SYLLABUS:
POL 211: American Politics & Government
Willis H A Moore, MEd, Instructor - willis.moore@adjunct.chaminade.edu 
Winter/Spring 2014

Contact Instructor: By e-mail = willis.moore@adjunct.chaminade.edu
                   By telephone = 808-538-3952 (no text messages)
                   In person on campus after class meeting, or by
                        Appointment.

STATEMENT: In the year 2012, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA quietly observed its 225th birthday, anniversary of adopting the CONSTITUTION, with a vigorous election campaign between incumbent Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney.
In 1787 a group of men representing 12 of the 13 colonies / states met inside INDEPENDENCE HALL, Philadelphia, to “rewrite and improve” the ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION, 1781.  Instead they crafted a document which has stood for more than 225 years, amended only 28 times, providing for a government “BY THE PEOPLE.”  This course examines the origins of Constitutional government for the USA, looks at the men, and more recently the women, who have crafted, refined, and lived within the confines and guidelines of the CONSTITUTION.  Although previous course work in USA History would be helpful, this course will satisfy as an introductory, as well as secondary, course.

SCOPE OF COURSE:
The goal of this course is to familiarize with the structures, functions, and processes of USA government.  Emphasizing the accomplishments of a government which claims to be “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” students are encouraged to become effective and informed citizens.  This course will explore philosophical and historical roots of USA politics, the three branches of government, and politic al institutions like the media and political parties.  This course includes State and local governments as part of an AMERICAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE.

OBJECTIVES:
Be able to explain how government and politics impacts daily life;
Recognize and evaluate basic debates and issues in USA government and in USA
   political history;
Explain and critically assess formal and informal political institutions and
   their respective roles in USA politics;
Identify and describe key functions of the three branches of government;
Assess causes and consequences of forms of political participation, and outline  ways in which individuals and groups affect political outcomesin the USA;
Identify and explain ways in which citizens can affect political processes
   in the USA.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attend class and participate in class meetings, discussions, presentations;
Complete assignments on time - these will be from readings from the TEXT
   and from handouts, and the occasional use of DVD films;
Satisfactory completion of exams.

GRADING:
Class participation, short quizzes @ 2 pts per week                30
MID TERM EXAMINATION (essay type)                                  20
A research paper (details from instructor)                         20
Other written assignments, movie reviews, museum visits, etc.      20
FINAL EXAMINATION (essay type)                                     20

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS exceeds 100 - - a form of “extra credit”

If you earn 90+ points, you earn an A 
(NOTE: Instructor considers this grade to signify outstanding work,)
If you earn 80+ points, you earn a B
If you earn 70+ points, you earn a C
(If you earn 60+ points, you earn a D, which is not satisfactory work)
If you earn fewer than 60 points, this is failure

You may inquire anytime as to how many points you have amassed.  Please remember that it is not “how many points are possible,’ but what counts is the total points you earn.  THERE WILL BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA CREDIT WORK, such as movies, or other options, should you feel a need for bonus points.
IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF to be 4.0 students, and want to insure a grade of A for this course, please consult with Instructor early in the semester to be sure you are on the right track.

INSTRUCTOR has 2 or 3 conflicts during this course’s scheduled time: He will contact you by e-mail if a class must be cancelled.  If you have a conflict, ap- pointment, illness, or other problem, please contact Instructor by e-mail.  In general missed classes and work may not be made up; however Instructor will work with you to be as helpful as possible to insure good course outcomes.
SCHEDULE:

WEEK I - Introduction and backgrounds to USA Government

WEEK II - Part One in TEXT: Chapter one

WEEK III - TEXT: Chapter two

WEEK IV - Part II in TEXT: Chapter three

WEEK V - TEXT: Chapter four

WEEK VI - TEXT: Chapter five

WEEK VII - TEXT:  Chapter six and MID TERM EXAMINATION

WEEK VIII - Part III in TEXT: Chapter seven

WEEK IX - TEXT: Chapter eight

WEEK X - TEXT: Chapter nine

WEEK XI - TEXT: Chapter ten
WEEK XII - Part IV in TEXT:  Chapter eleven

WEEK XIII - TEXT:  Chapter twelve

WEEK XIV - Part V in TEXT: Chapter thirteen

WEEK XV - TEXT: Chapter fourteen and FINAL EXAMINATION