April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu
"Why must citizens be vigilant? Because as soon as they become complacent and indifferent to public affairs, they will find a tyrant waiting to relieve them of the burden of self-government and deprive them of their liberty." (Machiavelli)
Course Description and Objectives
This course provides students with the opportunity to examine the major aspects of the United States national government. Policy making will be analyzed as we explore dynamics within and across institutions of the US government. During the latter part of the course, we will examine political participation in the United States and links between people and the government. Current events in the United States political system will be discussed throughout the course.
The course is also designed to provide a critical perspective of the American political process. We will question certain assumptions about the nature of the political discourse in this country. Specifically, we will raise the question as to which groups in society have input and which are excluded or silenced. The course will also attempt to address issues such as how different ethnic or social groups experience the political process.
It is my hope that each student will develop an increased awareness of the political system in the United States. It is further hoped that students will be motivated to follow contemporary issues in American politics and to participate in the political process.
Course Requirements
- Students are expected to attend and participate in class regularly.
- Students are expected to complete the assigned reading prior to class.
- Students will take two exams during the term and a cumulative final. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
- Students may write an optional term paper of 8-12 pages on an approved topic to improve their standing in the class.
- Exams must be made up either by writing a paper or by taking a make-up exam. Please note that you have to notify me as soon as possible if you cannot attend an exam. Make-ups will be scheduled at my convenience.
Grading
The two midterms will each count 25% and the final 30%. Library/Computer research projects will count 20%. Attendance and participation can make a difference by +/- an entire letter grade. Attendance will be spot-checked. Term paper grades will be averaged with the lowest of the midterm exam grades.
Required Texts
- Bardes, Shelly, Schmidt (98-99 edition) American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials. Belmont CA: Wadsworth
- American Political Process-Course Pack: PS 206
- Additional materials will be distributed. Make sure you obtain all copies if you have missed class.
April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu