POLS 114 • Introduction to American Government • Fall 2014 Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 - 1:50 p.m. • Lawson Hall, Room 171

Dr. Charlie Leonard

Office Hours: Office: 127 Forestry Bldg. TR 9 – 11 a.m., and by appointment (Paul Simon Public Policy Institute)

cleonard@siu.edu (618) 453-4005

Discussion Section Instructors:

Philip Garee pgaree@siu.edu

Faner 3164 - TWR 11 - noon;

Christopher Klingeman cklingeman@siu.edu

Faner 3170 - T, 2-4; R, 11-1

David Searcy searcyd@siu.edu

Faner 3174 – M, 11 - 2

Introduction The United States is the longest-running, continuing, constitutional democracy in the world.

An understanding of the historical background of our Constitution is essential to understanding how it

continues to work today—in a modern world far removed from the rural, colonial existence of the

American states of the 1790s. The US Constitution, in addition to creating the institutions that run the

federal government, provides the framework through which the American people act politically.

Introductory political science helps to make you familiar with the social sciences—that is, the use of the

scientific method and rigorous standards of evidence applied to the study of social phenomena. Through

the deductive reasoning process, case studies, and statistical hypothesis testing, political scientists try to

make sense of the world of politics, citizen action, and the government response—expressed as public

policy. More specifically, it introduces you to the exciting (yes, “exciting”) study of political science. Our

discipline studies the political behavior of individuals and groups, the workings of institutions, differences

among governing systems, and many other important fields of inquiry.

In fact, for each chapter of your text, there is a subfield of political science to correspond with it. There is

political history, political theory, the study of the presidency, the study of Congress, of media and politics,

of the bureaucracy, of the courts, and, of course, elections and voting behavior. This course is an

introduction to American politics and institutions, though many political scientists, including some here at

SIU, are doing interesting work on the politics of other nations. Your discussion section instructors and I

will do our best to keep the subject matter current, relevant, and interesting.

Texts Cal Jillson's American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change is our

required text. We are using the 7th Edition. Older editions may not have exactly the same information in

the same order, but would probably suffice. In any event, it is important that you have regular access to

the book. Jillson’s and Robertson’s Perspectives on American Government (the “Reader”) is required for

the discussion sections. Both books should be available at University Bookstore, 710 Bookstore, and

online. I have placed one copy of each on reserve for your use in Morris Library.

Discussion Sections Once a week you will meet in discussion section. You are fortunate to have either

Mr. Garee, Mr. Klingeman, or Mr. Searcy, all of whom hold advanced degrees and are pursuing PhDs in

political science. The discussion section is a real class-within-a-class, with a separate text and small class

size. During each meeting, you will discuss brief readings from Perspectives on American Government,

which introduces you to excerpts from classic works in academic political science. It is a great place to

clarify anything from the lecture that might have been confusing, and to find out what parts of the text are

most important to study (since these instructors will write the first draft of the midterms and final exam).

Attendance and Participation Attendance in lecture is strongly encouraged, and will be monitored using

randomly occurring “attendance quizzes,” which cover current events and basics from the texts. Quiz

scores will be calculated into your participation score, which accounts for one-tenth of the available

POLS 114 • Introduction to American Government • Fall Semester 2014 • Professor Leonard 2

points. Attendance in your discussion section is mandatory, and will be recorded by your instructor and

reported to me. Students who participate in the discussion section will receive more points than those who

merely show up, who, in turn, will get more points than students who do not even show up.

Examinations You will have four opportunities to demonstrate your grasp of the material through

examinations. They will be mostly multiple-choice, Scantron-type tests. They will cover four chapters

apiece. The final exam will also include select material from earlier in the book. While many of the

questions will come from things that we mentioned in lecture or discussion section, anything in either

textbook is fair game. We will drop your lowest score from the first three exams, but you may not skip

any of the exams. We will include the ZERO in your final grade if you miss an exam!

Grading

Attendance and Participation: 10%

Discussion Section Grade: 20%

Exam One 20%*

Exam Two 20%*

Exam Three 20%*

Final Exam 30%

* We will drop your lowest score from among Exams One through Three

How To Do Well Let me tell you, especially the freshmen, four easy things to make your grades better:

1) Do your assigned reading before the lecture. The lecture will make more sense, and you will get more

out of it and remember it better. 2) Come to class and sit near the front. Attendance really does make a

difference in your exam performance, and if you sit near the front you won’t be reminded of how big the

room is and how many people are in it. 3) Take notes, but sparingly. Notes should remind you of what we

talked about in class, and what to look for in the book when you return to it to study for the test. But you

won’t be able to write down everything I say, and if you try, you won’t really be paying attention to the

lecture. 4) Study for the exam, preferably with some classmates. You should already have read the

material once to prepare for class, so going back over it should be relatively painless.

Intellectual Honesty Your university and your instructors are serious about intellectual integrity in your

coursework. Students who try to earn their grades dishonestly bring down the value of the SIU degree for

everyone. Therefore, in the interest of those who do their work honestly and in good faith, cheaters will be dealt

with strictly. Though we take pains to prevent cheating on exams though various procedures, we will be vigilant

for phones, crib sheets, peeking, and other forms of cheating. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with

university policy on academic dishonesty.

Disability Policy Your university and your instructors are committed to equal access to education for students

who learn differently or who have physical challenges that might otherwise get in the way of their full

participation in class. It is the student’s responsibility to notify me and the disability support services office

(http://disabilityservices.siu.edu) of any requirements you may have; it is my responsibility to work within

university policy to accommodate student needs.

Emergency Procedures: Southern Illinois University Carbondale is committed to providing a safe and

healthy environment for study and work. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our

control, we ask that you become familiar with the SIUC Emergency Response Plan and Building

Emergency Response Team (BERT) program. Emergency response information is available on posters in

buildings on campus, available on the BERT's website at www.bert.siu.edu, Department of Public Safety's

website www.dps.siu.edu (disaster drop down) and in the Emergency Response Guidelines pamphlet.

Know how to respond to each type of emergency. Instructors will provide guidance and direction to

students in the classroom in the event of an emergency affecting your location. It is important that you

follow these instructions and stay with your instructor during an evacuation or sheltering emergency. The

Building Emergency Response Team will provide assistance to your instructor in evacuating the building

or sheltering within the facility.

POLS 114 • Introduction to American Government • Fall Semester 2014 • Professor Leonard 3

Tentative Course Schedule

Subject to change according to unforeseen events, professor’s necessity, and/or the educational needs of the class

Meeting Topic Read before the meeting

8/19 Syllabus Day; The Declaration of Independence Jillson, Appendix A, pp. 540 - 542

8/21 Origins of American Political Principles Jillson, Ch. 1; Reader, Ch. 1

8/26 The Colonies and the Revolution Jillson, 28 – 37; Reader, Ch. 2

8/28 The Revolution and The Constitution Jillson, 28 - 56

9/2 Origins of American Federalism Jillson, 60 – 76; Reader, Ch. 3

9/4 Modern Federalism Jillson, 76 - 88

9/9 Political Socialization Jillson, 90 – 99; Reader, Ch. 4

9/11 Public Opinion Jillson, 99 - 118

9/16 EXAM 1

9/18 Mass Media in American Politics Jillson, 120 – 135; Reader, Ch. 5

9/23 The Media and the Public Agenda Jillson, 136 - 153

9/25 Interest Groups in American Politics Jillson, Chapter 6; Reader, Ch. 6

9/30 History of American Political Parties Jillson, 189 – 202; Reader, Ch. 7

10/2 The State of American Political Parties Jillson, 202 - 224

10/7 Political Campaign Essentials Jillson, 226 – 244; Reader, Ch. 8

10/9 The Presidential Campaign Jillson, 244 - 263

10/14 EXAM 2

10/16 U.S. Congress: The Basics Jillson, 265 – 276; Reader, Ch. 9

10/21 How Congress Works Jillson, 276 - 299

10/23 The Presidency: History and Evolution of the Office Jillson, 301 – 318; Reader, Ch. 10

10/28 The Presidency: Responsibilities and Organization Jillson, 318 - 338

10/30 The Executive Bureaucracy Jillson, Chapter 11; Reader, Ch. 11

11/4 American Courts: History, Structure and Functions Jillson Ch. 12; Reader, Ch. 12

11/6 EXAM 3

11/11 VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY

11/13 Civil Liberties Jillson, 405 – 420; Reader, Ch. 13

11/18 Civil Liberties and Criminal Procedure Jillson, 420 – 433

11/20 Civil Rights Jillson, 435 – 446; Reader, Ch. 14

11/25 Minority Group Rights Jillson, 446 – 465

11/27 THANKSGIVING BREAK

12/2 Domestic Policy Jillson, Ch. 15; Reader, Ch. 15

12/4 Foreign Policy Jillson, Ch. 16; Reader, Ch. 16

12/11 FINAL EXAM 12:00 – 1:45 p.m.

POLS 114 • Introduction to American Government • Fall Semester 2014 • Professor Leonard 4

¹ Southern Illinois University Carbondale. (2013). Pathways to Excellence: A Strategic Plan. Fall 2014 R.O’Rourke

Retrieved from http://chancellor.siu.edu/_common/docs/A_Strategic_Plan.pdf

Syllabus Attachment Fall 2014

IMPORTANT DATES * Semester Class Begins …………………………………………….08/18/2014

Last day to add a class (without instructor permission): ………….08/24/2014

Last day to withdraw completely and receive a 100% refund: ….08/31/2014

Last day to drop a course using SalukiNet: ……………………….10/26/2014

Last day to file diploma application (for name to appear in Commencement

program): ………………...………………………………………..10/31/2014

Final examinations: …………………………………………12/8–12/12/2014

Note: For outreach, internet, and short course drop/add dates, visit

Registrar’s Academic webpage http://registrar.siu.edu/

FALL SEMESTER HOLIDAYS

Labor Day 09/01/2014

Fall Break 10/11—10/14/2014

Veterans Day 11/11/2014

Thanksgiving Vacation 11/26—11/30/2014

WITHDRAWAL POLICY ~ Undergraduate only

Students who officially register for a session may not withdraw merely by the

stopping of attendance. An official withdrawal form needs to be initiated by the

student and processed by the University. For the proper procedures to follow

when dropping courses and when withdrawing from the University, please visit

http://registrar.siu.edu/pdf/ugradcatalog1314.pdf

INCOMPLETE POLICY~ Undergraduate only

An INC is assigned when, for reasons beyond their control, students engaged in

passing work are unable to complete all class assignments. An INC must be

changed to a completed grade within one semester following the term in which

the course was taken, or graduation, whichever occurs firs t . Should the student

fail to complete the course within the time period designated, that is, by no

later than the end of the semester following the term in which the course was

taken, or graduation, whichever occurs first, the incomplete will be converted

to a grade of F and the grade will be computed in the student's grade point

average. For more information please visit:

http://registrar.siu.edu/grades/incomplete.html

REPEAT POLICY

An undergraduate student may, for the purpose of raising a grade, enroll in a

course for credit no more than two times (two total enrollments) unless

otherwise noted in the course description. For students receiving a letter grade

of A,B,C,D, or F, the course repetition must occur at Southern Illinois

University Carbondale. Only the most recent (last) grade will be calculated in

the overall GPA and count toward hours earned. See full policy at

http://registrar.siu.edu/pdf/ugradcatalog1314.pdf

GRADUATE POLICIES

Graduate policies often vary from Undergraduate policies. To view the

applicable policies for graduate students, please visit

http://gradschool.siu.edu/about-us/grad-catalog/index.html

DISABILITY POLICY

Disability Support Services provides the required academic and programmatic

support services to students with permanent and temporary disabilities. DSS

provides centralized coordination and referral services. To utilize DSS

services, students must come to the DSS to open cases. The process involves

interviews, reviews of student-supplied documentation, and completion of

Disability Accommodation Agreements.

http://disabilityservices.siu.edu/

PLAGIARISM CODE http://pvcaa.siu.edu/_common/documents/Plagiarism/Guide%20to%20Preventing%20Plagiarism.pdf

SALUKI CARES

The purpose of Saluki Cares is to develop, facilitate and coordinate a

university-wide program of care and support for students in any type of

distress—physical, emotional, financial, or personal. By working

closely with faculty, staff, students and their families, SIU will continue

to display a culture of care and demonstrate to our students and their

families that they are an important part of the community. For

Information on Saluki Cares: (618) 453-5714, or siucares@siu.edu,

http://salukicares.siu.edu/index.html

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is committed to providing a

safe and healthy environment for study and work. We ask that you

become familiar with the SIU Emergency Response Plan and Build-

ing Emergency Response Team (BERT) progr ams. Emer gency re-

sponse information is available on posters in buildings on campus,

available on BERT’s website at www.bert.siu.edu, Department of Safe-

ty’s website at www.dps.siu.edu (disaster drop down) and the Emergen-

cy Response Guideline pamphlet. Instructors will provide guidance and

direction to students in the classroom in the event of an emergency af-

fecting your location. It is important that you follow these instructions

and stay with your instructor during an evacuation or sheltering

emergency.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

SIU contains people from all walks of life, from many different

cultures and sub-cultures, and representing all strata of society,

nationalities, ethnicities, lifestyles, and affiliations. Learning from and

working with people who differ is an important part of education as well

an essential preparation for any career. For more information please

visit: http://www.inclusiveexcellence.siu.edu/

MORRIS LIBRARY HOURS

http://www.lib.siu.edu/about

LEARNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Help is within reach. Learning support services offers free tutoring on

campus and math labs. To find more information please visit the Center

for Learning and Support Services website:

Tutoring : http://tutoring.siu.edu/

Math Labs http://tutoring.siu.edu/math_tutoring/index.html

WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center offers free tutoring services to all SIU students and

faculty. To find a Center or Schedule an appointment please visit

http://write.siu.edu/

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Our office's main focus is to ensure that the university complies with

federal and state equity policies and handles reporting and investigating

of discrimination cases. For more information visit:

http://diversity.siu.edu/#

Additional Resources Available: SALUKINET: https://salukinet.siu.edu/cp/home/displaylogin

ADVISEMENT: http://advisement.siu.edu/

“We emphasize student achievement and success because achievement and

success are essential if we are to shape future leaders and transform lives.” ¹ http://pvcaa.siu.edu/