Political Science 215

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

POL S 215 – SECTION 3: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
FALL 2013

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
2:10 PM – 3 PM
1652 GILMAN
Instructor:
Dr. Valerie Hennings [e-mail] Office: 545 Ross Hall
Office Hours: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday & Thursday and by appointment

Teaching Assistant:
Bobbi Newman [e-mail] Office: 515 Ross Hall
Office Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday and by appointment

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
American government--how does it work? Who is involved? Why should we care? We will consider these questions (and many more) in our examination of national government and politics in the United States.
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the central features of U.S. government and politics at the national level. Its scope includes the foundational context shaping the American system of government, the institutions and processes operating at the national level, and the roles of different actors within the system and how they participate in the governance of the United
States. We will also analyze current policy problems and issues facing the United States.
The goals of this course are: (1) to enhance your knowledge of how national government functions and the actors involved in these processes; (2) to introduce you to contemporary political and policy topics in American politics; and (3) to encourage you to think about how
American government and politics affect your own life, now and in the future.
American government—why does it matter? Ultimately, this course is designed to provide you with a background for understanding the nature of U.S. government and politics so you can then answer this question from an informed, critical, and realistic perspective.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following learning outcomes are expected for this course:
Outcome 1:
Students will show an increased knowledge of the responsibilities, processes, and actors involved at the national level in U.S. government.
Outcome 2:
Students will encounter and consider contemporary political and policy challenges facing the U.S.
Outcome 3:
Students will be able to communicate their analysis of course materials through various assessment techniques. COURSE MATERIALS
This course has two required texts which can be purchased from the University Bookstore. I have also placed both books on reserve at Parks Library.
Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, and Margaret Weir. We the People: An Introduction to
American Politics. 9th Edition. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013.
ISBN: 978-0-393-91308-8
(marked as “WP” below)
David T. Canon, John J. Coleman, and Kenneth R. Mayer. eds. The Enduring Debate: Classic and
Contemporary Readings in American Politics. 6th edition. New York, NY: W.W. Norton &
Company, 2011.
ISBN: 978-0-393-912505-0
(marked as “ED” below)
In addition, there may be other required readings assigned throughout the semester which will be provided electronically by the professor.
I also encourage you to stay current on what is happening in the world of politics at the local, state, and national levels. I urge you to read a national newspaper, like the New York Times or the Washington Post, as well as a local paper such as the Ames Tribune or the Des Moines Register. Radio and television newscasts are also a great resource for staying abreast of political events.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
As a member of this class, you are expected to attend class regularly and to come to class having read the materials assigned for that day. Although this is a large class, I will ask questions and expect you to contribute to our in-class discussions. You will complete four exams throughout the semester. You will also complete two writing assignments. I may also administer pop quizzes or additional short assignments throughout the term.

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Grading System
Grades will be assigned as follows:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4
Pop Quizzes/Additional Assignments
Institutional Analysis Paper
Political Experience Analysis Paper
TOTAL:

15%
15%
15%
15%
10%
10%
20%
100%

(F September 20)
(F October 11)
(F November 15)
(F December 13)
(TBA)
(W October 23)
(W December 18-Finals Week)

Grading Scale:
A
AB+
B
BC+

93%
90%
87%
83%
80%
77%

C
CD+
D
DF

73%
70%
67%
63%
60%