syllabus+-+GOVT+2301+-+spring+2009+mini2

Spring 2009 Kevin Jefferies Office Number: D-225 Office Phone: 281-756-3736 email:** **kjefferies@alvincollege.edu**
 * Government 2301 - Mini 2
 * blog:** [|**the weaker party**]

Course Description: This is the first of two required courses designed to familiarize students with the nature of national, state, and local government. I focus principally on the factors which led to the development of the Constitution (both U.S. and Texas), and the nature of the institutions which have evolved in the Constitution’s wake. This includes a discussion of the philsophical and historical bases of the documents (natural law, British history etc), an analysis of the key principles embedded in the Constitution (separated powers, federalism, and individual rights and liberties), an overview of the American and Texas electoral systems, the evolution and nature of political parties, plus a discussion of three factors that condition politics which are directly related to the existence of individual liberty: public opinion, interest groups and an independent media.

Though some attention will be paid to current events, primary emphasis will be on historical documents. We will attempt to study the concept of government much like the founders would have studied it, by reading original sources.

Readings: The readings for this class are all accesible on the web. There is no traditional textbook for the class. The calendar below will link you to separate pages on this wiki with links to the appropriate readings. The links will be up as necessary. Each week you will be given an assignment that you are to email to me when required.

Calendar


 * Week One - March 12 - 13: The Role of the Citizen in a Republic
 * Week Two - March 23 - 27: The Glorious Revolution, John Locke and the Declaration of Independence
 * Week Three - March 30 - April 3: The U.S. Constitution: Separated Powers, Checks and Balances, Federalism, and Individual Liberty.
 * Week Four - April 6 - 10: Andrew Jackson and the Texas Constitution
 * Week Five - April 13 - 17: Elections and the Rise of Political Parties
 * Week Six - April 20 - 24: Public Opinion and Freedom of Speech.
 * Week Seven - April 27 - May 1: Democracy and the Problem of Groups.
 * Week Eight - May 4 - 8: Civil Rights and the Problem of Equality.

The Class Blog

I also want you to subscribe to a blog that I use to post information about the class and point out curent events that touch on issues important to the class. Here's the address: []

Grading: Each week you will given one, or a small number of written assignments, which you will have one week to complete. Each week's work is graded equally and will total to 90% of your final grade. There will also be a paper assignment worth 10% of your grade. It is described below:

A = 89.5 - 100; B = 79.5 - 89.4; C = 68.5 - 79.4: D = 59.5 - 69.4; F = 0 - 58.4

Political Autobiography: Researchers tell us that we acquire our beliefs through a process called political socialization. This involves what we learn and are exposed to through our parents, peers, neighbors, news media, and other sources. In other words, we are not born with our politcal opinions, but learn them over time. in 1000 words, I'd like you to describe yourself politically (partisanship, ideoligy, most important issues) and then describe how you acquired those positions. Due date: May 8th.

Regarding Individual Help: I am available for help if you should need it, but you must act quickly. If you feel that you are not performing to the best of your abilities, let me know sooner rather than later. If you wait until the final exam, there is nothing I can do for you. If you have any disability or special needs that will affect you ability to learn in this class, please let me know. Appropriate steps will be taken to make reasonable accomodations fn assist you with your needs.

Scholastic Dishonesty: If you are caught cheating in any way you will fail the course. This includes downloadign work from the internet as well as turnign in someone else's work as your own. Plagiarism is an increasing problem on campus and is being dealt with harshly.