1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the fundamentals of American politics. The goal is to familiarize students with the structures, functions, and processes of American government in general, and of the California State and local government in particular. We will explore the philosophical and historical roots of American politics, the three branches of government, and various political institutions like the media and political parties.
2. COURSE CONTENT
|
No. |
Content |
Time Allocation |
Contribution to CLO |
|||
|
Hour(s) on the class |
Essays, exercise, Assignments… |
Self-study with teacher’s tutorials |
||||
|
Lecture |
Practice, Seminar… |
|||||
|
1 |
FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT |
3 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
|
2 |
CONGRESS |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
|
3 |
CONGRESS (cont) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
|
4 |
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5 |
|
5 |
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH (cont) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
1,2,3,4,5 |
|
6 |
THE JUDICIARY |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
7 |
THE JUDICIARY (cont) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
8 |
MIDTERM EXAM POLITICAL PARTIES |
1 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
1,2,3,4,6,7 |
|
9 |
POLITICAL PARTIES (cont) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,6,7 |
|
10 |
VOTING AND ELECTIONS |
2 |
1 |
3 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5 |
|
11 |
VOTING AND ELECTIONS (cont) |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2.5 |
1,2,3,4,5 |
|
12 |
CAMPAIGNS & THE MEDIA |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
13 |
CAMPAIGNS & THE MEDIA (cont) |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4.5 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
14 |
INTEREST GROUPS |
3 |
0 |
2.5 |
9 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
15 |
Review |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
|
Total |
30 |
15 |
22.5 |
82.5 |
||
3. COURSE ASSESSMENT
3.1. Type of Assessment
|
Form |
Content |
Criteria |
CLO |
Proportion |
|
|
Formative |
Attendance |
The number of attendances |
The number of attendances and participation in all exercises |
5,6,7 |
10% |
|
Quiz, midterm test |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report |
Presentation (Group Exercises) |
Group assignment |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
30% |
|
|
Summative |
Final test |
– MCQ + writing or – Oral test |
– MCQ + writing (60 mins) – Answer the question (5 minutes) |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
60% |
|
|
|
|
Total: |
100% |
|
3.2. Assessment Criteria
* Generic Criteria
* Formative assessment
You are excused no more than two absences, after which, every absence will reflect negatively on your grade. Showing up to discussion is important, but it is not enough. In addition to regular attendance you are also expected to engage the readings thoughtfully and to participate in class discussion actively.
* Summative assessment
– Paper work: students will write a paper on a topic determined by the instructor. The paper is to run 6 (SIX) pages – no more and no less – typed and double-spaced. No handwritten papers will be accepted, and carelessly typed and proofed papers will be graded accordingly. Students should take great care in their writing, editing, and presentation as style and content will be graded. Wikipedia is an unreliable and unacceptable source for any student or legitimate researcher. A student essay paper citing Wikipedia in any form will be returned to the student for revision.
– Exams: The exam will require you to identify important facts and terms and to write coherently on the major concepts and themes of the course. The final examination will be comprehensive, covering the entire course – not just the second half.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Acts of cheating and/or plagiarism may result in an “F” in the course.