American government I pols 1101(all sections)

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT I

POLS 1101(all sections)

Fall Semester 2014

Georgia Regent University

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Bourdouvalis

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone](Office) Office Hours: 9:45-11:30, T, Th, or by appointment.

INTRODUCTION

The course has three major objectives

• 
  To provide students with general knowledge about the political system of the United States
  
• 
  To examine the various institutions of the United States government and analyze their functions
  
• 
  Examine the effectiveness of the political system as a whole. In this regard we will be constantly asking in the class how effective is the American government in delivering the goods and services to the people. In order to answer this question and achieve this third objective, we will frequently compare major governments around the world to the government of the United States of America.
  

Other objectives of the course:

• 
  To emphasize the international aspects of the American politics
  
• 
  To provide students with the basic understanding of the Constitution of the State of Georgia
  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• 
  READING: Students are required to read and be prepared to discuss in class the weekly reading assignments and the major current political events that concern the USA government, nationally and internationally.
  
• 
  GRADING: The course grade will be based on four main components:
  

1. 
   Class Exam I : 25 %
   
2. 
   Class Exam II : 25%
   
3. 
   Class Exam III: 35%
   
4. 
   Class participation: 15%
   

REQUIRED TEXTS:

“Essential of American Government: Roots and Reform” by O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, 2012 Election.

This textbook is available to you in both, print and electronic form. You need to purchase for the class because it provides additional information about the course. Your text information is paired with the D2L from where you will be able to study the summary of the chapters, practice the tests and watch videos that are provided by the Pearson Publishing Company. When you purchase the book, you will be given a code number in order to have access to the additional required material
The Constitution of Georgia*
Optional Material

“The New York Times”

“The Economist”

ATTENDANCE POLICY

• 
  The students are required to attend classes every time there is a class meeting. Students that have not attended more than six (5) meeting hours in the course must drop the course or will be treated on individual basis.
  
• 
  Late comers to the classroom are not permitted.
  
• 
  Eating and drinking are not permitted in the classroom.
  
• 
  CELL PHONES USE AND SEARCHING THE NET IN CLASS IS STRICLTY PROHIBITED.
  

DISSABILITY NEEDS:

Please note that if anyone of you is classified as a person with disability needs, your instructor will do everything to accommodate you during the semester.

RECORDING LECTURES POLICY

Students who wish to record the lectures in the class are free to do so.

READING ASSINGMENTS

Week 1, August 19: Introduction and overview of the course, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government., Chapter 1.

Week 2, August 26: Constitutional Foundations, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government. Chapter 2.

Week 3, September 2: The Federal Systerm, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus,, American Government. Chapter 3.

Week 4, September 9: Civil Liberties, American Government, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus. Chapter 4. EXAM I

Week 5, September 16: Congress, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus,, American Government. Chapter 6.

Week 6, September 23: The Presidencey, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 7.

Week 7, September 30: The Judiciary O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 9.

Week 8, October 7: Public Opinion, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 10.

Week 9, October 14: Political Parties, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 11 EXAM II

Week 10, October 21: Campaigns Elections and Voting, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus,, American Government, Chapter 12.

Week 11, October 28: Social and Economic Policy, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 13.

Week 12, November 4, Foreign Policy, O’Connor, Sabato, Yanus, American Government, Chapter 14.

Week 14, November 11: Foreign Police continues.

Week 15, November 18, Class discussion and Thanksgiving Holiday.

Week 16, December 2: The Georgia Constitution and review of the course.

FINAL EXAMINATION, Thursday, December 11, from 7:00-9:00 am

*The Constitution of Georgia will be provided to you via D2L. You do not need to purchase it.