, including the Constitution, the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches in the context of democracy, federalism, and other relevant concepts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
• Describe the historical origins and foundation of the US governmental system.
• Apply fundamental governance concepts, such as federalism, separation of
powers, pluralism, and republicanism, to the primary institutions of the US
government.
• Analyze the way key concepts and institutional structures influence political
processes, issues, and outcomes.
• Identify advantages and weakness inherent in the governmental system and
institutions.
• Draw upon current events to demonstrate how institutions and structures have
evolved and in modern day perform.
Required Texts
The two required texts for this course are listed below. Any additional required readings
will be posted on the course’s D2L site.
• American Government: Power and Purpose, 14th ed. (2017). Lowi, Ginsberg,
Shepsle, Ansolabehere. ISBN 978-0-393-28375-4.
• The Enduring Debate, 8th ed. (2018). Canon, Coleman, Mayer, eds. ISBN 978-0-393-
28365-5.
The required texts are available at the PSU Bookstore and have been placed on course
reserve at the library.
Expectations
In this 100-level course, students are expected to have a basic understanding of the US
governmental system and institutions, such as the conceptual and historical origins guiding
the logic of their design. Students are to apply concepts of governance, including
federalism, separation of powers, and republicanism (civic virtue) and be able to analyze
how they influence the political processes, issues, and outcomes. Moreover, students must
be able to identify the advantages and weaknesses inherent in vital institutional structures
and can draw upon current events to demonstrate how these structures have evolved and
fare in the modern day.
Students are required to attend class and do the readings before our class meeting time.
Students should expect to spend two to three hours outside of class working for each hour
spent in class (six to nine hours a week).
I reserve the right to alter the syllabus as I see fit during the course. Proper notice will be
given if such change is made.
Assignments, Quizzes and Exams Grading Policy
Attendance and Participation
Attendance and Participation – 10%
This portion of your grade will reflect your consistent, on-time attendance as well as your
engagement with the material, lectures, class activities, and interaction with classmates
during class meetings. More than four absences will impact your attendance and
participation grade. Please notify me if you will miss a class prior to the absence.
Assignments and Quizzes
Current Event Discussion Paper – 15%
Paper must be 2- to 3-pages (1” margins, 12-point font, double-spaced). Students are to
select one branch, institution, or concept of US Government that we have covered
(examples: the presidency, courts, bureaucracy, and federalism) and draw upon current
events from one news source and one journal article to demonstrate:
(1) What the selected institution, branch or concept does and means (2) The historical
context and intention of the topic chosen and how it has evolved over time and (3) Drawing
on the current event articles apply them to one fundamental governance concept, such as
federalism, separation of powers, pluralism, and republicanism, or another idea with prior
approval (4) Use the current event articles to illustrate how the selected topic is
performing today, and identify pros and cons.
The purpose of this assignments is to demonstrate knowledge of the material and the
ability to apply what you have learned directly. Well-written responses will make a clear,
logical argument that responds directly to the prompt and provides supporting evidence
through current event articles, lecture, readings, and if applicable professional experience.
Responses should be proofread and use course terminology where possible.
The Current Event Discussion Paper is due on D2L as follows:
• October 26th at 11:59 pm
Before selecting articles, students must evaluate the credibility of sources. Applying the
Currency Reliability Authority Purpose (C.R.A.P.) Test to a source is one way to evaluate the
quality and value of the source before you start writing. For more resource visit the PSU
Library: https://guides.library.pdx.edu/wr327/evaluate
All students are encouraged to visit the PSU’s Writing Center for help and tips with writing.
Please visit the Writing Center website to schedule an appointment:
https://www.pdx.edu/writing-center/
Reading Quizzes – 20% (2 at 10%)
Reading quizzes are multiple choice, true-false, and fill in the blank. Quizzes will be open on
D2L the Monday after class and remain open until Friday at 11:59 pm on the stated due
dates. Answer keys will be made available after the quiz closes. Quizzes are open book and
open note. Quizzes are graded on completeness – you must answer all questions to get
credit for the quiz. Quiz due dates and chapters covered are as follows:
• Quiz 1: October 12th at 11:59 pm, Chapters 1-3
• Quiz 2: November 30th at 11:59 pm, Chapters 6-9

Exam and Final Paper


Midterm Exam – 25%
The midterm examination will include multiple choice, true-false, fill in the blank, and one
short answer question. The material from chapters 1-5 will be covered on the exam. A
portion of the class session before the exam will be spent reviewing material and
answering any outstanding pre-exam questions. The midterm exam is scheduled for
Friday, November 9th on D2L. The exam will be timed, and students will have two hours to
complete. You may draw on your notes, slides, and readings. No make-up exams will be
offered except in cases of emergencies (with supporting documentation).
Final Integrative Paper – 25%
The final integrative paper shall draw from Weeks 1-10. Papers must be 5- to 6-pages
(1” margins, 12-point font, double-spaced). Students are to (1) provide an overview of
the US government structure, citing historical origins and purpose behind the design (2)
Drawing upon lectures and readings students must highlight tensions of governance
concepts, such as federalism, separation of powers, pluralism, and republicanism, to the
structural institutions of the US government (3) Describe the pros and cons inherent in
the structure (4) Then describe what ought to be and how you might alter the structure
to improve political processes, issues, and outcomes.
We will discuss the final paper and open the floor for questions on November 28th. The
purpose of the final paper is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate an integrative
understanding of the material and make a thoughtful assessment of the government
structure, its processes, and outcomes. Well-written responses will make a clear, logical
argument that responds directly to the prompt and provides supporting evidence through
lectures and readings can effectively connect the course readings, and articulate
improvements of an ideal government system.
The final paper is due Wed, December 5th at 11:59 pm and must be submitted on
D2L.
Breakdown of Grade
Assignments Due Date % of Grade
1. Attendance and Participation N/A 10
2. Quiz #1 Chapters 1-3 Fri, Oct 12th 11:59 pm on D2L 10
3. Current Event Fri, Oct 26th 11:59 pm on D2L 15
4. Midterm Chapters 1-5 Fri, Nov 9th on D2L (Timed) 25
5. Quiz #2 Chapters 6-9 Fri, Nov 30th 11:59 pm on D2L 10
6. Final Integrative Paper Wed, Dec 5th at 11:59 pm on D2L 30
Grading Policies
Grading Scale
A 93-100% B- 80-82% D+ 67-69%
A- 90-92% C+ 77-79% D 63-66%
B+ 87-89% C 73-76% D- 60-62%
B 83-86% C- 70-72% F 59% and below.
All percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percent. For example, 89.4% will be
rounded to 89% (a B+), while 89.5% will be rounded to 90% (an A-).
Extra Credit
One extra credit opportunity is available for a total of 3 points. Details on the extra credit
opportunity will become available on D2L. There will also be an extra credit question on
the midterm exam.
Classroom Etiquette
In addition to course lectures, the meetings of this class will rely heavily on informed
discussion of the reading materials. It is important that students arrive on time and
prepared to engage in respectful discussion with, and attentive listening to, their fellow
classmates as well as the instructor. This includes limiting laptop use during class time to
take notes, accessing readings, or exploring ideas and issues presented in class. Any
cellphone usage should be strictly limited to emergency situations. Failure to remain on
task during class time will impact your attendance and participation grade.
Policy on Academic Dishonesty
As described in the PSU Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility indicates, all forms of
academic dishonesty, cheating, and fraud are not permitted. This includes plagiarism and
failure to properly cite or credit ideas that are not your own. Students will receive zero
credit for any assignments containing plagiarism, or that are otherwise completed
dishonestly. Students may be referred to the appropriate university offices for further
administrative action, which can include expulsion from the university.
You may review the PSU Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility’s section on academic
dishonesty here: http://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-
conduct#AcademicDishonesty
Accessibility and Disability Services
It is the University’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you
anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, please register
with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) (503-725-4150 or drc@pdx.edu) to establish
reasonable accommodations. Once you have registered with the DRC, please schedule a
time to talk to me so that we can discuss your needs for the term. Please be aware that the
accessible tables and chairs in this room should remain available for students who need to
use this furniture.
COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
FOUNDTIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Week 1: Course Introduction; Introduction to Government, Politics and Political
Culture
Mon, Sept 24th: Course introduction and syllabus review
Wed, Sept 26th: American Government – Chapter 1
Friday, Sept 28th: The Enduring Debate #2 – “Three Political Cultures”

Week 2: Constitution Content and Framing


Mon, Oct 1st: American Government – Chapter 2
Wed, Oct 3nd: The Enduring Debate #7: “The Federalist, No. 15”
Fri, Oct 5th: Guest Lecturer

Week 3: Federalism and Separation of Powers


Mon, Oct 8th: American Government – Chapter 3
Wed, Oct 10th: The Enduring Debate #13: “The Price of Federalism”
Fri, Oct 12th: “The Devil in Devolution,” by John D. Donahue (D2L)
Quiz 1 (Chapters 1-3) Due at 11:59pm

PRESERVING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS


Week 4: Role of Civil Liberties
Mon, Oct 15th: American Government - Chapter 4
Wed, Oct 17th: The Enduring Debate #19: “In Defense of Prejudice”
Fri, Oct 19th: Shelby, T. (2007). Justice, deviance, and the dark ghetto. Philosophy & Public
Affairs, 35(2), 126-160. (D2L)

Week 5: Civil Rights


Mon, Oct 22nd: American Government – Chapter 5
Wed, Oct 24th: American Government – Chapter 5
Fri, Oct 26th: Brennan Center for Justice, “Voting Laws Roundup 2015”:
https://www.brennancenter.org/analysis/voting-laws-roundup-2015
Current Event Discussion Paper Due by 11:59 pm

SEPERATION OF POWERS AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS


Week 6: Congress
Mon, Oct 29th: American Government–Chapter 6
Wed, Oct 31st: American Government–Chapter 6
Fri, Nov 2nd: The Enduring Debate #22: “From Congress: The Electoral
Connection”

Week 7: Midterm Exam and The Presidency


Mon, Nov 5th: American Government – Chapter 7
Wed, Nov 7th: Midterm Review, (Chapters 1-5)
Fri, Nov 9th: No Class-Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-5) Available on D2L 10am-12:00pm

Week 8: Wrap-Up The Presidency


Mon, Nov 12th: University Closed for Veteran’s Day– No Class
Wed, Nov 14th: The Enduring Debate #30: “In Defense of the Electoral College”
Fri, Nov 16th: Peter Baker (2017), “For Trump, A Year of Reinventing the Presidency” The
New York Times, December 31, 2017 (D2L)

Week 9: The Bureaucracy


Mon, Nov 19th: American Government – Chapter 8
Wed, Nov 21st: The Enduring Debate #32: “The Study of Administration”; Walters, W.
(2004). Some critical notes on “Governance” (D2L)
Fri, Nov 23rd: University Closed for Day after Thanksgiving– No Class

Week 10: Federal Courts & Course Wrap-Up


Mon, Nov 26th: American Government – Chapter 9
Wed, Nov 28th: Course wrap-up
Fri, Nov 30th: Final Integrative Paper Review and Course Wrap-Up
Quiz 2 (Chapters 6-9) Due by 11:59pm
Final Paper: Due Wednesday, December 5th at 11:59pm

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