PLSC 305 – Law and Policy in a Constitutional Democracy
Instructor: Kathy Peterson, J.D., Attorney at Law
Fall Term, 2015
September 8 – December 18, 2015
PLSC 305 Sec. 01/CRN 15008 - Tues. & Thurs. 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. in 408 P-H
Kathy Peterson, Attorney at Law kpeters6@emich.edu
Office Location: 601H Pray-Harrold /Office Phone: 487-3113
Office Hours: T & R - 9 - 9:30; 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Course Description: This course explores the political and legal processes that shape
the development and interpretation of major constitutional principles. We will
discuss the sources and context for American law and examine how actors in the legal
and political systems across all levels of government contribute to the laws that
govern American society. We will focus on the principles of federalism, the restraint
on the powers of the federal government that are embodied in the U.S. Constitution,
and how civil rights and liberties are protected and afforded in our Constitutional
Democracy.
Required Texts:
Epstein, Lee and Thomas G. Walker. Constitutional Law For a Changing America:
Institutional Powers and Constraints
Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow
A copy of The United States Constitution
Grade Requirements
Your final grade will be based upon:
2 exams (50 points each)
In-Class Essay*
Reading Response Paper**
Total
= 100 points
= 50 points
= 50 points
= 200 points
*Your in-class essay will be based upon our viewing of a movie called “A Man for All
Seasons” – which we will watch in class in two parts, preceding your in-class essay.
You will use your annotated Constitution to write the essay.
**Your paper for this class will focus on your reading of The New Jim Crow, by
Michelle Alexander. This paper will be 6 pages in length worth a total of 50 points.
Grading Scale:
94 - 100% = A
90 - 95% = A87 - 89% = B+
84 - 86% = B
80 - 83% = B77 - 79% = C+
74 - 76% = C
70 - 73% = C67 - 69% = D+
64 - 66% = D
60 - 63% = D59% or < = F
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
188
180
174
168
160
154
148
140
134
128
120
0
- 200 points
- 187 points
- 179 points
- 173 points
- 167 points
- 159 points
- 153 points
- 147 points
- 139 points
- 133 points
- 127 points
- 119 points
Rules of Classroom Etiquette:
No cell phones on during class. Please do not text during class.
No using lap top computers for anything other than note-taking.
No photographs of the Instructor’s work product are permitted.
No disparaging remarks about the opinions and views of other
students.
Respect for your fellow students and Instructor is required.
Civility in the classroom is required. Civility means “politeness,
courteousness; gracious consideration of others.”
It is required that all students comply with the Eastern
Michigan University policy on Plagiarism and Academic
Dishonesty, which is at:“www.emich.edu/sjs/violations.html.”
Course Schedule and Required Reading
Week #1 – 9/8, 9/10
Course Introduction and Overview of Syllabus
The History of the U.S. Constitution
Epstein pp.1-10
Week #2 – 9/15, 917
The Preamble: Who are “We the People”?
The text and historic context of the U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution
Week #3 – 9/22, 9/24
The Text of the U.S. Constitution
U. S. Constitution
Week #4 – 9/29, 10/1
Structure of the U. S. Federal Government
Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances
Epstein pp. 49-56
Week #5 – 10/6, 10/8
The Presidency
The Electoral College
Epstein pp. 183-256
Week #6 – 10/13, 10/15
Congress
Week #7 – 10/20, 10/22
The Judicial Branch
The U.S. Supreme Court
Judicial Review
Thursday 10/22 - Exam #1
Epstein pp. 120-182
Epstein pp. 57-119
Week #8 – 10/27, 10/29
The Bill of Rights - An Overview
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
U.S. Constitution
Week #9 – 11/3, 11/5
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
U.S. Constitution
Week #10 – 11/10, 11/12
DVD Presentation: “A Man For All Seasons”
Week #11 – 11/17, 11/19
Tuesday 11/17 - In-Class Essay Exam based upon DVD Presentation
Due Process and Equal Protection
Voting Rights
Week #12 – 11/24
The Age of Mass Incarceration
The New Jim Crow
Thursday 11/26 – NO CLASSES – Thanksgiving Recess
Week #13 – 12/1, 12/3
The Age of Mass Incarceration
Thursday 12/3 – Reading Response Paper Due
Week #14 – 12/8, 12/10
Economic Due Process
Week #15 – 12/15 – 12/18 = Final Exams
Thursday 12/17 - 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Exam #3
The New Jim Crow
Epstein pp. 606-662