POSC 101: Introduction to American Government
Meeting times:
Instructor: Professor
Contact:@college.edu
Office Hours:
Course Description and Objective
This course introduces the fundamentals of the American government, including its political institutions and main actors. A key focus will be on how citizens interact with the government and ways to become informed and active participants in the political system. We will also compare American political institutions and behaviors with those of other countries to provide a comprehensive understanding of the American political system. The Statecraft US Government simulation will be integrated into the course to provide practical experience and deeper insights into the workings of government.
Required Texts
- “American Government: Power and Purpose” by Theodore J. Lowi, Benjamin Ginsberg, Kenneth A. Shepsle, and Stephen Ansolabehere.
- “The Logic of American Politics” by Samuel Kernell, Gary C. Jacobson, Thad Kousser, and Lynn Vavreck.
Evaluation
- Response Paper: One short paper on a topic related to weekly themes (5-10 pages). Due at the end of the relevant week.
- Midterm: Multiple-choice questions covering the first half of the semester. Scheduled for Monday, February 26th.
- Final Exam: Multiple-choice questions covering the second half of the semester. Scheduled for Monday, April 30th.
- Weekly Assignments: Short assignments on InQuizitive, due every Friday at 6pm.
- In-Section Participation: Active participation in section discussions.
- Statecraft Simulation Participation: Engagement and performance in the Statecraft US Government simulation.
Grading Breakdown
- Final Exam: 20%
- Midterm: 20%
- Response Paper: 20%
- Quizzes: 15%
- Weekly Assignments: 10%
- Attendance and Participation: 10%
- Statecraft Simulation Participation: 5%
Grading Scale
- A: 100-94
- A-: 93-90
- B+: 89-87
- B: 86-84
- B-: 83-80
- C+: 79-77
- C: 76-74
- C-: 73-70
- D+: 69-67
- D: 66-64
- D-: 63-60
- F: 59-0
Course Schedule
Week 1: Introduction and Overview
- Topic: The Citizen and the Government
- Readings: Chapter 1 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 1 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Introduction to Statecraft US Government
Week 2: The Constitution
- Topic: The Founding and the Constitution
- Readings: Chapter 2 in “The Logic of American Politics” & The Constitution of the United States of America
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 2 on InQuizitive
Week 3: Federalism
- Topic: Federalism
- Readings: Chapter 3 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 3 on InQuizitive
Week 4: Civil Rights and Liberties
- Topic: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
- Readings: Chapter 4 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 4 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 0 (Introductory session)
Week 5: Public Opinion
- Topic: Public Opinion
- Readings: Chapter 5 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 5 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 1
Week 6: The Media
- Topic: The Media
- Readings: Chapter 6 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 6 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 2
Week 7: Political Parties, Participation, and Elections
- Topic: Political Parties, Participation, and Elections
- Readings: Chapter 7 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 7 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 3
Week 8: Congress
- Topic: Congress
- Readings: Chapter 8 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 8 on InQuizitive
- Midterm Exam
Week 9: The Presidency
- Topic: The Presidency
- Readings: Chapter 9 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 9 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 4
Week 10: The Bureaucracy
- Topic: The Bureaucracy
- Readings: Chapter 10 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 10 on InQuizitive
Week 11: The Judiciary
- Topic: The Judiciary
- Readings: Chapter 11 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 11 on InQuizitive
- Simulation: Period 5
Week 12: Elections and Voting Behavior
- Topic: Elections and Voting Behavior
- Readings: Chapter 12 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 12 on InQuizitive
Week 13: Political Parties
- Topic: Political Parties
- Readings: Chapter 13 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 13 on InQuizitive
Week 14: Interest Groups
- Topic: Interest Groups
- Readings: Chapter 14 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 14 on InQuizitive
Week 15: Domestic and Economic Policy
- Topic: Domestic and Economic Policy
- Readings: Chapter 15 in “American Government: Power and Purpose”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 15 on InQuizitive
- Paper Due
Week 16: Foreign and Defense Policy, Conclusion
- Topic: Foreign Policy
- Readings: Chapter 16 in “The Logic of American Politics”
- Weekly Online Assignment: Chapter 16 on InQuizitive
- Final Exam
Office Hours and Contact
Students are encouraged to utilize office hours for clarification of material and assistance with assignments. Please contact your teaching assistant for initial inquiries and refer to the instructor if needed.
Syllabus Policy
Changes to the syllabus may occur if necessary. Notice will be provided at least a week in advance.
Disability Resource Center
For accommodations due to disability or medical conditions, register with the Disability Resource Center: http://drc.college.edu/.
Withdrawal Policy
Review the withdrawal policy here: http://www.reg.college.edu/policies/withdrawals.
Culture of Honesty Policy
Understand and comply with academic honesty policies: https://ovpi.college.edu/academichonesty/academic-honesty-policy.
AI Plagiarism Policy
The use of AI-generated content for assignments, papers, or exams is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the instructor. Any use of AI tools must be disclosed, and failure to do so will be considered a violation of the academic honesty policy. All work submitted must be the student's own original work, and the use of AI to generate or significantly alter the work is not permitted. Violations will result in disciplinary action according to the academic honesty policy.