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POLS 2101 A
Introduction to Political Science
Fall Semester 2014
Tuesday and Thursday 8:30AM – 9:45AM
Allgood Hall E157
Instructor: Dr. Lance Hunter
Office: Allgood Hall E310
Office Hours: Tuesday11:30AM-2:00PM; Thursday 11:30AM-2:00PM; and by appointment
Phone: 706-667-4420
E-mail: lahunter@gru.edu; hunter.lance@gmail.com
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of political science. The
course will focus on issues including the role of political institutions, what they do, and how they
affect citizens. The emphasis throughout the course will be on politics (i.e., who gets what,
when, and how). In addition, the course will focus on some of the major debates within politics
(e.g., what is the role of government in society, how should a free society be governed, how does
culture affect politics). If you are a political science major, the course will provide the necessary
background for more advanced courses in the field. If you are not a major, the course will
inform you about how government functions in the United States as well as in other countries.
Learning Outcomes and Assessments:
After completing this course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the basic functions of government.
Method of Assessment: Exam I, Exam II, Final Exam, Debate Performance and Debate
Paper
2. Describe the major institutions of government.
Method of Assessment: Exam I, Exam II, Final Exam, Debate Performance and Debate
Paper
3. Describe the differing viewpoints regarding the role of government is society.
Method of Assessment: Exam I, Exam II, Final Exam, Debate Performance and Debate
Paper
4. Describe the disparate viewpoints regarding the ideal model of democratic governance.
Method of Assessment: Exam I, Exam II, Final Exam, Debate Performance and Debate
Paper
5. Describe the major theories within international relations.
Method of Assessment: Exam I, Exam II, Final Exam, Debate Performance and Debate
Paper
6. Identify some of the methods and questions that distinguish this academic discipline's
approach to knowledge.
Method of Assessment: Debate Paper
7. Apply appropriate methods and questions to analyze a primary source or specific problem and
explain its meaning.
Method of Assessment: Debate Paper
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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Textbooks:
I have assigned 2 textbooks for the semester. The textbooks are available at the local bookstores.
1. Van Belle, Douglas A. 2012. A Novel Approach to Politics: Introducing Political
Science through Books, Movies, and Popular Culture (3rd Edition). DC, Washington.
CQ Press. ISBN: 9781452218229
2. McKenna, George and Stanley Feingold. 2013. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on
Political Issues (18th Edition). NY, New York: McGraw – Hill. ISBN: 9780078050329
Students should complete the assigned readings that are listed for each given date before coming
to class. In the assigned readings section of the syllabus, NAP refers to the text (A Novel
Approach to Politics) and Taking Sides refers to (Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Political
Issues). In addition to the assigned texts and readings listed, I will post articles and book
chapters on Desire2Learn that will be required reading as well. Due to the nature of the class,
readings may be eliminated or added based on the amount of material covered in class. Changes
in the reading schedule will be discussed in class and posted on Desire2Learn. Thus, you should
check Desire2Learn on a regular basis. Please try and complete the required readings before
class.1
Grading
The grading in this class will be a function of 4 main components: exams (two regular exams
and a final exam), a debate, a debate paper, and participation.
Exams: 3 Exams (100 Points Each)
There will be three exams throughout the course. There will be two regular exams and a final
exam. Each exam, including the final exam, will consist of multiple-choice, short answer and
essay questions. Each exam will be worth 100 points. The final exam will be cumulative and
will focus on material covered throughout the course.2
Participation
There will be 100 points to be assigned for class attendance and participation. The points will be
assigned based on attendance to all class sessions as well as the quality of involvement in class
discussions. Participation includes suggesting new ideas, offering your perspectives, and/or
follow-up questions to on-going discussions as well as completion of assigned class
projects/activities. It requires that students not only offer a point of view on a particular topic,
but that they also offer substantive comments based on their understanding of the readings and/or
the issues that are discussed.
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The reading load may vary by week, so prepare accordingly. The assigned readings may be altered at any time by
the instructor for any reason.
2
In the event of an unforeseen emergency a make-up exam may be possible in extreme cases. Should an
unexpected event occur, you MUST contact me within 24 hours of the exam and provide appropriate documentation
for your inability to take the exam. The instructor retains sole discretion in granting a make-up exam.
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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NOTE: While attending all class sessions does not guarantee earning all the 100 points (quality
participation is also required), missing class, disrupting class, coming to class late, and/or leaving
class early will result in losing participation points and being dropped from the class.
Attendance: Much of the course materials will be covered during class lectures, discussions, and
exercises. Students are therefore expected to attend all class sessions. It is the responsibility of
students who are absent from class, come to class late and/or leave class early to make the
necessary arrangement for obtaining missed lecture notes, handouts, assignments,
announcements, etc.
The university policy allows professors to unilaterally drop students who miss excessive class
periods. Students who miss more than THREE (3) class sessions (irrespective of the cause) prior
to mid-term (October 13th, 2014) will be dropped from the course. Overall, students who miss
FIVE (5) class sessions throughout the semester will be dropped from the course. Attendance
will be taken at the beginning of each class and students who are late to class (at least 5 minutes
after the beginning of the class session) will be considered absent.
In addition, this course is a hybrid course. Meaning, classes will be conducted in-person as well
as online. You will need to complete online class assignments on their respective due dates in
order to receive the maximum amount of participation points.
Debate Performance: 50 Points
Another component of students’ grades will be based on a series of debates regarding the major
theories and concepts discussed in class. Each student will sign up for one topic and side of the
debate they desire, and each students may or may not have a partner during the debate depending
on the debate topic they choose. The debates will focus on the issues discussed in class that are
displayed in the course syllabus, and students will be allowed to supplement readings from the
course with material from outside of class to use in their debate. The debate topics that are
available to choose from will be discussed in class. The debates will last approximately 40-50
minutes and each side will have a chance to present their arguments and respond to the
arguments presented by the other side. In regards to the debate, students will be evaluated based
on: how well they discuss the literature regarding their chosen position, critique the existing
arguments related to the topic (explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each argument) and
offer a persuasive argument for why their position is most appropriate. More details regarding
the debate will be discussed in class. The debate performance is worth 50 points.
Debate Paper: 50 Points
In addition to the debate, each student will write their own debate paper (3-4 pages in length)
prior to the debate describing their positions and the arguments they intend on addressing during
the debate. In regards to the debate and debate paper, students will be evaluated based on: how
well they detail the literature regarding their chosen position, critique the existing arguments
related to the topic (explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each argument) and offer a
persuasive argument for why their position is most appropriate. More details regarding the
debate and debate paper will be discussed in class. A hard copy of the debate paper is due in
class on the day of the student’s debate performance. Electronic copies will not be accepted for
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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any reason. The debate paper should be between 3 – 4 pages in length, double spaced, 12-point
font, and with APSA citation and reference style.3 The debate paper is worth 50 points.
Written Papers:
All class papers should be typed using the following specifications:
 Times New Roman font with regular style and size 12
 Number all pages, except the cover page
 One-inch margin at all sides of page
 Double space all content, except direct quotations longer than three lines
 Utilize APSA Author-Date citations style (Refer to the Writer’s Manual, Chapter 8)
Extra Credit
There may be opportunities for extra credit assignments during the course of the semester. The
extra credit opportunities will be available to only those students that attend class on days in
which extra credit assignments are discussed or assigned. Students that are not present on the
days in which extra credit opportunities are assigned will not be allowed to receive extra credit
for the given extra credit assignments. In addition, there is no guarantee that extra credit
opportunities will be available during the course of the semester.
Grade Summary
Assignment
Exam I
Exam II
Final Exam
Debate Performance
Debate Paper
Participation
Total
Final Grade = 2 Regular Exams + Final Exam
+ Debate Performance + Debate Paper +
Participation
Points
100
100
100
50
50
100
500
500 Possible Points for the Course
Based on the assignments listed above the grading scale is as follows:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
≥ 450 points
≥ 400 points
≥ 350 points
≥ 300 points
< 300 points
Class Decorum
Every person in class is expected to behave professionally. Each person is responsible for all of
the readings and material covered in class even if you do not attend class. Also, please arrive to
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Please see this link for APSA guidelines: http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocAPSA.html
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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class on time. Assignments should be turned in when they are due. Late assignments will not be
accepted.4
I expect each class member to treat his/her fellow class members with respect during class
discussions and debates. Personal attacks will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Doing
so will result in removal from the class. Also, students disrupting class will be removed.
ADA Compliance and Disability Statement
Any student who, because of a disability may require special arrangements in order to meet the
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary
arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services
to the instructor. Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom
accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has
been provided. Students with any form of physical, emotional and/or learning impairment
requiring accommodation should inform the instructor and contact the Testing and Disability
Services at: 706-737-1469.
Academic Misconduct
The university regulations regarding academic dishonesty including (but not limited to) cheating,
plagiarism and credential misrepresentation will be strictly enforced. Plagiarism includes but not
limited to the presentation of ideas, words, techniques, etc of someone without properly
acknowledging the source. Further information on academic dishonesty and the penalties that go
with it is available from the ASU Catalog under Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Academic Honesty
Definition: Academic honesty requires the presentation for evaluation and credit of one’s own
work, not the work of others. In general, academic honesty according to University regulations
excludes:
1. Cheating on an examination of any type: giving or receiving, offering or soliciting
information on any examination. This includes the following:
a. Copying from another student’s paper.
b. Use of prepared materials, notes, or texts other than those specifically permitted by the
instructor during the examination.
c. Collaboration with another student during an examination.
d. Buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, or transmitting an examination or any other
material purported to be the unreleased contents of an upcoming examination, or the use
of any such material.
e. Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing such substitution for
oneself.
f. Bribery of any person to obtain examination information.
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Late assignments will not be accepted under most circumstances. In the event of an unforeseen family or medical
emergency students may turn in late assignments if the appropriate documentation is provided. The instructor
retains sole discretion in determining whether to accept late assignments. Also, grade deductions may be applied to
assignments that are turned in late.
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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2. Plagiarism is the failure to acknowledge indebtedness. It is always assumed that the
written work offered for evaluation and credit is the student’s own unless otherwise
acknowledged. Such acknowledgment should occur whenever one quotes another
person’s actual works; whenever one appropriates another person’s ideas, opinions, or
theories, even if they are paraphrased; and whenever one borrows facts, statistics, or other
illustrative materials unless the information is common knowledge.
3. Collusion is collaboration with another person in the preparation or editing of notes,
themes, reports, or other written work or in laboratory work offered for evaluation and
credit, unless such collaboration is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
4. Credential misrepresentation is the use of false or misleading statements in order to
gain admission to Augusta State University. It also involves the use of false or misleading
statements in an effort to obtain employment or college admission elsewhere, while one
is enrolled at Augusta State University.
Schedule of Readings and Assignments
(* Indicates reading posted on Desire2Learn)
Week 1 (August 18 - 22): Introduction
Readings
Tuesday 8/19:
Introduction
Thursday 8/21:
NAP Chapter 1 (Introducing the Ancient Debate: The Ideal versus the
Real) pages 1 – 20
Week 2 (August 25 - 29): The Ideal versus the Real and the Defining Features of
Government
Readings
Tuesday 8/26:
NAP Chapter 1 (Introducing the Ancient Debate: The Ideal versus the
Real) pages 20 – 39
Thursday 8/28:
NAP Chapter 2 (Why Government: Security, Anarchy and Basic Group
Dynamics) pages 40 – 52
Week 3 (September 1 - 5): The Defining Features of Government and Governing Society
Readings
Tuesday 9/2:
NAP Chapter 2 (Why Government: Security, Anarchy and Basic Group
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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Dynamics) pages 53 – 66
Debate Topic Selection
Thursday 9/4:
NAP Chapter 3 (Governing Society: We Know Who You Are), pages 68
– 80
Week 4 (September 8 - 12): Governing Society and the Economy
Readings
Tuesday 9/9:
NAP Chapter 3 (Governing Society We Know Who You Are), pages 80 –
89
Thursday 9/11:
NAP Chapter 4 (Government’s Role in the Economy: The Offer You
Can’t Refuse) pages 92 – 101
Week 5 (September 15– 19): Government and the Economy and Debate #1
Readings
Tuesday 9/16:
NAP Chapter 4 (Government’s Role in the Economy: The Offer You
Can’t Refuse) pages 101 – 118
Thursday 9/18:
Taking Sides (Is Bigger Government Better Government?) pages 39 – 54;
Debate #1
Week 6 (September 22 – 26): Debate #2 and Exam I
Readings
Tuesday 9/23:
Taking Sides (Are Americans Overtaxed?) pages 218 – 232;
Debate #2
Thursday 9/25:
Exam I
Week 7 (September 29 – October 3): The Executive and Debate #3
Readings
Tuesday 9/30:
NAP Chapter 6 (The Executive) pages 146 – 170
Thursday 10/2:
Taking Sides (Should the President be Allowed Executive Privilege?)
pages 144 – 160;
Debate #3
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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Week 8 (October 6 – 10): Debate #4 and The Legislative Function
Readings
Tuesday 10/7:
Taking Sides (Does the President Have Unilateral War Powers?) pages 71
– 90; Debate #4
Thursday 10/9:
NAP Chapter 7 (The Confederacy of Dunces: The Legislative Function)
pages 171 – 185
Week 9 (October 13 – 17): The Legislative Function and Debate #5
Tuesday 10/14:
NAP Chapter 7 (The Confederacy of Dunces: The Legislative Function)
pages 185– 201
Thursday 10/16:
Taking Sides (Is Congress a Dysfunctional Institution?) pages 108 – 126;
Debate #5
Week 10 (October 20 – 24): The Democratic Ideal and the Media
Tuesday 10/21:
NAP Chapter 10 (The Democratic Ideal in Modern Politics) pages 258 –
267, 279 – 280
Thursday 10/23:
NAP Chapter 11 (Media, Politics and Government) pages 283– 312
Week 11 (October 27 – 31): Exam II
Tuesday 10/28:
Exam II
Thursday 10/30:
Online Class Day (No Class: Model UN - DC)
Week 12 (November 3 - 7): International Politics
Tuesday 11/4:
Online Class Day
Read: NAP Chapter 12 (International Politics) pages 313 – 328
Thursday 11/6:
NAP Chapter 12 (International Politics) pages 328 – 349
Week 13 (November 10 – 14): Debate #6 and Debate #7
Tuesday 11/11:
Taking Sides (Do We Need to Curb Global Warming?) pages 345 - 370;
Debate #6
Thursday 11/13:
Online Class Day (No Class - GPSA)
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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Week 14 (November 17 – 21): Debate #7 and Debate #8
Tuesday 11/18:
Taking Sides (Is Indefinite Detention of Suspected Terrorists Justified?)
pages 329 – 344; Debate #7
Thursday 11/20:
Taking Sides (Is Warrantless Wiretapping Ever Justified to Protect
National Security?) pages 371 – 386; Debate #8
Week 15 (November 24 – 28): Political Culture
Tuesday 11/25:
NAP Chapter 14 (Political Culture) pages 353 - 374
Thursday 11/27:
Thanksgiving Break
Week 16 (December 1 – 5): Debate #9 and Debate #10
Tuesday 12/2:
Taking Sides (Should There be a Wall of Separation between Church and
State) pages 269 - 290); Debate #9
Thursday 12/4:
Taking Sides (Should “Recreational” Drugs be Legalized?) pages 308 –
327; Debate # 10;
Last Day of Class; Catch Up and Review
Final Exam - Tuesday, December 9th (Allgood Hall E157) (7:00AM – 9:00AM)
Important Class Dates
Thursday, September 25th:
Exam I in Class
Tuesday, October 28th:
Exam II in Class
Tuesday, December 9th:
Final Exam in Class (Allgood E157) (7:00AM – 9:00AM)
Important Administrative Dates
August 20, Wednesday

Last day to add a course
September 1, Monday

Labor Day – No Classes
October 13, Monday

Fall Midterm (Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty Grade)
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014
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October 17, Friday

Fall Pause - No Classes
November 26 - 30, Wednesday - Sunday

Thanksgiving Break - No Classes
December 5, Friday

Last day of classes
December 9, Tuesday (7:00AM – 9:00AM)

Final Exam
I have the right to modify this syllabus as needed based on the progress of class or special
situations. Any modifications will be announced in class. Students are responsible for
keeping up with any announced changes.
POLS 2101-A: Introduction to Political Science
Georgia Regents University, Fall Semester 2014