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POLS 1101 – Honors
Introduction to American Government
Fall Semester 2014
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00AM – 11:15AM
University Hall 219
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 institutions and processes of American
(federal) and Georgia governments, what they are, what they do, and how they affect citizens.
The emphasis throughout the course will be on politics (who gets what, when, and how). If you
are a Political Science major, the course will provide the necessary background for more
advanced courses in American politics. If you are not a major, the course will inform you about
how the U.S. and Georgia governments function. In addition, this is an Honors course.
Subsequently, additional emphasis will be placed on developing knowledge, communication, and
professionalism as they relate to political science.
Knowledge:
By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge regarding the
powers and limitations of the major political institutions of American government including:
congress, the presidency, and the courts - and how they are integrated into one political system.
Students should also be able to describe how these institutions respond to demands from the
public through elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media. Furthermore, students
should develop an understanding of the Georgia state government and its constitution, and how it
differs from the federal government and the U.S. constitution.
Communication:
By the end of the semester students should be able to communicate with their peers, classmates,
professors, and the larger community regarding their political ideas and beliefs. Throughout the
course, students will have the opportunity to express their opinions on numerous topics
pertaining to the Georgia and U.S. government. Students will be able to express their ideas and
knowledge through class discussions, debates, and written assignments. Also, students should
understand the importance of discussing political issues in a polite and respectful manner.
Professionalism:
By the end of the semester students should understand the professional opportunities that exist
within the discipline of political science. Students should also have an understanding of the
academic sub-fields within political science (i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics,
International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration). In addition, students
should understand the importance of acting professionally (e.g., dressing, speaking, and
behaving appropriately) in academic and professional settings.
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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Learning Outcomes and Assessments:
After completing this course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the functions of the three branches of the U.S. government.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
American/Georgia Government Exam
2. Describe the role of the U.S. constitution in our political system.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
American/Georgia Government Exam
3. Describe the major factors affecting political participation in the U.S.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
American/Georgia Government Exam
4. Describe the role of political parties and interest groups in the U.S. political system.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
American/Georgia Government Exam
5. Be able to describe and demonstrate the origins and evolution of the U.S. and Georgia
Constitutions and political systems.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
American/Georgia Government Exam
6. Demonstrate understanding of the Georgia state government and its constitution, and how it
differs from the federal government and constitution.
Method of Assessment: American/Georgia Government Exam
7. Identify some of the methods and questions that distinguish this academic discipline's
approach to knowledge.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, and Response Paper 3
and Debate Performance
8. Apply appropriate methods and questions to analyze a primary source or specific problem and
explain its meaning.
Method of Assessment: Response Paper 1, Response Paper 2, Response Paper 3, and
Debate Performance
Textbooks:
I have assigned 2 textbooks for the semester. The textbooks are available at the local bookstores.
1. Barbour, Christine and Gerald C. Wright. 2012. Keeping the Republic: The Essentials (5th
Edition). DC, Washington: CQ Press. ISBN: 978-1-60871-005-8
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, KTR refers to the text (Keeping the
Republic). 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
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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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 5 main components: response papers (three),
quizzes, one exam, one debate, and participation.
American/Georgia Government Exam: 25 Points
There will be an exam over issues pertaining to the American government and Georgia
government. The exam date is not flexible.2 The American/Georgia Government Exam will be
worth 25 points.
Quizzes: 75 Points
There will be a number of quizzes over the course of the semester. The quizzes will be over
course readings as well as material covered in class. 75 points will be assigned for quizzes.
Attendance and Participation: 100 Points
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.
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
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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 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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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: 100 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 students may or may not have a debate 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 100
points.
Response Papers: (3) - 100 Points Each
During the course of the semester students will turn in three response papers that cover topics
that will be discussed during the course. The response papers will be worth 100 points each.
Each response papers should be between 3-4 pages in length, double spaced, 12-point font with
APSA citation and reference style.3 A hard copy of the response paper is due in class on the
assigned due date listed in the course syllabus. Electronic copies will not be accepted for any
reason. The topics for each short paper will be distributed one week before the assigned due
date. The response paper is an opportunity for students to think critically in respect to issues that
are discussed in class while offering their insights and opinions regarding the course material.
More details regarding the topics for the response papers and the grading criteria for the response
papers will be discussed in class the first week of the course.
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)
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Please see this link for APSA guidelines: http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocAPSA.html
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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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
Response Paper 1
Response Paper 2
Response Paper 3
Debate Performance
Quizzes
Participation
American/Georgia Government Exam
Total
Final Grade = 3 Response Papers + Debate
Performance + Quizzes + Participation +
American/Georgia Government Exam
Points
100
100
100
100
75
100
25
600
600 Possible Points for the Course
Based on the assignments listed above the grading scale is as follows:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
≥ 540 points
≥ 480 points
≥ 420 points
≥ 360 points
< 360 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
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.
University Policies
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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 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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Below are university policies concerning accommodations for students with disabilities, course
withdrawals, academic honesty, and observance of religious holidays.
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.
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.
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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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 Georgia Regents University.
Schedule of Readings and Assignments
(* Indicates reading posted on Desire2Learn)
Week 1 (August 18 - 22): Introduction, and Democratic Origins
Readings
Tuesday 8/19:
Introduction
Thursday 8/21:
Politics: Who Gets What, and How?
KTR Chapter 1
Week 2 (August 25 - 29): American Citizens, Political Culture and Debate #1
Readings
Tuesday 8/26:
American Citizens and Political Culture
KTR Chapter 2;
Taking Sides (Labels and Alignments in American Politics) pages xxiv –
xxxii;
Thursday 8/28:
Taking Sides (Is Bigger Government Better Government?) pages 39 - 53;
Debate #1
Week 3 (September 1 - 5): Politics of the American Founding and Debate #2
Readings
Tuesday 9/2:
Politics of the American Founding
KTR Chapter 3
Thursday 9/4:
Taking Sides (Should Americans Believe in a Unique American
"Mission"?) pages 2 - 19;
Debate #2
Week 4 (September 8 – 12): Federalism and Fundamental American Liberties
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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Readings
Tuesday 9/9:
Federalism and the U.S. Constitution
KTR 4
Thursday 9/11:
Fundamental American Liberties
KTR 5;
Response Paper #1 Due in Class
Week 5 (September 15– 19): Fundamental American Liberties and Debate #3
Readings
Tuesday 9/16:
Fundamental American Liberties
KTR 5
Thursday 9/18:
Taking Sides (Should There Be a "Wall of Separation" Between Church
and State) pages 269 - 290;
Debate #3
Week 6 (September 22 – 26): Debate #4 and Equal Rights
Readings
Tuesday 9/23:
Taking Sides (Is Warrantless Wiretapping Ever Justified to Protect
National Security?) pages 371 – 386;
Debate #4
Thursday 9/25:
Equal Rights
KTR 6
Week 7 (September 29 – October 3): Debate #5 and Debate #6
Readings
Tuesday 9/30:
Taking Sides (Is Indefinite Detention of Suspected Terrorists Justified?)
pages 329 – 344;
Debate #5
Thursday 10/2:
Taking Sides (Is American Becoming More Unequal?) pages 233 - 251;
Debate #6
Week 8 (October 6 – 10): Congress and Debate #7
Readings
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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Tuesday 10/7:
Congress
KTR 7
Thursday 10/9:
Taking Sides (Is Congress a Dysfunctional Institution?) pages 108 – 126;
Debate #7;
Response Paper #2 Due in Class
Week 9 (October 13 – 17): The Presidency and Debate #8
Tuesday 10/14:
The Presidency
KTR 8
Thursday 10/16:
Taking Sides (Does the President Have Unilateral War Powers?) pages 71
– 90;
Debate #8
Week 10 (October 20 – 24): The American Legal System and Debate #9
Tuesday 10/21:
The American Legal System and the Courts
KTR 10
Thursday 10/23:
Taking Sides (Should the Court Seek the "Original Meaning" of the
Constitution) pages 91 - 107; Debate #9
Week 11 (October 27 – 31): Political Parties
Tuesday 10/28:
Political Parties
KTR 12
Thursday 10/30:
Online Class Day (No Class: Model UN - DC)
Week 12 (November 3 – 7): Interest Groups
Tuesday 11/4:
Online Class Day
*Georgia Constitution Reading
Thursday 11/6:
Interest Groups
KTR 13
Week 13 (November 10 – 14): Debate #10
Tuesday 11/11:
Taking Sides (Do Corporations Have the Same Free Speech Rights as
Persons?) pages 291 - 307);
Debate #10
Thursday 11/13:
Online Class Day (No Class - GPSA)
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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Week 14 (November 17 - 21): Public Opinion, and Voting, Campaigns and Elections
Tuesday 11/18:
Public Opinion
KTR 11
Thursday 11/20:
Voting, Campaigns and Elections
KTR 14
Week 15 (November 24 - 28): Voting, Campaigns and Elections
Tuesday 11/25:
Voting, Campaigns and Elections
KTR 14
Thursday 11/27:
Thanksgiving Break
Week 16 (December 1 - 5): The Media
Tuesday 12/2:
The Media
KTR 15
Thursday 12/4:
American/Georgia Government Exam;
Last Day of Class
Final Exam - Thursday, December 11th (University Hall 219) (10:00AM – 12:00PM)
Important Class Dates
Tuesday, September 11th:
Response Paper I Due in Class
Tuesday, October 9th:
Response Paper II Due in Class
Thursday, December 4th:
American/Georgia Government Exam in Class
Thursday, December 11th:
Response Paper III Due in Class (University Hall 219)
(10:00 AM – 12:00PM)
Important Administrative Dates
August 20, Wednesday

Last day to add a course
September 1, Monday

Labor Day – No Classes
POLS 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014
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October 13, Monday

Fall Midterm (Last Day to Withdraw Without Penalty Grade)
October 17, Friday

Fall Pause - No Classes
November 26 - 30, Wednesday - Sunday

Thanksgiving Break - No Classes
December 5, Friday

Last day of classes
December 11, Thursday (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

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 1101-Honors: Introduction to American Government
Georgia Regents University, Spring Semester 2014