Political Science: US Political System

Institutions, processes, and problems of American government. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1300 and POLS 1013.

Open to degree and PACE students

https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/056NPeJ3ZC3EkUYx7xad0XWcQ#D_Fall_2023_Syllabus

This course, American Political System, is a three-credit introductory survey class that covers a broad and deep sweep of American Government and Politics. It presents an analytical and historic perspective of our political system and its purpose, power, and consequences. We will study and discuss how the U.S. Government has evolved over several hundred years, how it operates, and how policy shapes behavior and visa versa. We will analyze: 1) How political behavior has purpose; 2) The effect institutional structures have on politics; 3) How individuals and groups of people influence public policy; 4) The consequences of preferences and institutional procedures on outcomes; and 5) Why all of these questions and principles matter. In sum, this course will create a narrative of the early reasons for the founding of the United States, the creation of its constitutional democracy, and how political decisions and government politics are made and carried out in action form the past to the present. Ultimately, we will have discussed and analyzed each branch of government, the Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Courts, along with the role that elections, political parties, special interest groups, the media, and citizens' public opinions play in shaping law and public policy in the U.S. This course has several goals for students: 1. Mastery of the course material through gaining and understanding new knowledge. 2. Development of critical thinking and analysis, and ability to debate issues in order to summarize and evaluate ideas with supporting evidence. 3. Engagement in an interactive classroom discussion process that questions and probes each topic, each argument, and the evidence supporting the arguments presented. 4. Understanding information literacy in that sources of authority vary in terms of reliability and usefulness.

1. Students are expected to be prepared and attend on time all regularly scheduled classes. Students are expected to arrive on time and attend class until it finishes. According to University policy, students should expect to spend at least two hours preparing for each hour of classroom time for this three credit course. The class will be very proactive and interactive though a “conversational style” of questions and answers throughout the class. Poor attendance may result in a lower grade or dismissal. 2. In the classroom, the use of laptop computers, iPads, and tablets is strongly discouraged. Smartphones, cell phones, and other such devices are prohibited. Food and drinks are not permitted during class. 3. Classes may not be recorded without prior permission. 4. Students are expected to show respect for faculty and other students during classroom in order to promote a positive teaching and learning environment, and an educational experience. 5. Academic integrity is required at all times. (Plagiarism and cheating are never acceptable.) Violations will receive serious consequences, including no credit for the course, a lower or lowest grade, and suspension or dismissal from the University. 6. While in the classroom, class participation is required. The quality of participation will be encouraged and it will have an influence on the final grade. An attendance sheet will be passed around in each class and attendance will be recorded. 7. All assignments are to be turned in on time. Late work will result in a lower grade unless permission is given to an extension.

Summary of Bases for Grade In Class Participation and Contribution Exams, as Chapters are Completed Final Exam