POLS 1101
Instructor: Charles Burchfield, Ph.D.
University of North Georgia
American Government
3 Credit Hours
I.
II.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Instructor's Name: Charles Burchfield, Ph.D.
Office Room Number: Classroom.
Office Hours: Before and After Class.
TEXT AND OTHER MATERIALS: American Government: Power and
Purpose, 13th Edition. Lowi, Ginsberg, Shepsle, and Ansolabehere
III.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An intensive examination of the Constitution and the three governmental
branches. The course includes a study of the national government in its relation to
the states. Examples from the government of Georgia are included.
IV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (EXPECTED OUTCOMES)
By the time students have finished this course, they should be able to:
1. Analyze the interaction of political actors and institutions in the United States
and their interactions with global actors and forces.
2. Analyze the historical and philosophical roots of America’s system of
government and the Constitution.
3. Formulate and defend logical arguments in discussing a variety of
contemporary political issues.
4. Examine the effects of cultural differences and economic interests of political
actors within the United States and between the United States and other global
actors.
5. Assess the accuracy, completeness and potential bias of sources of
information pertaining to politics and government in the U.S. and world.
V.
COURSE CALENDAR:
1. Week 1: Course Introduction and a discussion on Chapter 1: “The Five
Principles of Politics.”
2. Week 2: Chapter 2: “Constructing a Government: The Founding and the
Constitution.”
3. Week 3: Chapter 2: “Constructing a Government: The Founding and the
Constitution.”
4. Week 4: Chapter 3- “Federalism and the Separation of Powers”.
5. Weeks 5: Chapters 4: “Civil Rights”
6. Week 6: - “Civil Liberties”.
7. Week 7: Exam 1
8. Week 8: Chapters 6: “Congress”,
9. Week 9: Chapter 6 – “Congress”.
10. Week 10-11: - “The Executive Branch”
11. Week 12 - “The Federal Courts”.
12. Week 13: Exam 2.
13. Week 14: Exam 3--Media Analysis Assignment: Students will submit an
analysis paper between 500-750 words. The paper will address the following
questions based on an article assigned to the class.
14. Week 15: Class presentations of papers and review for Final Exam.
All dates are approximations. The teacher reserves the right to modify this
schedule as he sees fit. Each exam counts for 25% of your final course grade.
VI.
COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance is strongly encouraged, but absences do not affect the final grade
Make-up information: You must let the professor know if you will miss or be late
on an assignment. Missed work will require an extra paper in lieu of the
assignment missed or the professor may decide to double the value of another
assignment.
Disruptive Behaviors in Class: Class participation is strongly encouraged.
However, discussions should remain civil and respect for other members of the
classroom community is expected.
Please consult the Student Handbook:
http://ung.edu/student-involvement/_uploads/files/studenthandbook/UNG_Handbook.swf
VII.
VIII.
COURSE GRADING
There will be a 500-750 word essay and three exams. Each assignment will
account for 25% of the grade.
SUPPLEMENTAL COURSE INFORMATION
Student Disability Services
Please see the following link for information:
http://ung.edu/academic-affairs/policies-andguidelines/supplemental-syllabus.php
Academic Integrity Policy:
University of North Georgia’s honor policy is below:
“On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth,
conspire to deceive, or tolerate those who do.”
See the link below to the student handbook, beginning on page 33, for
information and policies regarding plagiarism.
http://ung.edu/student-involvement/_uploads/files/studenthandbook/UNG_Handbook.swf
This link also outlines student code of conduct violations’ procedures and is found
on the Dean of Students website:
http://ung.edu/dean-of-students/student-code-of-conduct/index.php
Early Alert/Early Intervention Program:
“I am committed to your success in this course and at this university. I may,
therefore, refer you to other persons and/or services available to help you achieve
academic success. In turn, if you are referred, you will be expected to comply
with the referrals. Please understand that such referrals are not a form of
punishment, rather, they are intended to help you.
UNG has implemented an Early Alert/Early Intervention program. I am a
participating faculty member in the program. I may, then, refer you to other
persons and/or services at the university designed to help you achieve your
academic goals. You, in turn, will be expected to take advantage of the help
offered to you.
As your teacher I am committed to your academic success, not only in this class,
but at this university. If I feel you would benefit from some of the special
services available to students, I will make the appropriate referral. I will, further,
expect you to comply with the referral and take advantage of the services
offered.”
Statement Composed by the Recruit Back, Early/Alert Intervention Team, 2006
* (Specific details of this syllabus may be subject to change.)