AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Society and Values 166    Fall 2012

4^th Hours   Moench B106 

This course offers a broad survey of American national politics and government. We will begin by exploring the constitutional foundations of the American political system and then move on to examine the key institutions of the American state and how they influence political outcomes. Finally, we will explore the cultural foundations of American politics, issues of individual citizen participation and the way in which organized interests seek to influence the government. Finally, we will examine issues of civil rights and civil liberties. Throughout the term we will be discussing the important political choices facing the country today, with a special emphasis on the upcoming presidential election.  By the end of this course you should have a better understanding of the core principles, processes, and institutions of American politics and government.

COURSE SYLLABUS (PDF)

Required Reading: The following are required and are available for purchase (as a single package) in the Rose-Hulman Bookstore.

Samuel Kernell and Gary C. Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics, 5th Edition (Companion Website)

Bob Berenson, Winning in 2012: CQ Press’s Guide to the Elections.

You are also expected to follow current events, particularly the presidential campaign. Read the newspaper (the Indianapolis Star is available free on campus; the New York Times or Washington Post can be read online), watch the nightly network news one of the cable news networks (CNN, Fox, MSNBC) EVERY DAY.

"Student Sources" Worksheet (PDF)               

Citation Guide for Papers (PDF)

Presidential Debate Preparation and Paper Assignment

Presidential Debate Rules and Guidelines

Some Useful Websites for American Government:

The Institute for Humane Studies' "Tragedy of the Bunnies" and "Politopia"

Schedule of Lectures, Readings, and Assignments

The following schedule is subject to change, particularly in response to changing political events. All reading should be done prior to the matching lecture or discussion. When "Student Sources" are listed in the reading assignments, this means that our discussion will be based on articles and information that you have gathered on the subject and bring to class. See the Student Sources Worksheet (which can be downloaded from the course website) for details. Copies of your articles and the Student Sources Worksheet will be collected after each discussion.

For copies of PowerPoint slides, click on the topic in schedule below. Slides will be posted as the term progresses.

PART I: Constitutional Principles (Week 1-2)

WEEK 1: August 30-September 7     

PART II: Policy-Making Institutions (Week 2-4)

WEEK 2: September 10-14

WEEK 3: September 17-21

WEEK 4: September 24-28

First Issue Paper Due on Monday, September 28

PART III:   The Political Process (Weeks 5-8)

WEEK 5: October 1-5

WEEK 6: October 8-12

Fall Break, October 16-17

Second Issue Paper Due on Monday, October 20

WEEK 7: October 15-19

WEEK 8: October 22-26

PART IV: Rights and Liberties (Weeks 9-10)

WEEK 9: October 29-November 2

WEEK 10: November 5-9

ELECTION DAY – Tuesday, November 6