WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

SAN ANTONIO CENTER

SUMMER 2009

COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: POLS 2301 ‑ Federal and State Government.

INSTRUCTOR: Dean W. Greer: (210) 342-7100 (Office); E-Mail: dwgreer@sbcglobal.net Office Hours: Before and after class.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Organization, structure, and functioning of the government of the United States and of Texas. (The course will explore the theory and practice of politics and government with the goal of helping students understand why government operates the way it does To the extent feasible we will use current events to illustrate the general principles of government and politics)

PREREQUISITES None

TEXTBOOKS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & POLITICS TODAY The Essentials

2009-2010 Edition

Authors: Bardes, Shelley & Schmidt

OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Successful completion of this course will enable students to: Identify and discuss the core ideals of the American political culture;

Demonstrate a detailed understanding‑‑and provide a critical analysis‑‑of the United States

Constitution;

Define federalism, discuss its historical development/evolution, and explain how it operates

in the United States today;

Explain how individual civil liberties are balanced against society's collective interest;

Identify the major historical developments in the struggle for civil rights and discuss the rights movement in contemporary America;

Explain the two‑party political system, including the organization and operation of each;

Explain the role of each branch of the Federal Government and explain how each carries out

its functions, including an explanation of "checks and balances" and "judicial review";

Explain the policy‑making process and discuss how public opinion, the media, and special‑

interest groups influence that process;

Learning how to throw a frisbee; and

Identify the provisions in the United States Constitution pertaining to State Governments.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

‑ Examinations: Three (initial 33_%, second 33_% and final 33_%= 100% of grade)

COURSE EVALUATION: 90‑100 = A 80‑89= B 70‑79 = C

60‑69= D Below 60 = F

ATTENDANCE POLICY: The class attendance policy is clearly stated in the WBU Academic Catalogue. Students are expected to attend each class session and to be on time. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and after each break. Students will be required to make up all missed work. Anyone anticipating an absence will consult the instructor as far in advance as possible either in person, or by phone. Makeup assignments will be made at that time. Students absent from 25% or more of class sessions will receive an F. Arriving late for class‑‑or leaving early‑‑three or more times will be counted as one absence.

MAKE-UP EXAMS: Make-up exams will be given ONLY if approval is given prior to the actual exam and must be taken prior to the next class meeting.

COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE

May 26^th Introduction

Class schedule

Chapter 1 Citizenship

June 2^nd Chapter 2 The Constitution

Chapter 3 Federalism

June 9^th Chapter 4 Civil Liberties

June 16^th Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)

Chapter 5 Civil Rights

June 23^rd Chapter 8 Interest Groups

Chapter 9 Parties and Political Campaigns

June 30^th Chapter 10 The Media

Chapter 11 Congress

July 7^th Exam 2(Chapters 5, 8, 9, 10)

Chapter 12 The Presidency

July 14^th Chapter 12 The Presidency/continued

July 21^st Chapter 13 Bureaucracy

Chapter 14 The Courts

July 28^th Chapter 15 Public Policy

Chapter 16 Foreign Policy

PIZZA PARTY

Aug. 4^th Final Exam (Chapters covered since second test-not comprehensive)

CLASS PARTICIPATION AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Students are expected to keep up with current events and be able to discuss current issues relevant to the various chapters. Participation grade is based upon answering class questions. In addition, participation in current events will be explored during the semester.

* Professor reserves the right to make changes to this schedule