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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PL 201"
COURSE NAME: "American Government"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2023
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Teresa Triglia
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the main principles of American government – democracy, federalism and the separation of powers – and the legislative, executive and judicial institutions that simultaneously embody and challenge them. Special attention will be paid to such topics as state and local governments, political parties and elections, the role of the people, civil rights, the role of the media, American political culture and foreign policy.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
· Introduction to American Government
· The Constitution
· Federalism
· Civil Liberties
· Civil Rights
· Elections & Campaigns
· Congress
· The Presidency
· The Judiciary
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Understanding of the basic principles animating American government.
2. Familiarity with the institutional framework of American government.
3. Ability to understand and critically evaluate the political interplay between principles and institutions.
4. Enriched understanding of contemporary U.S. politics.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| American Government: Institutions & Policies (17th edition) | James Q. Wilson ), Jr. John J. DiIulio , Meena Bose , Matthew S. Levendusky | cengage learning | 978-0357459652 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| CLASS PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION | | 10 |
| CASE STUDY PREP & HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS | | 20 |
| MID-TERM | | 35 |
| FINAL EXAM | | 35 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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A week- by - week detailed schedule will be posted on Moodle with assignment details and due dates as well as required readings. The following are the chapters that will be covered in the textbook during our lectures:
· Introduction to American Government
· The Constitution
· Federalism
· Civil Liberties
· Civil Rights
· Elections & Campaigns
· Congress
· The Presidency
· The Judiciary
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