This course is an introduction to United States national government. The course includes an introduction to a framework for understanding United States government and politics, the constitutional basis for U.S. government and politics, the processes, the institutions, and the politics of U.S. government and politics.
We will consider issues that are the focus of contemporary political debate in the United States, surrounding issues of crime & punishment, elections, party politics, etc. Politics is not just something we watch on TV or read about, it is something we do or don’t do. You don't purchase this course and "consume" it. The Professors don't deliver a product to you. Instead, the students and the professors engage together in a semester of learning.
Class discussions often move freely from assigned readings to the latest news. Because our subject matter includes issues and events that are unfolding as we discuss them the lecture may become modified.
If you would prefer not to engage in respectful & spirited discussions about issues that can (and probably will) arouse strong feelings, and, most of all, if you are not willing to give it a try, then this may not be the course for you...but I urge you to give it a try!
Here is a sample of my syllabus --- note that it is a sample only. On the first day of class I will give out an updated syllabus & course schedule.Required textbooks may vary semester to semester, please note the first day of class you will receive a syllabus with that information. I urge you to wait until the first day of class before purchasing your textbook. Materials will also be available on blackboard.
We will consider issues that are the focus of contemporary political debate in the United States, surrounding issues of crime & punishment, elections, party politics, etc. Politics is not just something we watch on TV or read about, it is something we do or don’t do. You don't purchase this course and "consume" it. The Professors don't deliver a product to you. Instead, the students and the professors engage together in a semester of learning.
Class discussions often move freely from assigned readings to the latest news. Because our subject matter includes issues and events that are unfolding as we discuss them the lecture may become modified.
If you would prefer not to engage in respectful & spirited discussions about issues that can (and probably will) arouse strong feelings, and, most of all, if you are not willing to give it a try, then this may not be the course for you...but I urge you to give it a try!
Here is a sample of my syllabus --- note that it is a sample only. On the first day of class I will give out an updated syllabus & course schedule.Required textbooks may vary semester to semester, please note the first day of class you will receive a syllabus with that information. I urge you to wait until the first day of class before purchasing your textbook. Materials will also be available on blackboard.