American govt. course

The syllabus is attached .There is no final exam Please check the syllabus .

PS1010, American Government 1

Course Description

In-depth study of American government and politics focusing on a balanced, unbiased, and up-to-date introduction to
constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes.

Prerequisites

None

Course Textbook

Patterson, T. E. (2008). The American democracy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the different forms of government (totalitarian regime, oligarchy, aristocracy, democracy, and anarchy).
2. Identify the patterns in early American colonization that influenced later governmental structure and operation.
3. Describe the historical context surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
4. Identify and explain the classification of powers between the national and state governments in the U.S. federal

system.
5. Describe the expansion of civil rights through legislation and amendments to the Constitution in the post-Civil War

period, including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, the
Civil Rights Acts of 1865 – 1877, and the Civil Rights cases of 1883 (especially Plessey v. Ferguson).

6. Explain the nature of the problem of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and the importance of Title VII,
definitional problems associated with regulations, the problems of wage discrimination, pay equity, and the
glass ceiling.

7. Explain how public opinion is formed in the U.S., including political socialization by families, education, and peers
and the influence of religion, economic status, political events, and opinion leaders.

8. Describe the impact of the media on political socialization.
9. Define an interest group and describe its function.
10. Identify and analyze the direct tactics used by interest groups, including lobbying, rating systems, campaign

assistance, and the formations of political action committees.
11. Describe the presidential election process from primaries to the general election.
12. Identify the major functions performed by the mass media in our society, including entertainment, reporting news,

identifying public problems, socializing a new generation, and providing a political forum.
13. Explain the major functions of Congress, including lawmaking, constituent service, and oversight and conflict

resolution.
14. Compare the basic differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
15. Identify and explain the roles of the President (including Chief of State, Chief Executive, Commander in Chief,

Chief Diplomat, and Chief Legislator).
16. Explain the major concepts of the American legal system that were developed in the English common law system,

including the common law tradition, precedent, jurisdiction, and stare decisis.
17. Identify the principal agencies that assist the president in developing foreign policy, including the

State Department, the National Security Council, the intelligence community, and the Department of Defense.

PS 1010, American Government
Course Syllabus

PS 1010, American Government 2

Credits

Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.

Course Structure

1. Unit Learning Objectives: Each unit contains learning objectives that specify the measurable skills and
knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit.

2. Written Lectures: Each unit contains a Written Lecture, which discusses lesson material.
3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook.
4. Key Terms: Key Terms are intended to guide students in their course of study. Students should pay particular

attention to Key Terms as they represent important concepts within the unit material and reading.
5. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are a part of all CSU term courses. Information and specifications

regarding these assignments are provided in the Academic Policies listed in the Course Menu bar.
6. Assessments: This course contains eight Unit Assessments, one to be completed at the end of each unit.
7. Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading an assignment in Unit IV. Specific information and

instructions regarding this assignment are provided below.
8. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or

course content related questions.
9. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates.

Unit IV Article Critique

Access the CSU Online Library. Within the database “Academic OneFile,” locate and read the following articles:

Underhill, Wendy. “Changing up the electoral college?” State Legislatures 38.1 (2012)

Gregg, Gary L. “Unpopular vote: enemies of the Electoral College aim to scrap the Founders’ design.” The American

Conservative 10.12 (2011)

Upon reading the two articles, write a response essay of at least 500 words. Your essay should address the Electoral
College as it currently functions, as well as the proposed changes discussed in the two articles. Are you in support of the
current Electoral College? Do you agree or disagree with the proposed changes? Is it right for states to circumvent the
Constitution on this matter? Your essay should be well thought out and include direct references to the articles. Limited
direct quotes are permitted. All references (paraphrased or quoted) should be correctly cited using APA format.

APA Guidelines

CSU requires that students use the APA style for papers and projects. Therefore, the APA rules for formatting, quoting,
paraphrasing, citing, and listing of sources are to be followed. A document titled “APA Guidelines Summary” is available
for you to download from the APA Guide Link, found in the Learning Resources area of the myCSU Student Portal. It may
also be accessed from the Student Resources link on the Course Menu. This document provides links to several internet
sites that provide comprehensive information on APA formatting, including examples and sample papers.

CSU Grading Rubric for Papers/Projects

The course papers will be graded based on the CSU Grading Rubric for all types of papers. In addition, all papers will be
submitted for electronic evaluation to rule out plagiarism. Course projects will contain project specific grading criteria
defined in the project directions. To view the rubric, click the Academic Policies link on the Course Menu, or by accessing
the CSU Grading Rubric link, found in the Learning Resources area of the myCSU Student Portal.

PS 1010, American Government 3

Communication Forums

These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students.
Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in
the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below.

Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums.

Ask the Professor

This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.
Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration,
additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students.

Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal
accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a non-
public nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the
professor within 48 hours.

Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus,
assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information.

Student Break Room

This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should
always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to
share assessment answers.

Grading

Discussion Board (8 @ 2%) = 16%
Unit Assessments (8 @ 9%) = 72%
Unit IV Article Critique = 12%
Total = 100%

Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT)

The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule,
you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted.

https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/CSU_Content/common_files/instructions/DB/Create_New_Thread_Subscribe

PS 1010, American Government 4

PS 1010, American Government Course Schedule

By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this
schedule for reference as you progress through your course.

Unit I Foundations of American Government

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 1: American Political Culture: Seeking a More Perfect Union
 Chapter 2: Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government
 Chapter 3: Federalism: Forging a Nation

Discuss:

 Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by

Saturday, Midnight (Central Time)

Submit:  Assessment by Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)

Notes/Goals:

Unit II Civil Liberties and Equal Rights

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 4: Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights
 Chapter 5: Equal Rights: Struggling Toward Fairness

Discuss:

 Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, Midnight (Central Time)

 Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)

Submit:  Assessment by Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)

Notes/Goals:

Unit III Public Opinion and Political Participation

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping People’s Voice
 Chapter 7: Political Participation and Voting: Expressing the Popular Will
 Chapter 8: Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns: Defining the Voters’ Choice

Discuss:
 Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, Midnight (Central Time)
 Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)
Submit:  Assessment by Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)
Notes/Goals:

PS 1010, American Government 5

PS 1010, American Government Course Schedule

Unit IV Citizen Roles in Interest Groups and the Media

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 9: Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence
 Chapter 10: The News Media: Communicating Political Images

Submit:
 Assessment by Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)
 Article Critique by Tuesday, Midnight (Central Time)

Notes/Goals:

Unit V Congress and The President

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 11: Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests
 Chapter 12: The Presidency: Leading the Nation

Unit VI Bureaucracy and Judiciary

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 13: The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government
 Chapter 14: The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law

PS 1010, American Government 6

PS 1010, American Government Course Schedule

Unit VII Economic, Environmental, and Education Policies

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 15: Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity
 Chapter 16: Welfare and Education Policy: Providing for Personal Security and Need

Unit VIII Foreign Policy and Local Politics

Review:  Unit Lesson Guide

Read:
 Chapter 17: Foreign and Defense Policy: Protecting the American Way
 Chapter 18: State and Local Politics: Maintaining Our Differences

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