This is an introductory course to the complex social and institutional process we term “politics in the United States”. We will study, in turn, the basic institutions and rituals, the major actors, and sources and uses of power within the branches of the National Government. Since we will be studying national politics, I strongly suggest that you follow national events through regular readings of a daily newspaper.  This will allow more discussion of current events as “data” for our discussions.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

· Hoover, Johnson, Miles & Weir, Ideology and Political Life (Third Edition) [referred to below as “Hoover”]

· Janda, Berry and Goldman, The Challenge of Democracy: Government in America (Eighth Edition) [referred to below as “Janda”]

These textbooks are available in limited quantities at Textbook Rental.

All other materials for this course will be handed out and/or be available on this web site.

Please note below where I have asked you to print out from the Course Web Page something for use in class.

Any student who feels that he or she needs an accommodation for any sort of special need, please make an appointment to see me during my office hours as soon as possible.

A Note To Teacher Education Students

The professional education program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, of which Political Science 101 is a part, asks their students to develop the habit of being thoughtful learners, leaders, inquirers and community members.  In this course, you are required to develop and refine your skills at the critical analysis of the words and actions of government and politicians, thus adding to an important piece of your development as a professional educator.

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

SECTION ONE:  THE NECESSITY OF VALUES IN POLITICS

1. Fundamental Values:

Janda, Chapter 1: “Freedom, Order, or Equality?” -- Download Worksheet for use in class. [*doc. file]

    2. The Scope of Government Power:

Janda, Chapter 18: “Economic Policy”
Janda, Chapter 19: “Domestic Policy”

Janda, Chapter 20: “Global Policy”

3. Democracy as a Value:

Janda, Chapter 2: “Majoritarian or Pluralistic Democracy?”

“Federalist Paper #10” by James Madison (Appendix in Janda)

4. Our Political Ideologies: Hoover, Ideology and Political Life:

Chapter 1: “The Ideological Spectrum”

Chapter 3: “Traditional Conservatism” -- Download Summary Sheet [*doc. file]

Chapter 4: “Individualist Conservatism” (pp.56-63 only) -- Download Summary Sheet [*doc. file]

Chapter 5: “Reform Liberalism, Populism, and Progressivism” -- Download Summary Sheet [*doc. file]

Chapter 9: “Liberation Ideologies”

Chapter 10: “Gender and Ideology”

Chapter 11: “Race, Ethnicity and Ideology” -- Download Summary Sheet [*doc. file]

5. The Rule of Law:

Janda, Chapter 3: “The Constitution of the United States” -- Click Here for pre-1787 Constitutional Documents
The Documents:

“Declaration of Independence” (Appendix in Janda)
“Articles of Confederation” (Appendix in Janda)
“Constitution of 1987 and Amendments” (Appendix in Janda)
“Federalist Paper No. 51” by James Madison (Appendix in Janda)

Janda, Chapter 4: “Federalism”

SECTION TWO: THE ROLES OF “THE PEOPLE”

Janda, Chapter 5: “Public Opinion and Socialization”
Janda, Chapter 6: “The Mass Media”
Janda, Chapter 7: “Participation and Voting”
Janda, Chapter 8: “Political Parties”
Janda, Chapter 9: “Nominations, Campaigns and Elections”

Janda, Chapter 10: “Interest Groups”

SECTION THREE: MAKING PUBLIC POLICY

Janda, Chapter 17: “Policymaking”
Janda, Chapter 11: “The Congress”
Janda, Chapter 12: “The Presidency”
Janda, Chapter 13: “Bureaucracy”
Janda, Chapter 14: “Courts”

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS:

(1) WORK IN “ISSUE GROUPS”: We will be organizing ourselves into “Issue Groups,” around which much of the graded work will revolve. Please Note: The “due dates” for these assignments are listed separately on Page 6 of this Syllabus.

So, Start Thinking About An Issue You Want To Study And Learn More About!

(A) Individual Essay (10%) – CONCLUDED

(B) Section One Preliminary Reports (5% for all assignments listed below) – Click Here for “Section One Guidelines.”

1. Projects Outline – CONCLUDED

2. Meeting with McDougal – CONCLUDED

3. Oral Report – CONCLUDED

(C) Section One Written Report (10%) – CONCLUDED

(D) Section Two Preliminary Reports (10% for all assignments listed below) –The focus of Section Two is upon the many roles that citizens (i.e., people like you and me) play in the political process. Click Here for“Section Two Guidelines.”

1. Projects Outline – CONCLUDED

2. Meeting with McDougal – CONCLUDED

3. Second Oral Report – CONCLUDED

(E) Section Two Written Report (15%) – CONCLUDED

(F) Section Three (Final) Written Report (10%) – This is to be a comprehensive written report on how the topics of Section Three relate to the politics of policy making on your group’s issue. In addition, your Final Report will include revisions and expansions of your written reports for Sections One and Two. Click Here for “Section Three Guidelines.”

(G) Group Self-Evaluation (10%) – Each member of the group will give to all members of the group a letter-grade evaluating their contribution to the work product of the group.

(2) EXAMINATIONS:

(A) Mandatory Final Examination (20%) – This exam will be comprehensive.

Distributed: Wednesday, December 10

Due, as follows: Section 1 (8:50 am) – By 12:00 Noon; Tuesday, December 16

                         Section 4 (11:00 am) – By 12:00 Noon; Monday, December 15

(B) Optional Midterm Examinations – These will be traditional essay examinations, which you may use as extra credit in the course, as follows:

1. First Optional Midterm Examination (5% extra-credit) – CONCLUDED

2. Second Optional Midterm Examination (5% extra-credit) – CONCLUDED