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Introduction
to Political Science, CRN 28086 |
Prof. Thomas Goldwasser |
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Fall
2008, MW |
240-567-5178
(O) |
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202-686-0310
(H) |
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Humanities
243 |
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Office
Hours: Wed, |
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By
Appointment |
REQUIRED
TEXTBOOKS: POLITICAL SCIENCE: The Human Polity, Lawson, Kay. And Decision in
Attendance
is required: You are allowed two unexcused
absences during the semester. After two,
you will be dropped from the class. The
primary sources of information will be class lectures and the assigned
readings.
Introduction to Political Science is
designed to instruct students about the study of politics. In addition to understanding the theoretical
aspects of the study of government and politics, students will also concentrate
on the specific goals, ideals, structures and functions of different
governments. Although the primary
emphasis will be on the American political system, with all its major
components, instruction will also be presented concerning how other countries
throughout the world structure and operate their respective governments. It is a survey course designed to enhance the
students’ understanding of political systems and processes. Students will be graded on their abilities to
analyze these systems and describe clearly how they work.
There will be one examination before
the Midterm examination; this exam and the Midterm will EACH count 50% of your
Midterm grade. Following the Midterm,
there will be one exam before the final.
That exam will count 20% of your final grade. The Midterm grade will also comprise
20%. The final examination, which is
non-cumulative, will count 60% of your final semester grade. Class discussion is crucial, especially for
students whose grades fall on the borderline between two letter grades. Examinations will consist of essay
questions. However, pop quizzes will be
short-answer questions. Plagiarism will
not be tolerated.
NO
MAKE-UP EXAMS ARE ALLOWED.
Grading Scale: 90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
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DATES |
SUBJECT |
CHAPTER(S) |
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SEPTEMBER |
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3, 8, 10 |
Introduction, Study of Politics Theories |
1 |
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15, 17 |
Nations, Government |
Online |
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22, 24 |
Federalism, Democracy
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12, 14 |
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Monday, Sept. 29 |
FIRST EXAMINATION |
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OCTOBER 1,6 |
Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism |
2, 14 |
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8, 13 |
Political Culture |
3 |
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15, 20 |
Political Ideologies, Voting, Political
Participation |
2, 4 |
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Wednesday, October 22 |
Midterm Examination |
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27, 29 |
Political parties, Interest Groups |
6, 5 |
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NOVEMBER |
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3 |
Public Opinion, Political Communication-the Media |
6 |
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5 |
THIRD
EXAMINATION |
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10, 12 |
Legislatures, Executives |
8, 9 |
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17, 19 |
Judiciary |
11 |
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24 |
International Relations |
13 |
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26 |
No Class, Thanksgiving Vacation |
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1, 3 , 8 |
Decision in |
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10 |
Review |
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Monday,
15 |
FINAL EXAMINATION |
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