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Information about a university course titled 'united states politics' offered by professor marcus d. Pohlmann. The course aims to challenge traditional explanations of the us political system and analyze the political process and relationship between governmental policy and the individual citizen. Students are expected to attend all classes, participate, and complete readings from required texts. The course covers historical context, us national government and policy making process, and domestic and foreign policy. Grading is based on daily quizzes, class participation, midterm and final exams.
Typology: Exams
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Marcus D. Pohlmann Professor of Political Science Office Hours: TuTh 2:00 -- 5: or by appointment
The course is designed as a critical introduction to United States politics, challenging many of the traditional explanations of the system’s functioning. In particular, it analyzes the political process and the relationship between governmental policy and the individual citizen. The central questions being addressed are: How does the political system work, both by design and in reality? Are all interests served relatively equally as a result? Is the U.S. political system a "democracy"? What, if anything, could make it more democratic?
Hopefully, the student will come away with some essential knowledge of the political process, its problems, and alternatives to the status quo. The course also attempts to help stimulate and develop the student's creative thought, clarity of expression, study habits, and interest in politics and political science. In addition, it is hoped that this course will assist the student in coming to his/her own political self-awareness (where he/she fits in politically) and activate pursuit of his/her interests in the political arena.
Readings -- do them all carefully and critically prior to class. Class Contribution -- attend all classes, come prepared, and participate. Quizzes – daily Midterm Examination Final Examination
Edward Greenberg and Benjamin Page, America’s Democratic Republic (2007) Howard Zinn, A Peoples’ History of the United States (2003)
note: you also are required to stay up with each day’s national news developments
Daily Quizzes (25) 50% Class Participation 10% Midterm Examination 20% Final Examination 20% 100%
Exam Rule #1: NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES. I will drop your 2 lowest quiz scores (2 of the 27). That allows you to miss two classes without penalty (one week’s worth of classes).
Exam Rule #2: You may take exams early but not late. Contact me ahead of the exam if you will miss it due to illness or other emergency! Otherwise, NO MAKE-UP EXAMS.
Exam Rule #3: Looking at previous years' test questions or answers is not allowed and will be viewed as a serious violation of the Honor Code. When you pledge your quizzes and exams, you will be pledging in part that you have not seen any such materials.
Course Introduction August 23
A. Defining Our Terms August 28 Read: Greenberg & Page, chap. 1
A. Setting the Stage