PS 1010 (03 & 07)
Spring 2011
Phone: 908-737-3992/3990
Introduction to Politics
Dr. Charles Kelly
Office Hours: M – 9:30 – 11:00 AM, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
T – 11:00 AM– 1:00 PM
W – 2:00 – 4:00 - PM
Th. 10:00 – 11:00 AM
In the event of misplacing your syllabus, lecture notes, and or notebook
questions/guideline, you can acquire an additional copy off my web page.
http://www.kean.edu/~ckelly.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to present systematically to the student approaches
to politics as an organizing principle in the larger social community and as a way of life.
Student will be introduced to the concepts, terminology, problems, and analytical
approaches in the field of Political Science.
Objectives of the Course:
1. To introduce the student to the study of political science the scope of the discipline
and the problems which characterize the study of government.
2. To provide a firm foundation for understanding politics.
3. To enhance the student’s appreciation of the political process.
Required Texts: (Available at the campus bookstore)
Magstadt, Thomas M. Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues, 8th Edition,
(New York: Cengage Learning). ISBN# 0-534-60381-5 (List price $150.95)
Course Requirements:
In addition to the assigned readings, students are required to answer essay questions and
keep notebooks (see attached questions/guideline). There will be two non-cumulative exams
based on reading material and class lectures. The exams and notebook are weighed equally, i.e.
1/3 of your final exam. No substitute work is allowed.
Dates to Remember:
January 24
Last day to WD with 100% refund
January 31 Last day to WD with 75% refund
February 7 Last day to declare course as audit
February 7 Last day to WD with 50% refund or P/F
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March 11 Last day to withdraw with W grade
Students are responsible for becoming familiar with, and will be held accountable for, the Kean
University Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Code of Conduct. The Academic Integrity
Policy is available at www.kean.edu/forms/AcademicIntegrity,pdf or the Web site for The guide
at www.kean.edu/publications/TheGuide2007.pdf., and the Student Code of Conduct is available
at www.kean.edu/~conduct or the Web site for The Guide at
www.kean.edu/publications/Theguide2007.pdf.
Weekly Reading Assignments:
Jan. 17 - 24
Introduction
Magstadt, Chapters 1 & 2
Jan. 31
Politics & Utopias
Magstadt, Chapter 3
Feb. 7
Constitutional Democracy
Magstadt, Chapter 4
Feb. 14
Authoritarian States
Magstadt, Chapter 5
Feb. 21
Totalitarian States
Magstadt, Chapter 6
Feb. 28
Parliamentary Democracy
Magstadt, Ch. 7
March 7
States In Transition
Magstadt, Ch. 8
March 7 & 8
Mid-Term Exam(02) & (03)
March 14 – 20
Spring Recess
March 14
Developing Countries
Magstadt, Ch. 9
March 21
Political Socialization
Magstadt, Ch. 10
March 28
Political Participation
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Magstadt, Ch. 11
April 4
Political Leadership
Magstadt, Ch. 12
April 11
Revolution & Terrorism
Chapters 14 & 15
April 18
War
Magstadt, Ch. 16
April 27
Exam Review
May 2
Final Exam
Notebooks are due
All students are required to take the exams and present proposals on dates specified. Please note
that “INC” grades will not be given simply because a student fails to complete the course. There
must be a compelling rationale in terms of illness or other severe problems beyond the student’s
control for missing an exam or schedule deadline. In such a case it is the RESPONSIBILITY of
the student to initiate the request for a make-up exam or for an extension of a deadline. The
student MUST initiate this request immediately upon discovering that he/she will not be able to
meet the above requirement. FAILURE to get EXPLICIT (in writing) PERMISSION to miss
an exam or deadline will result in grade of failure.
A. All students are expected to be on time for class, stay for the entire class period and leave
when excused or when the class is dismissed. If students need to leave class during class
period, he or she shall speak to me as soon as possible (preferably before class begins) as
to the necessity.
B. In class, please turn off the “Audible Alert” of cell-phones and pagers.
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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
Spring 2011
PS 1010 Essay Questions
Dr. Charles Kelly
Weeks of January 17 – February 7
1. On what three fundamental concepts is the study of politics based?
2. What can the study of utopian thought teach us about politics in the contemporary world?
3. What general characteristics must constitutional democracies posess to serve the public
good?
Weeks of February 7 - 21
1. Summarize the six myths that surround authoritarian governments. What are the fallacies
associated with these myths?
2. What are the basic characteristics of the totalitarian system of rule? (
3. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of parliamentary versus presidential rule.
Weeks of February 21 – March 7
1. “One of the most important questions facing Russia today is whether it can become a
stable democracy,” comment on the problems of transition facing Russia today.
2. What are the barriers to development? Why do nations seek modernization?
3. What factors influence the political socialization of citizens?
Weeks of March 7 – April 4
1. What are the different forms of electoral systems? Contrast their advantages and
disadvantages?
2. How can political leaders be classified? Explain the differences between the various
categories.
3. What are the similarities and differences between revolutionary communism and
democratic socialism?
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Weeks of April 4 - 25
1. What theories have been advanced to explain revolutions?
2. What obstacles stand in the way of an effective counterterrorist policy?
3. Into what general categories do most explanations of the ultimate causes of war fall?
Students should answer the above questions from the chapters in parentheses. The answers
should be in essay form at least a page in length from your notebook for each question. Write
each question before answering it. Answers need not be typed but should be clearly written.
Notebooks are due on Monday May 2 for Section 02 and Tuesday May 3 for Section 3. Treat
this assignment as an exam. You are to work alone and will be evaluated as if this assignment
was a take-home examination. Students who submit someone else’s work as their own risk
failure, suspension and/or possible dismissal for plagiarism. AVOID LISTING concepts and/or
phrases as your answers. Answers should be in sentences and paragraphs.
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