Course Overview
22105-61
This course examines the government and  politics of the United States.  Major attention is given to the Constitution of the United States and the Amendments and the historical development of the national government.  The powers and the actions of Congress, the President, and the Courts are covered.  Consideration is given to federalism, political parties and elections, and the influence of special interest groups and the media on American political culture.  This course emphasizes reading, writing, and critical thinking. Please note that the most current (hence authoritative) syllabus is the one found on the course website.  The syllabus may change to accommodate the needs of the class.  Although I will notify you if changes are made to assignments, readings and due dates, you are expected to keep current by checking the on-line syllabus frequently.

Readings
In the MCC bookstore:  The Challenge of Democracy, 7/e Janda, et al., Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-618-25935-X
You must read at least one daily newspaper: The Boston Globe and New York Times are both good. Please bring relevant articles to the attention of the class or email me prior to class and I will try to bring copies to class.  Bringing articles or editorials to class and being able to discuss current political issues will contribute to your class participation grade.
Other readings will be assigned during the semester.

Grading

Attendance and participation	10%
Quizzes	15%
Midterm exam	25%
Paper	25%
Final exam	25%

Attendance and Participation
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class meeting. This will allow me to match names to faces and give students credit for their classroom contributions. If you are not present when attendance is taken at the beginning of class, please see me after class.  Chronic tardiness will count toward absences. One way to enhance your grade is to actively participate in class by asking questions and contributing to class discussions. As with all your learning, the more you put into this course the more you will benefit.  All readings are to be completed by the date indicated on the syllabus.

Quizzes
There will be two quizzes during the semester.  Quizzes are closed book and will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.  Quizzes will take place at the beginning of the class meeting and last approximately 20 to 30 minutes.  There are no make up quizzes for any reason.  If it becomes apparent that the class is not keeping current on the reading assignments I reserve the right to give unannounced quizzes.  Students are expected to exhibit the highest degree of academic honesty in all your work: quizzes, exams and written work.

Midterm Exam
The midterm will take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes at the beginning of the class meeting.  It will consist of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.  The format will be similar to the following example: You will have a choice of answering 20 out of 25 multiple choice questions, 7 out of 10 identification/definition questions, 3 out of 5 short answer and 1 out of 3 essay questions.  Thanks to the PLAN Project for these hints on taking tests: general suggestions, Ten Powerful Test-Taking Tips and Reducing Test Anxiety.

Final Exam
The final exam will take place during the last class meeting and will cover the material addressed since the midterm.  It will be in the same format as the midterm exam but it will be longer. 

Semester Project
Research and write an 8 to 12 page paper based on agreed upon topics discussed in class.  Your topic must be proposed in a one-page essay due on the date indicated below.  Further instructions for this assignment will be posted on the course web site. 

All written assignments must be word processed on a personal computer. You may submit any writing assignment prior to the due date and I will grade and comment upon it, then return it to you for any revisions you would like to make.  If you choose to do so I will then re-evaluate your work and, if deserved, assign a higher grade.  I will accept (but don't encourage) late assignments. However, for each day an assignment is late a ten percent grade reduction will be assessed.  

Revised 04/24/03