POSC 225 / Section 2
U.S. Government
Spring 2020 / 4 credits
JMU Department of Political Science
Instructor:
Class Time/Place:
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Dr. David A. Jones
Tu Th 2:00-3:15pm / Miller 1101
Miller 2113
Tu 3:30-5:00pm
Wed 1:00-3:00pm
Th 9:30-11:00am
jones3da@jmu.edu
Political, social and economic processes and structures are keys to understanding the human
experience in a global community. In Cluster Four of the General Education program, students
explore issues emerging from these structures and processes within both domestic and global
contexts. They analyze various interpretations and approaches of these ideas found in diverse
cultures and societies. To complete Cluster Four, students must take one of three American
Experience courses. Each of these courses provides students with an understanding of the major
themes and concepts that structure American life today.
This Cluster Four course -- POSC 225 -- focuses on the evolution and contemporary operation of
the American political system by examining its fundamental principles and current dynamics.
Students completing this course should be able to identify, conceptualize and evaluate:
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Social and political processes and structures using quantitative and qualitative data
Key primary sources relating to American history, political institutions and society
The nature and development of the intellectual concepts that structure American political
activity
The history and operation of American democratic institutions
The history and development of American society
The history and development of American involvement in world affairs
Required Reading:
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The Logic of American Politics (9th ed.) by Samuel Kernell, Gary C. Jacobson, Thad Kousser, and
Lynn Vavreck. ISBN: 978-1-5443-2299-5
In Defense of Politicians by Stephen K. Medvic. 978-0-415-88045-9
Additional readings as assigned by instructor (see syllabus schedule)
Recommended Reading:
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On-line web sites for news organizations such as Washington Post, New York Times, Politico, Wall
Street Journal (daily)
Textbook web site (chapter summaries, quizzes, etc.): https://edge.sagepub.com/kernell9e
Course Requirements
Your final grade will be based on your performance in the following areas:
In-class essays
5
Research Workshop exercises
5
Exam 1
25
Exam 2
30
Exam 3
35
I.
Essays
At various unannounced times throughout the semester, the instructor will ask students to write – in
class – a brief essay analyzing a question raised during class discussion. These short essays must be
turned in at the end of class. One point will be deducted for each missing essay. Graded on a
pass/fail basis, the essays will not be returned to the student.
II.
Research Workshop exercises
These on-line exercises (or ‘modules’) will introduce students to conducting political analysis
through the use of quantitative data. Links to the modules and their exercises may be found on
Canvas (https://canvas.jmu.edu/). Following the schedule shown on the syllabus, student should
first (1) read the module carefully, then (2) complete the accompanying exercise. Each exercise must
be submitted electronically by 2:00pm on the date shown on the schedule; late exercises will
automatically receive a ‘0.’ For students who complete all of the exercises on time, the lowest grade
will be dropped.
III.
Exams
All three exams will consist of multiple-choice questions. Questions will draw from material
covered in the readings, class lectures and discussion, and films. The format for Exam 3 will be
similar to the other two, but it will contain as many as 20 additional questions that are
comprehensive in nature.
Film Series
To foster a richer understanding of the political topics addressed in this course, students will be
required to watch 5-6 full-length fictional or documentary films. The films will be addressed in class
discussions, in-class essays, and exam questions. In other words, students should treat the films like
reading assignments.
Students should watch films by Tuesday of the corresponding week specified on the
syllabus. All of the films may be streamed on line for a fee (usually $3.95). Some are available on
Netflix. DVD versions of most of the films will be placed on reserve in the Media Resources
Center in Carrier Library. Students who wish to watch a DVD on reserve must watch it at one of
the viewing stations in the Media Resources Center (maximum check-out time is four hours).
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General Course Policies
Class Attendance: Although class attendance is not required, absent students risk losing points for
missing in-class essays (which cannot be made up) and lecture and/or discussion material that is not
covered in the book.
Make-up exams will be allowed only under special circumstances such as medical or family
emergencies. If postponement is needed, you must notify me before the scheduled exam either by
sending me an email or leaving me a phone message (540-568-6149). No exceptions.
Electronic devices such as cell phones and smart phones must be silenced (or set to vibrate) during
class sessions. Text-messaging and web browsing are not permitted once class begins. Students
who violate these policies will be asked to shut down their device.
Email: Because many reminders and last-minute announcements will be made electronically, you
should check your JMU email account daily. The instructor will not be responsible for messages
that are unread due to over-quota email accounts or irregular checking.
Registration: Students are responsible for registering for classes and for verifying their class
schedules on My Madison. The deadline for adding a spring semester class without instructor and
academic unit head signatures is January 21st. Between January 21st and January 30th, instructor and
academic unit head signatures are required to add a class. No student will be allowed to register for a
spring semester class after January 30th.
No late withdrawals: In accordance with Political Science Department policy, students may not
drop the course after the course adjustment deadline. In other words, there will be no late
withdrawals – i.e., no WP’s or WF’s. No exceptions.
Canvas: The syllabus, handouts, and relevant readings will be posted on Canvas.
Disabilities: JMU abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, which mandate reasonable accommodations be provided for students with
documented disabilities. Please contact me early in the semester if you have a disability and require
some type of instructional and/or examination accommodations. If you have not already done so,
you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services (http://www.jmu.edu/ods/).
Honor Code: This course is governed by the JMU Honor Code. It is your responsibility to become
familiar with the honor code and the definitions of plagiarism and cheating
(http://www.jmu.edu/honor/code.shtml). Ignorance of the code does not excuse violations.
Classroom Civility will be observed by all participants at all times. This includes respect for fellow
students and the instructor, tolerance of differences, and openness to the ideas and comments of
others.
Inclusivity: This course strives to support an inclusive learning community, respecting those of all
backgrounds and beliefs. As a community, we aim to be respectful to all people regardless of race,
ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, ability, immigration or economic status, gender, sexual
orientation, or political affiliation.
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JMU Sexual Assault Policies and Resources: JMU is committed to providing a safe workplace
and learning environment free from illegal discrimination and harassment (see here for more
information). Title IX grants protection for survivors of sexual assault by requiring universities to
provide a prompt and equitable resolution of sexual violence complaints, investigate those
complaints regardless of whether or not law enforcement is involved, provide alternate housing a
comfortable distance from attackers, and provide counseling, medical, and academic support. If at
any time you feel your rights have been violated or you are witness to discrimination, harassment, or
sexual abuse or assault, please contact JMU’s Title IX office. For confidential help, please contact the
UHC Student Wellness and Outreach (540-568-6251), the Counseling Center’s Sexual Trauma
Empowerment Program (STOP), or CARE, JMU’s student-run 24/7 helpline. For more
information on JMU resources for sexual violence prevention and response, please visit:
http://www.jmu.edu/titleIX/resources/sexual-assault-resources.shtml. To learn more about JMU’s
Sexual Misconduct Policy J34-100, see the student handbook.
Other: For further discussion of university policies regarding academic honesty, add/drop, disability
services, inclement weather, and religious observances, see: www.jmu.edu/syllabus.
Course Schedule: POSC 225 Spring 2020
Important: this schedule is subject to change. The most up-to-date schedule will be available on
Canvas at all times.
WEEK 1 (1/14-1/16): Introduction
Reading:
Logic Ch. 1
WEEK 2 (1/21-1/23): The Constitution, Federalism
Reading:
Logic Chs. 2, 3
WEEK 3 (1/28-1/30): Campaigns and Elections
Reading:
Logic Ch. 11
WEEK 4 (2/4-2/6): Campaigns and Elections
Reading:
“The astonishing decline of the American swing voter,” by John Sides, Washington
Post, Nov 3, 2015: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkeycage/wp/2015/11/03/the-astonishing-decline-of-the-american-swing-voter/
Film:
Mitt
WEEK 5 (2/13): Congress
Note:
No class on Tuesday 2/11 (Assessment Day)
Reading:
Logic Ch. 6
WEEK 6 (2/18-2/20): Congress
Reading:
“What we know and don’t know about our polarized politics” by Nolan McCarty,
Washington Post Jan. 8, 2014: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkeycage/wp/2014/01/08/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-our-polarized-politics/
Film:
Knock Down the House (Netflix only)
WEEK 7 (2/25-2/27): Exam 1, The Presidency
Exam 1:
Tuesday, 2/25 (will not cover the Presidency)
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Reading:
Logic Ch. 7 (read by Thursday)
WEEK 8 (3/3-3/5): The Presidency
Reading:
“Is the Presidency Driving Us Nuts?” by Jay Cost. National Review, Jan 8:
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/455218/trump-obama-derangementsyndrome-rooted-myth-president-king
Exercise:
Research Workshop Module 1 completed by the beginning of class Th 3/5
Film:
Lincoln
WEEK 9: SPRING BREAK
WEEK 10 (3/17-3/19): The Judiciary
Reading:
Logic Ch. 9
Exercise:
Research Workshop Module 2 completed by the beginning of class Th 3/19
Film:
Recount
WEEK 11 (3/24-3/26): Civil Rights and Liberties
Reading:
Logic Ch. 4, 5
Exercise:
Research Workshop Module 3 completed by the beginning of class Th 3/26
WEEK 12 (3/31-4/2): Public Opinion
Reading:
Logic Ch. 10
“For elites, politics is driven by ideology. For voters, it’s not,” by Ezra Klein. Vox,
Nov 9, 2017: https://www.vox.com/policy-andpolitics/2017/11/9/16614672/ideology-liberal-conservatives
Exercise:
Research Workshop Module 4 completed by the beginning of class Th 4/2
Film:
Selma
WEEK 13 (4/7-4/9): Exam 2, Political Parties
Exam 2:
Tuesday, 4/7 (will not cover Political Parties)
Reading:
Logic Ch. 12 (for class on 4/9)
Exercise:
Research Workshop Module 5 completed by the beginning of class Th 4/9
WEEK 14 (4/14-4/16): Interest Groups
Reading:
Logic Ch. 13
In Defense of Politicians Ch. 1-3
WEEK 15 (4/21-4/23): The News Media
Reading:
Logic Ch. 14
Defense Ch. 4-6
“The Real Media Divide” by Markus Prior. The Washington Post (July 15 2007)
Film:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/15/AR2007071501110_pf.html
All the President’s Men
WEEK 16 (4/28-4/30): The Bureaucracy
Reading:
Logic Ch. 8
Defense Ch. 7-8
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WEEK 17: Exam Week
The final exam will be held 1:00-3:00pm on Tuesday, 5/5.
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