POLS 2101
INTRODUCTION
TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
COURSE
REQUIREMENT: Access to communication between the instructor and students
will
require use of CSU email:
The instructor will only respond to CSU
email messages from students.
Go to: http://thehub.clayton.edu
and click "Service" for
information on configuring your laptop
computer to comply with CSU IT requirements. You MUST have your laptop computer
configured
to access CSU email. You will need to take your laptop computer to
The
HUB, located on the ground
level of the
University Center. You should have
your computer configured and set up for CSU email
BEFORE classes begin, or as
soon as
possible there after. The HUB is located in the University
Center, or contact the HUB at 678-466-4357.
This syllabus will be updated each semester the course is offered.
Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
Three Semester Credit Hours
Fall Semester 2003
Course Description:
Introduction to Political Science - POLS 2101, will introduce
students to the concepts and methods appropriate to the
understanding and analysis of individual and group behavior and
political systems.
The majority of the material presented will be
relevant to any academic major program.
Course Prerequisites:
POLS 1101
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken each class session.
Class will meet each regularly scheduled class day unless
announced otherwise. Because the success of the course depends on
a relatively high level of student participation, you may have
one excused absence; Each additional absence will result in the
deduction of 5 points from your total earned points for the
course (Exceptions will be made only in extraordinary circumstances; Speak with
the instructor if you have concerns.).
CSU Attendance Policy:
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 course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course,
determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades
and upon students' 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.
Course Format:
We will begin our class with a review and discussion of national and local news that have transpired since our last meeting; Students are
encouraged to bring news stories to the attention of the class. Each
class session students
will be expected to volunteer, or be assigned, to prepare a
detailed oral presentation summarizing and analyzing that class date's assigned
reading in the textbook. All students may then engage in an open discussion of the significant points raised in the
presentation. Students are encouraged to include relevant political news stories
in their presentations. All students will be expected to present at least
three assigned readings to the class, and to participate in all class discussions.
Students not prepared with their assigned oral presentation will be letting down the entire class and will have 10 points deducted from total points earned, in addition to receiving no points for the presentation itself, for a loss of 40 points altogether; This point loss is the equivalent of two-fifths of a grade level for the course. Exceptions may be discussed with the instructor. If you cannot be in class on a presentation day, arrange a date-swap with another student, and inform the instructor by email of the change.
If you are uncomfortable with this format and these expectations, or it will interfere with your off-campus obligations or responsibilities, you may wish to reconsider taking the course.
Course Computer Usage: Periodically students may want to bring a computer to class for presentations. Students will make regular remote site use of the Internet to access course related email, and relevant websites as they study required materials, prepare assignments, and study for examinations.
Students must abide by policies in the CSU Catalog & Student Handbook.
The instructor and students will treat each other with the proper respect at all times.
Children are NOT permitted in any CSU classroom under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.
PLEASE, NO SMOKING, EATING AND DRINKING, OR USE OF BEEPERS & CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM.
IF YOU MUST LEAVE EARLY, TELL ME BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION.
IF YOU COME INTO CLASS LATE, TAKE THE FIRST AVAILABLE SEAT AS YOU ENTER THE ROOM.
TALKING AMONG STUDENTS WHICH DISTURBS THE INSTRUCTOR OR OTHER STUDENTS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.
CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED, AND WILL
BE DEALT WITH IN KEEPING WITH THE CSU STUDENT HANDBOOK.
CSU Conduct Code and
Judicial Procedures.
Withdrawals and Incompletes:
Students may wish to review college policy regarding course
withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU catalog. Do not hesitate
to speak with me, or your advisor, if you need information
relating to a course withdrawal or an incomplete.
The Fall Semester 2003 deadline to withdrawal from a course without the possibility of academic penalty is Friday, October 10th.
Disabilities: For information about Disability Services or to
obtain this document in an alternative format, contact Disability Services in
the Student Center Building, Room 214 at 678-466-5445
or disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu
.
Regents
Testing: The University System of Georgia requires that each student
receiving a degree must have successfully demonstrated competence in reading
comprehension and writing by passing two courses: Regents Writing Skills
RGTE 0199 and Regents’ Reading Skills RGTE 0198. Students satisfy these
course requirements through examination. The University System of
Georgia Regents Tests are administered each semester by the
Political Science Program Outcomes: (Program outcomes will be assessed in all examinations and scored assignments.)
Understand the structure and
perspective of Political Science;
Understand
alternative political systems;
Demonstrate
effective written communication skills;
Demonstrate the ability to analyze data and textual materials and think critically.
Course Expectations (to be considered for a
passing grade):
1. Attend class on a regular basis;
2. Be prepared on assigned dates with in-class presentations;
3. Participate in class discussions;
4. Take a minimum of 20 daily quizzes and 4 examinations;
5. View both required Lyceum lectures either live, or on tape in the Library;
6. Turn in all three Lyceum/Internet assignments;
7. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing grade.
Required Textbooks (available in the CSU Bookstore):
Kay Lawson, The Human Polity, Fifth Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2003
Course Outline NOTE: For information on the federal government that may be of interest to you: Click on this link.
Course Presentations, Group Projects, Tests, Examinations and Grading:
(900 possible points)
Course grades will be determined on a straight scale with the
total number of points you earn dictating the letter grade you
receive. You will
earn points from two in-class reading assignment presentations, and if dates are available, you may volunteer for
an additional presentation on a first-come first-served basis (30
possible points each for a total of 60 possible points); Fourteen daily quizzes
(10 points each for a maximum of 140 possible points); Four essay examinations
(100 possible points each); A group project written report and group project report classroom presentation (150 possible
points for the written report and 50 possible points for the classroom
presentation); And four assignments
relating to CSU Lyceum guest lectures (25 possible points each for a total of
100 possible points). At the end of the class if you are within 3 points of
a higher letter grade I will assign you that higher grade for the course.
I will take individual outstanding student in-class
participation into account in determining course grades (a maximum of 20 possible
additional points).
The Course Grading Scale - 900 Possible
Points
A = 900 - 811 (90 point range)
B = 810 - 721 (90 point range)
C = 720 - 631 (90 point range)
D = 630 - 541 (90 point range)
F = 540 points or less
Midterm Grades: A course midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect work completed to the middle of the semester. More than half of the scored work in this course is completed after the midterm date. If you have questions, please contact the instructor.
Daily Quizzes: (140 possible points) There will be a 10 point short essay quiz at the end of each class session wherein there has been a textbook reading assignment for that date, with the chosen question focusing on a fundamental aspect of the readings assignments for that class period. There will be a total of 14 of these 10 point quizzes. Students may not make up a missed quiz; contact the instructor if you have questions regarding this policy.
Essay Examinations: (400 possible points)
There are four essay examinations worth a possible total of 100 points each, and, therefore, there are a total of 400 possible course points to be earned from exams. The course outline lists the textbook chapters to be covered on each of these four exams. Essay examination dates are listed in the course assignment section at the end of the syllabus. Additional details will be provided in class. Sample exams are provided at the end of this syllabus.
NOTE: The group project reports and group presentations will take the place of a
final examination.
Missed Examinations: Please feel free to
contact the instructor regarding a late or missed examination.
Lyceum Guest Lecturers & Related Internet Assignment: (100 possible points) Fall and Spring semesters students will be expected to attend two Lyceum guest lectures from among those options listed at the Department of Social Sciences lyceum guest lectures website, and then completing a Lyceum assignment for each guest lecture attended, and the related Internet assignment. If you are unable personally to attend two guest lectures, video tapes of the Lyceum presentations will also be available at the CSU Library Circulation Desk. Lyceum Assignments One and Two each are worth 30 possible points, and Internet Assignment is worth 40 possible points, for a total of 100 possible points. These three assignments will be discussed further in class. Detailed assignments information is provided in the due dates section of this syllabus. There are no Lyceum/Internet Assignments Summer Semester.
NOTE: Proper consideration for others requires that you remain seated until a Lyceum guest lecture program has been concluded; In other words, members of the audience should remain seated for both the lecture and questions that may follow. If you know in advance that you must leave prior to the conclusion of an event, please take a seat, or stand, at the very back of the lecture hall. Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated both by the speaker and others in attendance. Be prepared to explain an early exit, if requested to do so by the instructor.
Participation (a maximum of 20 possible additional points) :
Students participating in class discussions of current events, Lyceum presentation question and answer opportunities (following a guest lecture), and assigned materials classroom presentations, may earn up to 20 possible additional points at the end of the course. These additional points could well determine whether a given student will receive a higher or a lower letter grade for the course.
Student Presentations: (30 possible points
per presentation/two presentations per students for 60 possible points) Specific students will be assigned/volunteer to present
two assigned textbook readings in class (see assignment/exam dates at
end of syllabus); On the second class meeting date each student will sign-up to present
two reading
assignments from The Human Polity
textbook. Students are expected to read each textbook
chapter reading assignment prior to coming to class on the date it is assigned. See the
course assignment section for further information about
presentations, including format and the dates on which you should
have completed each textbook reading assignment. Your
presentation will be evaluated and scored for content,
organization and clarity, not specifically for speaking skill.
If you cannot be with us on a presentation date, arrange to swap presentation
dates with another student. Notify the instructor if a swap has been arranged.
Any student absent or not prepared on one of their presentation dates will be
penalized 10 points, in addition to loosing the 30 possible points for the
assignment presentation. So, be with us, or arrange a swap with another class
member. PLEASE BE PREPARED
WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE PRESENTING; The participation of ALL
students in the discussion of assigned materials is encouraged, and will
do a great deal to promote a successful learning experience for everyone.
Group Project Reports and Presentations:
(200 possible points for each group member: 150 possible points for each
group's project report, and 50 possible points for each group's classroom report
presentation.) The class will be divided into small groups, the number of students in each
group and the number of groups will depend on total class enrollment.
Each group will select a topic approved by the instructor from a chapter in The Human Polity to use as the genesis for a researched project report
on a major contemporary challenge facing our society and, or the world community (worth
150 possible points), and a class presentation
of the group report, with each group member presenting one of the three parts of
the report (worth 50 possible points). Details will be provided in class.
Periodically during the semester group members will have an opportunity to
evaluate individual member performance and group performance. The instructor
will monitor all groups to assist them with their projects, and to ensure ALL
group members carry their share of the responsibility for the group's successful
complete of the
project report and classroom presentation.
NOTE: The group project reports and group presentations will take the place of a
final examination;
scored group project reports will be returned on the course final examination
date.
Report Format: (The instructor will provide additional
information in class.)
Part One: A history of the problem
NOTE: As each textbook chapter reviews more than one topic, decide with the
instructor which
topic your group will focus on.
Part Two: A description of the alternative policy solutions to the problem,
which leaders, political parties, interest groups, or organizations support each potential solution and why,
and who opposes each solution and why.
Part Three: Identify your group's preferred policy solution, providing
thoughtful reasons for the group's choice.
Group One: Natasha Bullay, Daniel Hare, Rachel Montgomery
Group Two: Beverly Craton, Carlton Holmes, Michelle Walker, Rashad Williams
Group Three: Susan Kemmerer, Seth Narine, Quinton Norwood, Casey Wilson
Keep Informed: Current events will be discussed each class session and related directly to materials assigned in the course. Read a major daily newspaper, and/or NEWSWEEK, TIME or U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT on a regular basis. Watch a daily national news program on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and/or PBS - I highly recommend the THE NEWS HOUR With Jim Leher on GPTV, Channel 8 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., M-F; the "ITN World News" on WPBA, Channel 30 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., M-F;and the CNN and Headline NEWS channels. Listen to National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" on WABE, FM 90.1, M-F.. at 6:00 to 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. (check Sat. program hours).
NOTE: This syllabus is subject to revision where
necessary to achieve course goals. If you have any questions regarding
assignments, class sessions, tests or grading please speak with me, or Dr. Randy
Rosenburg, Chair, Department of Social Sciences, A&S Bldg., G-110, 678-466-4808.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg, Professor of Political Science
Telephone (voice mail): (678) 466-4810
E-Mail address: joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu (private mail)
I
prefer email to voice mail as you may provide me with a more detailed message;
I check my email regularly Monday through Friday.
Generally, I will respond to your
message within 24 hours.
Listserve
messages go to all students who have set up a campus mailbox;
I will not send
information to individual student email addresses.
Course e mail list serve: pols2101-01fall03@lists.clayton.edu
(all class members)
Course Web Site: http://www.a-s.clayton.edu/trachtenberg
MW 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. - CRN: 80853
Course meeting room: Arts & Sciences Bldg, Room G-121
OFFICE HOURS
Office: Arts & Sciences Bldg., Room 105-E
Fall Semester 2003
MW: 7:00 to
7:30 a.m. and 8:45 to 9:30
a.m.; Noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.;
TTh: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. on online course meeting dates;
By prior appointment at other mutually convenient times.
For campus closing
information due to weather or an electrical outage - tune to WSB AM 750.
CHAT
ROOM ACCESS
Go
to http://.usg.edu
and select
Login using your five digit CSU e-mail number as the user ID and their DUCK pin
as the password.
If you are having trouble logging in, please check with the Hub.
COURSE READING ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE
DATES
Presentation Expectations and Format: 30 possible points per presentation. All students are expected to make at least two presentations. Students may sign-up for any remaining presentation assignments on a first-come first-served basis. On the second class meeting date each student will sign-up to present two reading assignments from The Human Polity textbook. Students are expected to read each textbook chapter reading assignment prior to coming to class on the date it is assigned. See the course assignment section for further information about specific presentation assignments and dates.
Your presentation will be a summary and analysis of a significant article from a major news source relating to the textbook reading assignment and the summarizing and analysis of the assigned reading you are presenting, emphasizing important information and concepts in your own words (do not simply read or quote from the textbook or prepared notes). You may want to search the Web for information up-dating your assigned pages, including examples of concepts and relevant current events. In this regard, see the syllabus section on how to "Keep Informed." You will also find help in the "Selected Readings" section at the end of each chapter in the textbook. I strongly encourage you to use Power Point and the Internet in your presentations. Please limit the length of your presentation to approximately 15 to 20 minutes – you may stand or sit at the desk in the front of the room. A digital projector with Internet connectivity is available in the classroom. I will be available to assist you as you prepare – please contact me with your questions.
If you cannot be with us on a presentation date, arrange to swap presentation dates with another student. Notify the instructor if a swap has been arranged. Any student absent or not prepared on one of their presentation dates will be penalized 10 points, in addition to loosing the 30 possible points for the assignment presentation. So, be with us, or arrange a swap with another class member. PLEASE BE PREPARED WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE PRESENTING; The participation of ALL students in the discussion of assigned materials is encouraged, and will do a great deal to promote a successful learning experience for everyone.
READING ASSIGNMENTS &
COURSE DUE DATES
Monday, August 18th: First day of class; Course syllabus review;
Drop/Add period, Monday August 18th through Wednesday, August 20th;
Wednesday, August 20th: Assignment presentation sign-up day;
Monday, August 25th:
Chapter One - Political Science in an Era of Globalization:
pp. 4 - 23 Susan Kemmerer
pp. 23 - 37 Michelle Walker
Wednesday, August 27th:
Chapter Two - Political Ideologies:
pp. 46 - 64 Susan Kemmerer
pp. 64 - 82 Xavier Lewis
Monday, September 1st: No class today - Labor Day holiday;
Wednesday, September 3rd:
Distribute Examination One in Class;
Chapter Three - Politics and Culture:
pp. 89 - 106 Rashad Williams
pp. 106 - 120 Quinton Norwood
Monday, September 8th: Examination One due at 1:30 p.m. today; Class
will not meet today;
Wednesday, September 10th:
Chapter Four - The Individual in Politics:
pp. 128 - 146 Xavier Lewis
pp. 146 - 159 Daniel Hare
Monday, September 15th:
Chapter Five - Interest Groups:
pp. 165 - 183 Daniel Hare
pp. 183 - 201 Rachel Montgomery
Tuesday,
September 16th: Lyceum Speaker: Jeff Birnbaum, Noon to 1:20 p.m.; Location: A
& S Bldg., Room G-132;
Wednesday, September 17th:
Chapter Six - Political Parties:
pp. 208 - 229 Casey Wilson
pp. 229 - 249 Beverly Craton
Monday, September 22nd: Jeffrey Birnbaum Lyceum Assignment One
is due at the beginning of
class;
Distribute Examination Two in
class;
Chapter Seven - Acting In International Politics:
pp. 257 - 275 Beverly Craton
pp. 275 - 294 Xavier Lewis
Wednesday, September 24th:
Chapter Eight - Making the Laws:
pp. 304 - 320 Michelle Walker
pp. 320 - 337 Rachel Montgomery
Monday, September 29th: Examination Two due at 1:30 p.m. today; Class
will not meet today;
Wednesday, October 1st:
Chapter Nine - Making Government Work: Executives and Bureaucrats:
pp. 342 - 361 Michelle Walker
pp. 361 - 375 Rashad Williams
Monday, October 6th: No class today - study Chapter Ten for Wednesday;
Wednesday, October 8th:
Chapter Ten - Public Policy:
pp. 382 - 398 Quinton Norwood
pp. 398 - 414 Casey Wilson
Monday October 13th:
Chapter Eleven - Justice Under the Law:
pp. 420 - 437 Rashad Williams
pp. 437 - 454 Carlton Holmes
Wednesday, October 15th:
Distribute Examination Three in
class;
Chapter Twelve - The Nature of Subnational Government:
pp. 461 - 475 Seth Narine
pp. 475 - 491 Rachel Montgomery
Thursday,
October 16th: Lyceum speaker: Judge Clinton E. Deveaux, Noon to 1:20 p.m.;
Location:
A & S Bldg., Room G-132;
Monday, October 20th: Examination Three due at 1:30 p.m. today; Class
will not meet today;
Wednesday, October 22nd:
Judge Deveaux Lyceum Assignment Two is due at the beginning of class;
Chapter 13 - The Contemporary International System:
pp. 498 - 510 Natasha Bullay
pp. 510 - 529 Carlton Holmes
Monday, October 27th:
Distribute Examination Four in
class;
Chapter 14 - Political and Economic Globalization:
pp. 535 - 553 Rashad Williams
pp 553 - 569 Seth Narine
Wednesday, October 29th:
ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED IN CLASS
TODAY:
Presentation by instructor on group projects, reports, and classroom
presentations;
Monday, November 3rd:
Examination Four due at 1:30 p.m. today; Class will not meet today;
Wednesday, November 5th: Groups work on projects and presentations;
Monday, November 10th: Groups work on projects and presentations;
Wednesday, November 12th: Groups work on projects and presentations;
Jim Wooten Lyceum Assignment Three, is due at the beginning of class;
Monday, November 17th: Groups work on projects and presentations;
Wednesday, November 19th: Group One classroom presentation;
Monday, November 24th: Groups work on projects and presentations;
Wednesday, November 26th: No class today - Thanksgiving holiday break;
Monday, December 1st: Group Two classroom presentation;
Wednesday, December 3rd: Last day of class:
Group Three classroom presentation;
Each group's project report is due today at 1:30
p.m.;
Lyceum Assignment Four is due at the beginning of class;
Student evaluation of the learning experience.
Final Examination Date: Wednesday, December 10th; Today scored group project report will be available
in the instructor' s office door pocket today; the project report serves as
the course final examination.
_______________________________________
Lyceum & Internet Assignments
Please do NOT email assignments to the instructor, as this may transmit a
virus.
The more accurate, precise and complete
your discussion, the more points you will earn.
______________________________________________________
Lyceum/Internet Assignment
Three:
Part One
(This assignment is worth 40 possible
points.)
You will access Assignment One by clicking on the link above. Save the web page as a WORD document, so that you may type the information necessary to complete Part One of the assignment. Once you have found and entered the information, print Part One, turn it in with Part Two at the beginning of class on the date due.
Lyceum/Internet
Assignment Three:
Part Two
E-mail your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators (Do NOT e mail any state legislator; Also, do NOT include any information on your members of Congress regarding their previous careers; Only include information regarding their present elected office.) expressing your opinion regarding a current national or international political issue or problem. The issue or problem may be one which has been discussed by a Lyceum speakers this semester. Explain to the members of Congress the action you are asking the government to take concerning this issue or problem. Be as detailed as necessary to make clear your position and concerns. Generally, members of Congress limit email messages from constituents to 200 words. Mention in the opening of your email letter who you are and that you are a political science student attending Clayton State University. Include the text of one of your three email letters in the assignment you turn in to the instructor. Staple Part One and Part Two together.
To locate an email address for your U.S. Representative and/or U.S. Senators go to: www.congress.org.
Sample Essay Examination Questions
In each of these examinations students were given the possible questions by the instructor prior to the examination, and then came into class and took a closed-book examination, using no notes or other supplementary materials to compose their answers.
1st
Examination
Assume I know nothing about the questions you are to answer –
explain everything to me so that I will know how well you have come to
understand the subject matter central to each of the examination questions. A
good essay will not only include information from the textbook, but exhibit
evidence of a serious effort to provide in depth analysis and an informed,
considered opinion that is the logical result of that analysis.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS: (each question is worth 50 possible points – respond to two of the questions below – provide the question number selected with each answer.
Question One: Explain how power, influence, authority, legitimacy and linkage collectively provide the means to control the acts of others and achieve your own particular political objectives.
Question Two: Compare and contrast liberalism, conservatism and socialism
Question Three: How does a nation’s type of political system influence its choice of economic systems - Answer this question in terms of the U.S. and capitalism.
Question Four: Define "socialization" a then explain the role of each of these five agents plays in the human learning process: family, school, peers, news media and political events.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2nd Examination
INSTRUCTIONS: This essay examination is worth 100 possible points. You will have the class period to complete your exam.
Assume I know nothing about the questions you are to answer – explain everything to me so that I will know how well you have come to understand the subject matter central to each of the examination questions. A good essay will not only include information from the textbook, but exhibit evidence of a serious effort to provide in depth analysis and an informed, considered opinion that is the logical result of that analysis.
ESSAY QUESTION: (possible points distribution: description 30 pts.; analysis 70 pts.)
In this unit of the course we have considered individual behavior, interest groups, political parties, the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judiciary. You are to apply what you have learned about these political entities, in conjunction with what your internet research can provide, first, to a succinct, chronological description, and, second, a detailed analysis of the evolving political and legal developments of the past three or more years relating to the Ms. Paula Jones - President Bill Clinton political scandal, and sexual harassment civil case, which is scheduled to go to trial in federal district court on May 29, 1998, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Be sure to include in your response the specific roles played by these six political entities at various points in the evolving scandal and case. While the description is important, the quality and depth of analysis will indicate an understanding of concepts.
Keep in mind that you are expected to remain politically objective.
By this point in your political education you probably understand that any
political scandal, especially one focusing on the president, takes on a life of
its own, with various entities becoming involved primarily to advance their own
political objectives.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: This essay examination is worth 100 possible points. You will have the class period to complete your exam. This is a closed book examination – no notes or other materials may be used in the writing of your answers to the questions below.
Please print or write your answer carefully so that I will be able to read and understand you; use Spell Check. Use lined white, 8 ½ by 11 paper. Provide a title page including your name, the exam name, the course name, the University and the date. Contact me by phone, e mail or in person with your questions as you prepare for the examination.
While I will not specifically deduct points for grammar, syntax or spelling mistakes, remember, common sense dictates that a well written (correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and clarity of meaning)), logically organized, detailed, analytical answer, providing an in-depth treatment of a topic will earn more points than a short, poorly written, superficial treatment of the same subject.
How long of an answer should you provide? You have responded satisfactorily to an essay question when you have dealt clearly and effectively with all aspects of the question asked.
Assume I know nothing about the questions you are to answer – explain everything to me so that I will know how well you have come to understand the subject matter central to each of the examination questions. A good essay will not only include information from the textbook, but exhibit evidence of a serious effort to provide in depth analysis and an informed, considered opinion that is the logical result of that analysis.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS: (each question is worth 50 possible points – respond to two of the questions below – provide the question number selected with each answer.
(No question is taken from chapter one which is essentially introductory material.)
Question One: Explain how power, influence, authority, legitimacy and linkage collectively provide the means to control the acts of others and achieve your own particular political objectives.
Question Two: Compare and contrast liberalism, conservatism and socialism
Question Three: How does a nation’s type of political system influence its choice of economic systems - Answer this question in terms of the U.S. and capitalism.
Question Four: Define "socialization" and then explain the role of each of these five agents plays in the human learning process: family, school, peers, news media and political events.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: This essay examination is worth 100 possible points. You will have the class period to complete your exam. This is a closed book examination – no notes or other materials may be used in the writing of your answers to the questions below.
You are encouraged to use a variety of sources in responding to the essay question. Remember that internet sources must be acknowledged in exactly the same way print sources are cited in a research project - listing sources used as endnotes on a separate page (see an English 111 handbook).
Please type your answer using Spell Check. Use white, 8 ½ by 11 paper. Provide a title page. Include: your name, the exam name, the course name, the University and the date. Staple the exam together – please, no folders.
While I am not setting a minimum length, or specifically deducting points for grammar, syntax or spelling, common sense dictates that a well written (correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and clarity of meaning)), logically organized, detailed, analytical answer, providing an in-depth treatment of the topic will earn more points than a short, poorly written, superficial treatment of the same subject. A successful essay will include accurate information both from the textbook and a variety of other cited sources.
ESSAY QUESTION: (possible points distribution: description 30 pts.; analysis 70 pts.)
In this unit of the course we have considered Chapters 6-11 on individual behavior, interest groups, political parties, the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judiciary. You are to apply what you have learned about these political entities, in conjunction with what your internet research can provide, first, to a succinct, chronological description, and, second, a detailed analysis of the evolving political and legal developments of the past three or more years relating to the Ms. Paula Jones - President Bill Clinton political scandal, and sexual harassment civil case, which is scheduled to go to trial in federal district court on May 29, 1998, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Be sure to include in your response the specific roles played by these six political entities at various points in the evolving scandal and case. While the description is important, the quality and depth of analysis will indicate an understanding of concepts.
Keep in mind that you are expected to remain politically objective. By this point in your political education you probably understand that any political scandal, especially one focusing on the president, takes on a life of its own, with various entities becoming involved primarily to advance their own political objectives.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: This essay examination is worth 100 possible points. You will have the class period to complete your exam. This is a closed book examination – no notes or other materials may be used in the writing of your answers to the questions below.
You are encouraged to use a variety of sources in responding to the essay question. Remember that internet sources must be acknowledged in exactly the same way print sources are cited in a research project - listing sources used as endnotes on a separate page (see an English 111 handbook).
Please type your answer using WORD, and Spell Check. Use white, 8 ½ by 11 paper. Provide a title page. Include: your name, the exam name, the course name, the University and the date. Staple the exam together – please, no folders.
While I am not setting a minimum length, or specifically deducting points for grammar, syntax or spelling, common sense dictates that a well written (correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and clarity of meaning)), logically organized, detailed, analytical answer, providing an in-depth treatment of the topic will earn more points than a short, poorly written, superficial treatment of the same subject. A successful essay will include accurate information both from the textbook and a variety of other cited sources.
ESSAY QUESTION:
Make as strong a case as you can for the United Nations as an effective keeper of World peace, and then as strong a case as you can against the United Nations as an ineffective keeper of World peace. Use the UN’s handling of the on going Iraqi – Security Council presidential site inspection controversy as the basis for your analysis.