Introduction and Course Description
SYLLABUS FOR AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONS
Semester: Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Lisa Bryant
Course Information: The development and
operation of government in the United States;
study of how ideas, institutions, laws, and
people have constructed and maintained a
political order in America.
Office Number: McKee Fisk 212
Time: MWF 10:00-10:50am
11:00-11:50am
Location: Soc Sci 207
E-Mail: lbryant@csufresno.edu
Office Hours: T/TH 8am – 12 noon or by
appointment
Telephone: 278-7612
This course introduces you to the systematic and rigorous study of American Politics. The
course offers an understanding of the forces that influence the behavior of individuals and
institutions in and around government. In particular, we focus on the factors that help shape
attitudes and behaviors of actors within the political system. These actors include the President,
Members of Congress, the judiciary, the medial, political activists and interest groups, voters,
citizens and non-citizens. The framework we develop permits the critical examination of
representative government in American national politics: How is it supposed to work? Where
does it fail and why? How can it be made to work more successfully?
As a political science class, we are interested in more than just the history of government. We
are interested in analyzing empirical evidence to identify patterns and outcomes of political
institutions and actors. We are interested in knowing why things happen the way they do and we
do so through critical analysis of what we observe in government and politics. Lastly, we
examine normative questions such as should government and it’s institutions operate the way it
does?
Required Textbooks and Materials*
Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in American Politics, 6th Brief Edition (with
online e-book). Christine Barbour and Gerald C. Wright. ISBN: 978-1-4833-81138
Companion website: http://edge.sagepub.com/barbourbrief6e
*Additional readings may be placed on Blackboard as necessary.
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Course Goals and Primary Learning Outcomes
Course Goals:
1. Civic engagement: Instructor will help students gain political literacy, including enhanced
appreciation of the importance of political participation and public service on political outcomes.
2. Critical Thinking, Methodology, and Communications: Instructor will help students will
become more discerning consumers of political events, messages and processes by applying
theories and methodologies of political science and through effective oral and written
communication.
3. Substantive Knowledge of Political Science: Instructor will help students be able to analyze
how the institutions, processes and values that underpin political behavior and events play a role
in current events.
Primary Learning Outcomes:
1) Identify and explain the prominent political ideologies in United States politics and describe
their respective beliefs, values, and attitudes.
2) Compare and contrast the powers of the US Congress, the Presidency and the Judiciary.
3) Understand the federal system of government and the rights afforded to the federal and state
governments.
4) Describe and interrelate some of the basic ideas in American politics which appeared in the
Federalist Papers and the US Constitution and determine how those issues continue to be
relevant.
5) Compare and contrast the organization and operation of CA state government and national
government.
Examinations and Assignments
Reading Assignments
Reading assignments for the class are listed in the syllabus. Topics/dates given are approximate,
therefore it is important for you to be aware of where we are in lecture so that you can follow
along with your readings in the textbook and come to class prepared to participate. The
Barbour and Wright textbook provides you with the nuts and bolts of American government.
The lectures will provide you with additional theoretical background and tie the readings to
current events, in an effort to make a critical assessment of the functioning of our democratic
system. Tests rely heavily on material presented in class, as well as the readings from the text;
therefore, it will be necessary for you to attend class.
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You are responsible for all the material covered in class including: lectures, class scheduling, and
any updates or changes to the syllabus. The syllabus is meant only as a general guide. Major
changes will be posted on Blackboard, however small changes will primarily be a result of the
progress of the class over the semester and the syllabus will not be updated every time we get off
schedule.
Pre/Post Tests for Reading Assignments
In Edge Select (https://edge.sagepub.com/barbourbrief6e) you will take a pre/post test for each
chapter (under Student Resources, select the chapter, click on Pre-Test). The pre-test will assess
which areas you already are familiar with and create a study plan for you indicating which areas
you should focus on when you do the readings. The post-test will assess if you learned the
material in the chapter. You will need to complete ten (10) pre/post tests throughout the
semester. These assessments must be complete in the week we are discussing the chapter. I
will NOT give credit for chapters we discussed in previous weeks. We are covering at least 12
chapters over the course of the semester, so this gives you at least two free chapters. You can
choose which chapters you do not perform pre/post tests for. Grades are recorded in Blackboard
for the previous week as you complete assignments, but it is your responsibility to keep track of
how many assessments you have completed.
Writing Assignments
Assignment 1
40 points - It is 1787. Your state legislature is debating the ratification of the new Constitution.
Write a letter to your state legislature (in 1787) on whether or not your state should ratify the
new Constitution. (States will be assigned to you during class.) You can address topics like the
bicameral makeup of Congress, the plans regarding the counting of slaves in the population, the
absence of the protection of individual liberties, etc. The letter must be at least 400 words long
(not including the salutation, your name, etc.). The letter should be uploaded through
Blackboard as a Word (.doc, .docx). (Mac Users: Please do not upload Pages documents,
convert the document before uploading.)
Assignment 2
60 points - The U.S. Government is broken up into three branches. Write a short persuasive
essay declaring which you think is the most powerful branch of government. In your essay, you
need to make a declaration of an opinion (i.e. take a position or stance and then support that with
material/evidence from class, the textbook or external sources. DO NOT FORGET TO
INCLUDE CITATIONS and REFERENCES if you use words or ideas from books or sources.
Also, include the source in a reference list at the end of the essay. The essay should be at least
600 words, not including name, etc. The essay should be uploaded through Blackboard as a
Word (.doc, .docx) document. (Mac Users: Please do not upload Pages documents, convert the
document before uploading.)
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Assignment 3
100 points - This semester we discussed three possible threats to American democracy as the
Framers intended: Interest groups, political parties, and low participation. Which of these do
you think is the biggest threat and why? Write a short persuasive essay supporting your
position. (Make sure to demonstrate an understanding of how our democracy is supposed to
work, as the Framers/Constitution intended and how your choice creates a barrier to American
democracy.) In your essay, you need to make a declaration of an opinion (i.e. take a position or
stance and then support that with material/evidence from class, the textbook or external sources.
DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE CITATIONS and REFERENCES if you use words or ideas
from books or sources. Also, include the source in a reference list at the end of the essay. The
essay should be at least 800 words, not including name, etc. The essay should be uploaded
through Blackboard as a Word (.doc, .docx). (Mac Users: Please do not upload Pages
documents, convert the document before uploading.)
Exams
There will be four exams; each will be worth 100 points. Exams are only given at assigned
times. Make-up exams will only be given in exceptional cases, at the discretion of the instructor.
Exams will require a Scantron (4). Scantrons can be purchased at the Kennel bookstore, as
well as in a vending machine in the lower level of the USU, near the Kennel bookstore lower
level entrance. All students will have the same amount of time to take the test; no additional time
will be given unless it has been arranged through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
The exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice questions (30) and short answer (5).
The multiple-choice questions are not easy. To answer them correctly you must know the
material. On occasion, it may appear that more than one answer is correct, always choose the
answer that BEST answers the question.
Short answer question responses should be one to five sentences long, or simply a name or multiword answer, depending on the question. Students will answer the question directly and may
provide some support information if necessary. Some short answer questions my have multiple
parts, answer all parts of the question for full credit.
Grading and Attendance
Grades
Grades will be calculated based on the number of points earned in the course. Each exam will be
worth 100 points (400 total), the three writing assignments will be worth 40, 60 and 100 points
each (200 points total), the pre/post assignments will be worth 10 points each (100 points total)for a total of 700 possible points. I do not curve the grades, but I may offer extra credit for
attendance to on campus activities or other activities related to the curriculum.
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Grades will be issued as follows:
Grade
Percent
Points
A
89.5-100%
627-700
B
79.5-89.4%
557-626
C
69.5-79.4%
487-556
D
59.5-69.4%
417-486
F
0 – 59.4 %
0-416
Writing Assignment and Examination Schedule
Date
Assignment
Points
1/31/16
Writing Assignment 1
2/8/16
Exam 1
100
2/26/16
Exam 2
100
3/18/16
Exam 3
100
3/27/16
Writing Assignment 2
60
5/13/16
Writing Assignment 3
100
Exam 4
100
*See Finals
Wk Schedule
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Participation
Participation in this class is highly encouraged, as it makes class more interesting for both
yourself and your peers. The instructor reserves the right to call on students and ask questions of
the class in order to facilitate discussion. Please be respectful of differing opinions and be aware
of how often you talk out in class, making sure to reserve time for those who have not had a
chance to talk. A contribution of multiple points of view makes for a more interesting and
equitable class.
Attendance
I do not take formal attendance for this class, but this class is heavily based on class lectures,
therefore without attending class you will most likely struggle with some exam questions. The
texts are meant to provide you with the majority of information presented in class, however
important concepts are often discussed in depth in class and include information not included in
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the text. Additionally, essay and short answer questions are often derived out of discussions in
class or material presented in the lecture.
Study Expectations and Student Assistance
It is expected that students will spend approximately 2 hours of study time outside of class for
every one hour in class. Since this is a 3-unit class, you should expect to study an average of 6
hours outside of class each week, however the majority of the time outside of class will be spent
on reading, so some students may need more outside study time and some less.
For free tutoring on campus, contact the Learning Center, in the Collection Level (basement
level) of the Henry Madden Library. You can reach them by phone at 278-3052.
If you need writing assistance, help is available at the Writing Center, located in the Education
building near Shaw Ave. You can make appointments for one-on-one tutoring or group help at
278-0334. There is also free software available called Read-Write-Gold that works with Mac or
PC and helps with grammatical errors and sentence structure as you write.
Our campus has developed SupportNet to connect students with specific campus resources
promoting academic success. I have agreed to participate in this program and may refer you to it
if I believe you need the services provided by SupportNet to succeed in this course.
Course Policies
Communication with Professor:
If you are going to miss class for an extended period of time, you are responsible for contacting
the professor via email (or by phone if you are unable to send an email). Do not relay
information through another student, and do not rely on other students to keep you abreast of
what is going on in class. You are responsible for your studies. Relying on others for
communication can lead to miscommunication and misinformation. If you will be missing
several classes for an extended period of time, you can contact Student Affairs and they can
contact all of your professors on your behalf.
E-mail: E-mail is today’s most commonly used professional form of written communication.
When you email me, you should include your name and class meeting time. You should address
me professionally and make sure to sign your name. This provides good practice for you to
practice your professional email etiquette, something that will benefit you on the job market.
Powerpoints:
I do use PowerPoint’s in class to facilitate lecture and highlight key concepts. As a general rule,
power points are considered intellectual property and I do not share them or make them
publically available. If you know you are going to miss a class, you should ask a friend or
classmate to borrow their notes.
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Laptops/Tablets/Cell Phones:
Unless discussed with the professor, students are expected to take notes in the class using
pen/pencil and paper, not a laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Research shows that
students retain information better and follow along in class better when they use traditional note
taking methods. Research also shows that using electronic devices is distracting to others around
you, and can be distracting for me during lectures, so for the benefit of the entire class, I do not
allow them. Exceptions will be made for assigned note takers or those who have made
arrangements through SSD, however I may ask you to sit in a specified location.
Cell phones should be turned to silent and PUT AWAY in a pocket, purse, backpack, etc. prior
to the start of class and remain there throughout the duration of the class. Headphones should
also be removed prior to the beginning of class.
Copyright Policy:
Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material.
The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses
may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for
adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code). To help you familiarize yourself
with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its Copyright Web
Page (http://libguides.csufresno.edu/copyright).
Technology Innovations for Learning & Teaching (TILT) course web sites contain material
protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals or institutions. Such material is
used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the
owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any single
computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do
not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and
any copyright notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the
course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or
distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor
assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the
web site.
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Tentative Course Schedule
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If
you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you
were absent.
Note: The California Faculty Association is in the midst of a difficult contract dispute with
management. It is possible that the faculty union will call a strike or other work stoppage this
term. I will inform the class as soon as possible of any disruption to the posted schedule.
Date
Topic
Reading Assignment
Wed., Jan 20
Introductions and Syllabus
Fri., Jan 22
Chapter 1 - Power and Citizenship
Chapter 1
Mon., Jan 25
Chapter 1 - Power and Citizenship
Chapter 1
Wed., Jan 27
Chapter 2 - The Founding
Chapter 2
Fri., Jan 29
Mon., Feb 1
Chapter 2 - The Founding
Writing Assignment #1
Chapter 2 - The Founding/Federalism
Chapter 2
DUE 1/31/16, 11:59pm
Catch up
Wed., Feb 3
Chapter 3 - Federalism
Chapter 3
Fri., Feb 5
Chapter 3 - Federalism
Chapter 3
Mon., Feb 8
Exam 1 - Chapters 1-3
Bring Scantron
Wed., Feb 10
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties
Chapter 4
Fri., Feb 12
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties
Chapter 4
Mon., Feb 15
HOLIDAY – Presidents’ Day
NO CLASS
Wed., Feb 17
Chapter 4/Chapter 5
Start Chapter 5
Fri., Feb 19
Chapter 5 - Civil Rights
Chapter 5
Mon., Feb 22
Chapter 5 - Civil Rights
Chapter 5
Wed., Feb 24
Review/Catch Up
Review
Fri., Feb 26
Exam 2 - Chapters 4-5
Bring Scantron
Mon., Feb 29
Chapter 6 - Congress
Chapter 6
Wed., Mar 2
Chapter 6 - Congress
Chapter 6
Fri., Mar 4
Chapter 6 - Congress
Chapter 6
Mon., Mar 7
Chapter 7 – The Presidency
Chapter 7
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Date
Topic
Reading Assignment
Wed., Mar 9
Chapter 7 – The Presidency
Chapter 7
Fri., Mar 11
Chapter 8 – The Bureaucracy
Chapter 8 (skim)
Mon., Mar 14
Chapter 9 - The Courts
Chapter 9
Wed., Mar 16
Chapter 9 - The Courts
Chapter 9
Fri., Mar 18
EXAM 3 – Ch 6,7,8,9
Mon., Mar 21
Spring Break
Wed., Mar 23
Spring Break
Fri., Mar 25
Spring Break
Mon., Mar 28
Writing Assignment #2
Chapter 10 – Public Opinion
EXAM DAY
NO CLASS
NO CLASS
DUE BY Sunday - 3/27/16 @
11:59pm
Chapter 10
Wed., Mar 30
Chapter 10 – Public Opinion
Chapter 10
Fri., Apr 1
Chapter 10 – Public Opinion
Chapter 10
Mon., Apr 4
TBD
Wed., Apr 6
TBD
Fri., Apr 8
No Class
No Class
Mon., Apr 11
Chapter 11 – Parties
Chapter 11
Wed., Apr 13
Fri., Apr 15
Chapter 11 – Parties
Chapter 11 – Parties
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Mon., Apr 18
Chapter 12 – Interest Groups
Chapter 12
Wed., Apr 20
Chapter 12 – Interest Groups
Chapter 12
Fri., Apr 22
Chapter 12 – Interest Groups
Chapter 12
Mon., Apr 25
Chapter 13 – Voting, Campaigns, and
Elections
Chapter 13 – Voting, Campaigns, and
Elections
Wed., Apr 27
Fri., Apr 29
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Mon., May 2
Chapter 13 – Voting, Campaigns, and
Elections
Chapter 14 – The Media
Wed., May 4
Chapter 14 – The Media
Chapter 14
Fri., May 6
Chapter 14 – The Media
Chapter 14
Mon., May 9
Catch-Up
Catch-Up
Wed., May 11
Last Day of Instruction
Writing Assignment #3 –
Review for Final
Due by Fri 5/13, 11:59pm
Chapter 14
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Final Exam Preparation & Faculty Consultation
Days:
Thursday and Friday
May 12-13
Final Semester Examinations
Monday-Thursday
May 16 -19
Final Exam in this course:
MWF 10am
Wed, May 18
11am
MWF 11am
Mon, May 16
11am
University Policies
Students with Disabilities:
Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will
receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact
Services to Students with Disabilities in the Henry Madden Library, Room 1202 (278-2811).
Honor Code:
“Members of the Fresno State academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity
and mutual respect while engaged in university work and related activities.” You should:
a) understand or seek clarification about expectations for academic integrity in this course
(including no cheating, plagiarism and inappropriate collaboration)
b) neither give nor receive unauthorized aid on examinations or other course work that is
used by the instructor as the basis of grading.
c) take responsibility to monitor academic dishonesty in any form and to report it to the
instructor or other appropriate official for action.
Academic Dishonesty:
Students are expected to do their own work on writing assignments and during exams.
Academic dishonesty of any type, including plagiarism, cheating, and/or sharing test
questions/answers with other students will not be tolerated and will be reported. Please see
university policies on cheating and plagiarism at:
http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/conduct/cheating.html. The University
honor code is available at:
http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/division/general/univhonor.html.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
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Cheating is the actual or attempted practice of fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of
improving one's grade or obtaining course credit; such acts also include assisting another student
to do so. Typically, such acts occur in relation to examinations. However, it is the intent of this
definition that the term 'cheating' not be limited to examination situations only, but that it include
any and all actions by a student that are intended to gain an unearned academic advantage by
fraudulent or deceptive means. Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating which consists of the
misuse of the published and/or unpublished works of others by misrepresenting the material (i.e.,
their intellectual property) so used as one's own work." Penalties for cheating and plagiarism
range from a 0 or F on a particular assignment, through an F for the course, to expulsion from the
university. For more information on the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism,
refer to the Class Schedule (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) or the University Catalog
(Policies and Regulations).
Plagiarism Detection:
The campus subscribes to TurnItIn and the SafeAssign plagiarism prevention service through
Blackboard, and you will need to submit written assignments to TurnItIn. Your work will be
used for plagiarism detection and for no other purpose. TurnItIn Originality Reports will be
available for your viewing. If you would like to opt out of using TurnItIn to submit your writing
assignment, please see the instructor. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
and sufficient need must be demonstrated.
Computers:
"At California State University, Fresno, computers and communications links to remote
resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every
student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation
(including a modem and a printer) with all the recommended software. The minimum and
recommended standards for the workstations and software, which may vary by academic major,
are updated periodically and are available from Information Technology Services or the
University Bookstore (http://www.kennelbookstore.com). In the curriculum and class
assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a computer workstation and the
necessary communication links to the University's information resources."
Disruptive Classroom Behavior:
"The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote
learning and growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of
others seeking to learn, respect for the professionalism of the instructor, and the general goals of
academic freedom are maintained. Differences of viewpoint or concerns should be expressed in
terms which are supportive of the learning process, creating an environment in which students
and faculty may learn to reason with clarity and compassion, to share of themselves without
losing their identities, and to develop an understanding of the community in which they live.
Student conduct which disrupts the learning process shall not be tolerated and may lead to
disciplinary action and/or removal from class."
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