syllabus+-+GOVT+2302+-+fall+2008+mini2

Fall 2008 Kevin Jefferies Office Number: D-225 Office Phone: 281-756-3736 email: kjefferies@alvincollege.edu blog: [|the weaker party]**
 * Government 2302 - Mini 2


 * Course Description:** This is the second of two required courses designed to familiarize students with the nature of national, state, and local government. This class fosuses on the specific instituions created in the Constitution: the legislative, exectutive and judicial. We also review the philosophical background of the American Republic. Though some attention will be paid to current events, primary emphasis will be on historical documents.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.


 * Calendar**

Week One - Oct 20 - 24: Background: The Purpose of American Government and an Overview of the U.S. Constitution. Week Two - Oct 27 - 31: The History and Design of the Legislature. Week Three - Nov 3 - 7: Current Issues in the Legislature. Week Four - Nov 10 - 14: The History and Design of the Executive Branch. Week Five - Nov 17 - 21: Current Issues in the Executive. Week Six - Nov 24 - 28: The History and Design of the Judiciary. Week Seven - December 1 - 5: Current Issues in the Judiciary. Week Eight - December 8 - 12: Citizenship and the Maintenance of the Republic.


 * 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: http://theweakerparty.blogspot.com/


 * 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


 * Written Assignment - 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: December 9th.


 * Regarding Individual Help:** I am availabel 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.