COURSE OBJECTIVE

The course introduces you to American political institutions and public policy. The foundation of knowledge gained will enhance critical thinking about politics. An appreciation of the historical and institutional context of political decision makers is encouraged. The course takes a political science perspective on the current Presidential election emphasizing participation. The course facilitates an informed citizenship and provides preparation for the future study of politics.

COURSE WEB SITE AND READINGS

The textbooks for this course are American Government and Politics Today: Brief Edition 2004-2005 (S) by Steffen Schmidt, Barbara Bardes, and Mack Shelley (2005, Wadsworth) and The Vanishing Voter (P) by Thomas Patterson (2003, Vintage). Some brief readings will be distributed in class. The interactive course Web site, which is available through http://polity.us, offers supplemental information and the opportunity for anonymous feedback.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. Students who may need assistance due to a disability are encouraged to contact the Office of Academic Support for Students with Disabilities located in Luther Bonney 242 at 780-4706 or TTY 780-4395.

Your grade is based on five components: 20% First Exam, 25% Second Exam, 25% Third Exam, 15% Paper, and 15% Involvement. The course consists of four self-contained units (Constitution, Institutions, Mass Behavior, and Policy). An exam will be given at the end of the first three units. There is no exam for the fourth unit. There is no final examination. Examinations are non-comprehensive and consist of short answer and essay questions. The involvement grade is divided equally between attendance and class participation.

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class session. Any late work will receive an initial penalty of 10%. For each additional day late, there will be a 5% penalty (excluding weekends). Any breach of the academic integrity policy will be regarded as a serious offense carrying a minimum penalty of a zero on the assigned work.

Students are expected to attend class. It is recognized that extraordinary circumstances may prevent a student from attending class. Extraordinary circumstances are assumed to have arisen on the first two absences of the semester. Beginning with the third absence, the attendance grade will be reduced 5% for each absence. Exemption from the attendance policy should only be sought by those representing the university with their talents in extracurricular activities (advance notification required) and for long-term emergencies (reasonable notification required).

PROJECT 100

This course is participating in Project 100, a program designed to support students in Core Curriculum and introductory level courses. Project 100 is an early intervention process for identifying students who may benefit from academic assistance. A number of support services and resources are available at USM to help you achieve academic success. By assessing your progress early in the semester, we can determine together which academic support services best meet your needs. This information will also be shared with your academic advisor, who is an important resource to you as you strive for academic success. If you have questions or concerns about your academic performance at any time during the semester, please do not hesitate to contact me.

PAPER

USM ACADEMIC POLICIES

Specific policies for this class supplement general academic policies of USM. Any breach of the academic integrity policy will be regarded as a serious offense carrying a minimum penalty of a zero on the assigned work.