Introduction to American Government
PLSC 112, Section 27
Fall 2013
Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-1:45pm
419 Pray-Harrold Hall
Bradley R. Jackson
bjacks53@emich.edu
601H Pray-Harrold Hall
Department of Political Science
REQUIRED TEXT:
The Logic of American Politics; 6th Edition; Kernell, Jacobson, Kousser, and Vavreck;
CQ Press
OVERVIEW: This course is designed to introduce students to the study of American
government. Students will learn about the basic principles of American political thought,
such as federalism, civil rights, and civil liberties, as well as about the key institutions of
American politics, such as the Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Court system.
Students will also study the many extra-constitutional features that exert a large influence
on American political life, such as opinion polling, political parties, interest groups, and
the media. Students will be introduced to these topics using both historical examples and
the concepts of contemporary social scientific research.
ASSIGNMENTS: Grades in this class will be determined based on the following:
(1) Ten short, in-class quizzes testing your understanding of the reading. These will be
given randomly throughout the semester to encourage attendance and continued reading
throughout the semester. Together, these quizzes are worth 10% of your final grade.
(2) Two midterm exams consisting of multiple choice, short answer, and longer essay
questions. These exams will be given in class on Thursday 10/10 and Thursday 11/7.
Together, these exams are worth 50% of your final grade.
(3) One final exam consisting of multiple choice, short answer and longer essay
questions to be given on Thursday 12/19 from 1:30-3:00pm. This exam will be worth
40% of your final grade.
GRADING SCALE:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
96-100
91-95
85-90
80-84
76-79
72-75
68-71
64-68
60-63
55-59
50-54
<50
4
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1.7
1.3
1
0.7
0
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Plagiarism of any kind will not be
tolerated. This includes using direct quotes or close paraphrases without
attribution. Use of Wikipedia is unacceptable, even if cited. Failure to comply with
the academic honesty policy will result in a failing grade on the assignment in
question as well as referral to appropriate university authorities for disciplinary
action.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities should contact the
Disability Resource Center to establish reasonable accommodations. For an appointment
with a disability specialist, visit http://www.emich.edu/drc/.
SCHEDULE:
Th 9/5
Tu 9/10
Th 9/12
Tu 9/17
Th 9/19
Tu 9/24
Th 9/26
Tu 10/1
Th 10/3
Tu 10/8
Th
10/10
Tu
10/15
Th
10/17
Tu
Intro
Chapter 1: The Logic of
American Politics
Chapter 1 (cont.)
Chapter 2: The Constitution
Chapter 2 (cont.)
Chapter 3: Federalism
Chapter 4: Civil Rights
Chapter 4 (cont.)
Chapter 5: Civil Liberties
Chapter 5 (cont.)
Exam 1
Chapter 6: Congress
Chapter 6 (cont.)
Chapter 7: The Presidency
10/22
Th
10/24
Tu
10/29
Th
10/31
Tu 11/5
Th 11/7
Tu
11/12
Th
11/14
Tu
11/19
Th
11/21
Tu
11/26
Th
11/28
Tu 12/3
Th 12/5
Tu
12/10
Th
12/12
Chapter 7 (cont.)
Chapter 8: The Bureaucracy
Chapter 9: The Federal
Judiciary
Chapter 9 (cont.)
Exam 2
Chapter 10: Public Opinion
Chapter 10 (cont.)
Chapter 11: Voting,
Campaigns, and Elections
Chapter 11 (cont.)
Chapter 12: Political Parties
Thanksgiving
Chapter 12 (cont.)
Chapter 13: Interest Groups
Chapter 14: The News Media
Chapter 14 (cont.)
Final Exam Thursday 12/19
1:30pm-3:00pm