UNIVERSITY CAPITAL Department of Political Science Columbus, Ohio 43029 Fall 2002 Political Science 104 Class: T-Th 11:00 -12:15 Class Location: LC 06 Instructor: Dr. C. A. Jones Office: Renner #142 Email: [e-mail] Phone: X6282
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE: This course attempts to provided the student with an overview of the unifying themes of political science and its subfields, including political philosophy, comparative government, international relations, and public opinion. In this course the concern for unifying themes in political science will be addressed with the study of political ideologies or beliefs in Western Society. More specifically, the course examines political ideologies in Western Society and how they have impacted and continue to impact politics. The course examines the subfields of political science with the use of the public policy approach. Unlike the institutional approach (the traditional approach) which compartmentalizes political science into neat institutions and processes, the policy approach focuses on the critical political issues of today. This approach provides an opportunity to not only learn about important political institutions and processes of government, but also some major issues and policies that cut across political institutions. In addition to the above the course objectives include developing and/or enhancing students' writing skills and analytic reasoning abilities. TEXTS: 1. 2. Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal, BALL, Terence and DAGGER, Richard. Issues in American Political Life, THOBABEN, R.G., SCHLAGHECK, D.M., AND FUNDERBURK, C.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The students will be required to present several short papers. Some of the papers will be position papers. That is, the students will be asked to take a position on an assigned issue and to defend that position. Other papers will be analytic. The students will be asked to evaluate and analyze concepts and/or issues. A brief presentation of the paper assignments and their due dates are presented below. 1. 2. Paper Assignment 1 is due on September 10th. The topic for the paper is: "Will Tougher Sentencing reduce Corporate Crime? " Paper Assignment 2 is due on October 1st. The topic for this paper is: "Compare and Contrast American Liberalism and Marx's Ideal of Communism." Paper Assignment 3 is due on November 5th. This assignment asks for a "Comparison of Demand-side and Supply-side Economics as they Impact on Politics and/or Society. "
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Paper Assignment 4 is due on November 19th. It asks: "Should Terrorism be viewed as a Crime or a Legitimate Form of Political Expression? " The final paper assignment is due on December 5th. This assignment asks: "Is the Environment a Proper Concern for Government Intervention?"
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More detailed information on the paper assignments can be found on the course's internet site. An internet web site has been set up for this course. Using a web browser you can access the Introduction to Political Science homepage at:
http://capital2.capital.edu/faculty/cjones/POL104/POL104_homepage/pol104.htm
In addition to the paper assignments students are required to take several tests over the reading assignments. Some of these tests will be announced while others will be not. These tests will usually come at the completion of a chapter in the course texts. However, some tests will be given before the material is formally covered by the class. Please note that the tests are not designed to determine how smart you are. They are designed to determine whether or not you have read the assigned material. It should also be noted that students who fail to read the assigned material are lively to fare badly on the paper assignments. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MAKE-UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL EXCUSE FROM THE UNIVERSITY. HINTS FOR PREPARING FOR THE TESTS AND DOING THE PAPER ASSIGNMENTS When you are given an essay type question, your first task is to read the question and determine its meaning. You must answer it in accordance with its terms. If you do not, the reader cannot give you any credit. Therefore, the reading of the questions is a very vital part of taking an examination. 1. Interpreting the Question A. Read it carefully. (1) (2) Analyze the meaning of the key words. If a choice is permitted, make your choice. Do not try to answer three parts if the question specifies two. It is wasteful and will not count in your favor. A few minutes spent in studying the questions and deciding how to answer them may pay dividends in a higher grade.
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Heed the meaning of such words as: (1) EXPLAIN. This means to make clear. The reader assumes nothing. You must convince him that you understand the subject by what you write.
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STATE. This means a simple statement of facts. For example: State the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. this In case you should write the provisions of this as accurately and briefly as you can. DISCUSS. This means to argue pro and con. Mention different groups of individuals supporting a viewpoint and evidence contrary to it. LIST. This usually means to arrange certain facts in 1, 2, 3, etc., order. For example: List the standing committees of the U.S. House of Representatives. TRACE. This means to narrate in chronological order. For example: Trace the evolution of American federalism. DESCRIBE. This means to give an account of or to narrate. For example: Describe the setting on a day when the U.S. Supreme Court is in session. CONTRAST. This means to show the differences. For example: Contrast the organization and procedures of state legislatures and Congress. COMPARE. This means to show the similarities. For example: Compare the organization and procedures of state legislatures and Congress.
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GRADES AND GRADE SCALE: The student's final grade for this course will be based on the following: Paper Assignments Tests 60% 40%
The grading scale for this course is: A AB+ B B(93-100) (90-92) (86-89) (83-85) (80-82) C+ C CD+ D F (76-79) (73-75) (70-72) (65-69) (60-64) (0-59)
CLASS ATTENDANCE: Unless prevented by circumstances beyond his/her control, or because of participation in a collie sponsored activity, the student is expected to attend classes on a regular basis. STUDENTS WHO HAVE FOUR (4) OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AT THE END OF THE TERM WILL HAVE THEIR FINAL GRADE LOWERED BY
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ONE FULL LETTER GRADE. Regardless of the reason for the absence, however, the student is responsible for the work covered or assigned during the period of his/her absence. SPECIAL PROBLEMS: Students with special problems should present (orally or in writing) them at the appropriate time (preferably, at the outset of the course). In cases where difficulties prevent the meeting of a deadline, the student is advised to contact (orally or in writing) the instructor prior to the required date. The student should not conclude, however, that prior notification per se, will automatically excuse him/her from meeting the deadline. Cases which are of such an unusual nature so as to prevent prior notification, will be dealt with on the basis of their merit. STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL DISABILITIES SHOULD NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR OF SUCH IN WRITING BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES.
WARNING ABOUT CHEATING IN THIS CLASS
Students discovered cheating will receive a failing grade for that assignment. These students will also have their final course grade lowered by one full letter grade. OFFICE HOURS: Office hours will be held in Renner Hall, Room 142 on the days and times indicated below. MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. Special appointments can be arranged for students whose class schedules conflict with posted hours. Conferences with the instructor are e...