WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

SAN ANTONIO CENTER

SUMMER ‑ 2002

THURSDAY NIGHT

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

INSTRUCTOR: Dean W. Greer: (210) 342-7100 (Office); E-Mail: dgreer@texas.net Office Hours: Before and after each class (Tuesday) and (Thursday)

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 and Politics Today: The Essentials

2002-2003 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; and,

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

and learn to drive a nuclear submarine.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

‑ Examinations: Three (initial 32%, second 32%, and final 32% = 96% of grade)

‑ Class Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (includes outside project): 4% of grade

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

60‑69= D Below 6O = 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.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: The July 4^th Class will meet on SATURDAY June 29 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Location to be determined at a later date. Attendance at this class is mandatory.

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COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE

May 30^th Introduction

Class schedule

Chapter 1

June 6^th Chapter 2 Constitution

Chapter 3 Federalism

June 13^th Chapter 4 Civil Liberties

June 20^th Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)

Chapter 5 Civil Rights

June 27^th Chapter 8 Political Parties

Chapter 9 Campaigns, Elections,

and Media

June 30^th Chapter 10 Congress

July 4^TH No Class

July 11^th Exam 2 (Chapters 5, 8, 9 & 10)

Chapter 11 The Presidency

July 18^th Chapter 11 The Presidency/continued

Chapter 12 The Bureaucracy

July 25^TH Chapter 13 The Judiciary

Chapter 14 The Politics of Domestic

and Economic Policymakers

Aug. 1^st Chapter 15 Foreign and Defense Policy

PIZZA PARTY

August 8^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 as they are 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