INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLS 2101

FALL 2008 Dr. Augustine E. Ayuk

OFFICE: A&S G 110P OFFICE PHONE 678-466-4848

Class meets MWF 3:00-3:50 OFFICE HOURS: MWF 9:00-9:50, 11:00-11:50, 2:00-2:50 Tuesday 9:00- 12:10

Classroom: UC416

E-mail:Augustineayuk@clayton.edu

website: http://a-s.clayton.edu/politicalscience/ayuk.htm

This course will introduce students to the concepts, major theories and methods used by political scientists to facilitate our understanding and analysis of the political world. Attention will be paid to concepts of power, authority, the nation-state, political ideology as well as examination of political systems.

REQUIRED TEXTS: (Available in the CSU Bookstore)

James N. Danziger, Understanding the Political World: An introduction to Political Science. Eighth Edition. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2007

Harry V. Jaffa, The Conditions of Freedom: Essays in Political Philosophy. Claremont, CA: The Claremont Institute, 2000

The lecture/discussion format will be utilized in this class. Students are expected to make frequent in-class verbal contributions. The instructor will initiate the discussion or presentation by focusing on issue (s) under review. A brief lecture or presentation will precede, with expectation of questions, comments, observations from students.

Students may, on occasions, be asked to comment on topics covered in their last assigned reading as well as explain phenomenon studied earlier.

Students are encouraged to bring news stories to the attention of class for discussion

COURSE EXPECTATIONS ( to earn a passing grade in this course, student must)

1. Attend class on a regular basis and on time

2. Be prepared on assigned dates with in-class presentation

3. Participate in class discussions

4. Take all required/scheduled tests and final exam

Outcomes and Assessments

Graduating political science majors should demonstrate:

Attendance is mandatory. Roll will be taken each class session. Each student is responsible for attending class and participating in class discussion and assigned reading. Students are not allowed to sign in for their absent friend or significant other. Because the success of the course depends on a relatively high level of student participation, each student will be allowed two (2) absences. Any absence thereafter, without a valid reason (supported with appropriate documents) will affect the attendance and participation portion of your grade. Excused absences will include: (1) documented illnesses (you must submit a doctor’s note) no later than three (3) days after returning; (2) religious observance. Please review the class schedule and assignments and notify me in advance of any possible conflicts. (3) participating in documented university activities such as athletics.

NOTE: Any time you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what was discussed, any assignments, and changes in reading etc.

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the student course syllabi. Individual instructors, based

upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon student’s ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. The purpose of this policy is to increase retention. Students who have poor class attendance records often do poorly in our courses. The new policy is designed in order to emphasize to students that attending class is important and expected.

Cheating will not be tolerated in this course. Please familiarize yourself with the CSU’s honor code and rules at the following website:

http://adminsservices.clayton.edu/judicial/

Notebook computers will not be required for use during class sessions.

There will be one (5-7 pages) thought/reaction paper assigned for this class. Students will be required to give a short articulation and defense of their position on an issue or topic. Thought/ Reaction papers will be due on the assigned date, mindful of unforeseen exigencies that may require some modifications.

All assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the assigned date. Any late assignment and /or failure to present on a scheduled date will receive a ( 5 points deduction) for that particular assignment.

1. All cell phones, pagers, I PODS should be turned off and placed out of sight during class.

* Exceptions: In emergency situations ( like family member in hospital or sick child, some exceptions will be made. In such event, please inform me before class begins and put your cell phone on its most discrete ringing or vibrating setting. If it is absolutely necessary for you to take a call during class under this circumstance, please sit close to the door and quickly and quietly leave before answering.

2. In class discussions: Please be respectful to fellow students and the professor. Lively discussions, heated debates, disagreements on the subject under discussion will not be allowed to devolve into unwarranted arguments and personal criticisms. " We should criticize arguments, not the people who make them."

3. Students should refrain from eating in class. Students are allowed to bring soft drinks, water, or coffee to class. Please open your can soft drinks before bringing them to class.

4. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Talking among students which disturbs the instructor or other students is unacceptable. Use of offensive language or derogatory remarks will not be welcome in class.

5. Cheating or assisting friends or colleagues during a test, quiz, or final exam will not be tolerated. Students who violate this policy will be dealt with, in keeping with the CSU Student Handbook.

6. Browsing the internet: Students are not allowed to browse the internet while in class. Violator will be asked to leave the class.

You are encouraged to meet with me at any time that is mutually convenient to discuss issue (s) relating to the course as well as your performance in class. If you are having difficulties with the course, I urge you to meet with me as early as you can so we can address some of your concerns. Please, do not wait till the end of the semester before seeking a conference with me about your grades.

While I will normally keep to my office hours as scheduled, periodically, exigencies may arise, requiring me to be elsewhere. Please let me know in advance that you wish to meet with me.

There will be three (3) unit tests and a final exam. A combination of short answers, fill-in-the blanks, essays, and multiple choice/True/False will be utilized. The instructor reserves the right to use any of the test methods outlined.

Students are expected to take all unit tests and the final exam. The final exam will not be cumulative.

Students will be expected to write a reaction/thought paper discussing the role of politics in an important economic, social, military, political or environmental issue. Student will select a country of his/her interest or an issue area that will be importance to human affairs.

Student must identify and discuss the dimensions of the problem, examine both the positive and negative role of politics in seeking solution to the problem. Student will serve as "consultants" or specialists, advising a government. Student is therefore expected to provide some suggestions on solving the identified problem.

Each paper must be between 5-7 pages in length. This does not include the title page, end notes or bibliography

Recommended text for citation: Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (current edition), Chicago: Chicago University Press.

It is the policy of this class NOT to allow make up test or examination. Two exceptions:

(1) Student with a verified medical excuse

3 UNIT TESTS @ 15 % 45%

REACTION PAPERS 15%

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION 10%

CHAPTER SUMMARY (Harry Jaffa) 10

FINAL EXAM 20%

Aug. 18 Introduction to the course

Aug. 20-25 Politics and Knowledge (1)

Aug. 29 Political Theory and Political Beliefs (2)

Sep. 3-5 (2 continues )

Sep. 8-12 (3) Political Actions and review for test # 1

Sep. 17-19 Overview of The Conditions of Freedom ( Leo Strauss1, What is Politics, 2)

Sep. 22-26 Influences on Beliefs and actions (4)

Sep. 29 (4) and States and Nations (5)

Oct. 1-6 States and Nations

OCTOBER 12 LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW AND RECEIVE A "W" GRADE

Oct. 8-13 Political Institutions; Structures(6) review test # 2

Oct. 17-24 Political Institutions II: Institutional Arrangements (7)

Oct. 27-31 Political Economy (8)

Nov. 3-7 Change and Political Development (10)

Nov. 10-14 Politics Across Borders, (11) review test # 3

Nov. 17 TEST # 3

Nov. 19-21 The Developed Countries (13)

Nov. 24 The Developing Countries (14)

Dec. 3-5 The Developing Countries

LAST DAY OF CLASS