Eric McDaniel, PhD

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Explore the political role of the Black church in the African American experience.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course offers a basic survey of American government, including federal, state, and local political institutions. In some instances, the American case is placed in a comparative context derived from the experience of other western democratic nations.  In other instances, we focus on changes over time within the American political system to demonstrate how principles often change with context.  At all times, we are interested in a better understanding of how this particular system has developed and what it means for citizens of the United States.

There are three primary objectives in this course.  The first is to provide basic descriptive information about the American and Texas political systems by examining important political processes, institutions, and actors.  The second is to develop analytical skills with which to understand complex relationships and phenomena.  The third is to introduce the work of the political scientist by concentrating on the paradigms and techniques of the discipline.

The course is delivered completely online, which gives students more latitude in completing their work. We hasten to add that while this is an online class, it is NOT entirely self-paced. We will release roughly ten lecture “modules” every two weeks. Each module covers a specific topic and includes reading assignments, lecture and guest-speaker videos, and a variety of assignments. Students will be expected to complete about 3 modules per week. In addition to the lecture modules, we will offer weekly live discussions about the political events of the moment.

The course is part of a six-semester-hour integrated sequence, the second half of which is Government 312L. The course also fulfills the first half of the legislative requirement for government.

COURSE EVALUATION

The assignments and their sequencing are designed to actively engage students’ interaction with the on-demand online format.  There will be three (3) online, virtually-proctored exams—one every two weeks or so. The downside is that students will need to pay $19.75 per exam ($59.25 total) for these proctoring services. The upside is that students can take the exams wherever they choose, so long as they meet and adhere to the course’s technical requirements. In addition to the exams, there will be short answer and webtext assignments aimed at reinforcing students’ knowledge base. The lectures, readings, and short answer assignments are all designed to prepare you for the exams. There should be no surprises and you should do well if you do the readings, watch the videos, take notes, complete all short answer assignments, and study the material thoroughly before the exams.

COURSE MATERIALS

Students will be asked to purchase a Texas Politics webtext through Soomo. The expected cost is roughly $55 if you purchase through Canvas or $73.35 if you purchase through the University Co-Op. The Co-Op option allows students to use their financial aid.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Fall 2018

Title:               American Government

Course #:        Government 310L

Prerequisites:  None

Course Description:

This is the online section for the Introduction to American Government course. Students will access a live stream lecture twice a week, viewing lectures and participating in in-class assignments. The class covers a wide range of topics, including the founding of the U.S., the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, political parties, public opinion and voting behavior, campaigns and elections, the media, the presidency, the Congress, the courts, and public policy. Students are expected to master the basics facts of American government, but they are also asked to use broader, theoretical perspectives to analyze contemporary issues and dilemmas.

Grading Policy:

Students will be graded based on three midterm examinations (each worth 100 points), as well as textbook and in-class assignments (100 points).

Texts:

The class relies on webtexts: one focusing on American government and another focusing on Texas government. The total cost for these materials is approximately $115.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government. The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government. 

Required Texts and Items

1. Central Ideas in American Government, 7e ISBN 978-0-9904165-5-5
2. Tophat Monocle
3. Additional readings, videos and films will be posted on Canvas
4. Students are expected to be aware of current events and regularly read either the New York Times or Washington Post. Articles from these two media sources will be posted throughout the semester. Students should be prepared to answer questions related to the posted articles for papers and exams.
5. Student Identification for exams.
6. #2 Pencils for exams.

Grading Policy

Book Assignments                  15%

Top Hat Monocle                    10%

Outside Activities                   5%

Career Preparedness              10%

Exam One                               15%

Exam Two                                         20%

Exam Three                             25%    

Total                                                   100%

This seminar introduces graduate students to the study of American political institutions. The course reviews both classic and recent scholarship on issues in related to political institutions. The readings address a range of topics regarding the definition and study of institutions along with an in depth analysis of specific institutions in American politics.  

Classes will be devoted to intensive reading and critical discussion of the literature (and related scholarship) of that week’s topic. Discussion will be of the works read for that day as well as other approaches and scholarship on related issues.  

Course Expectations and Requirements

As with every graduate seminar, this course should help you to prepare for your preliminary exams, to consider research and dissertation topics, and to teach in the sub-field of American politics. More specifically, this seminar will be somewhat of a “mini-laboratory” in which we will not only discuss and debate old and new ideas/paradigms, but the course assignments will correspond to the types of activities in which you will be engaged as a practicing political/social scientist. I will determine the course grade based upon: short papers, class participation and a take-home final. 

Required Texts

1. Shepsle, Kenneth A. 2010. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions. New York: W.W. Norton. ISBN-10: 0393935078
2. Elkins, Zachary, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton. 2009. The endurance of national constitutions. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521731321
3. Cox, Gary W., and Mathew D. McCubbins. 2007. Legislative Leviathan: Party Government in the House. Cambridge. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521694094
4. Beckmann, Matthew N. 2010. Pushing the Agenda: Presidential Leadership in U.S. Lawmaking, 1953-2004. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521162912
5. Minta, Michael D. 2011. Oversight: representing the interests of Blacks and Latinos in Congress. Princeton N.J.: Princeton University Press. ISBN-10: 0691149259
6. Krehbiel, Keith. 1998. Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. Lawmaking. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226452727
7. Aldrich, John Herbert. 2011. Why Parties? : A Second Look. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226012743
8. Philpot, Tasha S. 2007. Race, Republicans, and the Return to the Party of Lincoln. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. ISBN-10: 0472069675
9. Gillion, Daniel Q. 2013. The political power of protest: minority activism and shifts in public policy. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 1107657415
10. Boydstun, Amber E. 2013. Making the news: politics, the media, and agenda setting. Chicago; London: The University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 022606557X

Short Papers (30% of grade)

Participation (30% of grade)

Take-Home Final (40% of grade)

GOV 310L

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government. The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

Social Policy

Course Description

Classes will be devoted to intensive reading and critical discussion of the literature (and related scholarship) of that week’s topic. Discussion will be of the works read for that day as well as other approaches and scholarship on related issues.  

Course Expectations and Requirements

As with every graduate seminar, this course should help you to prepare for your preliminary exams, to consider research and dissertation topics, and to teach in the sub-field of American politics. More specifically, this seminar will be somewhat of a “mini-laboratory” in which we will not only discuss and debate old and new ideas/paradigms, but the course assignments will correspond to the types of activities in which you will be engaged as a practicing political/social scientist.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While our main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas.  In some instances, the American case is placed in a comparative context derived from the experience of other western democratic nations.  In other instances, we focus on changes over time within the American political system to demonstrate how principles often change with context.  At all times we are interested in a better understanding of how this particular system has developed and what it means for citizens of the United States.

There are three primary objectives in this course.  The first is to provide basic descriptive information about the American and Texas political systems by examining important political processes, institutions, and actors.  The second is to develop analytical skills by which to understand complex relationships and phenomena.  The third is to introduce the work of the political scientist by concentrating on the paradigms and techniques of the discipline.

The course is delivered completely online, which gives students more latitude in completing their work, though the class is NOT entirely self-paced. The course meets online through Canvas. The course material is organized by topic (“Modules”), and each module includes reading assignments, lecture and guest-speaker videos, a segment keyed to recent events in politics, and a variety of assignments. Students will be expected to complete 2-3 modules per week. The course schedule below contains module assignments and due dates. This design allows students to complete the work within one week according to their own schedule – as long as the due dates for completion of each module lesson are met. Students are encouraged to visit http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tower/tech.html to test their computer and network connection.

Assessments

Weekly book assignments

Three Exams

Health care is currently one of the most hotly debated topics in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the issues and controversies that surround healthcare policy and the American healthcare system. The course will facilitate this by first establishing a theoretical and substantive framework regarding various aspects of policymaking and the American healthcare system. Upon the establishment of this framework, the course will then delve into the examination of a number of specific health problems and the controversies surrounding them. Students should leave this class with a working knowledge of the American policy making process, substantial knowledge of the American healthcare system and an understanding of the roots of current debates in American healthcare policy. 

Grading Policy

Quizzes                       100

Exam 2                       100

Policy Paper                 100

Policy Paper 2              100

Exam 2                       100

Total                           500 points

Text 

Wolff, Jonathan.  2012.  The Human Right to Health.  1st ed, Amnesty International Global Ethics Series.  New York: W.W. Norton AND Co.

Prerequisites

GOV 310 and 312

Countless scholars have documented the salience of race/ethnicity in American life. While the treatment of race has changed over the nation’s history, its importance remains. The purpose of this course is to examine how race/ethnicity shapes the American political system. Focusing primarily on Black, Latino, and Asian Americans, this course will examine the creation of race/ethnicity as well as its lasting effects on how individuals understand themselves and others. Additionally, the course will cover how differing racial/ethnic groups have attempted to enter the American political landscape and attempted to ensure their representation. Finally, the course will also pay close attention to the theoretical and methodological issues associated with the study of racial/ethnic politics.

Required Texts

1. Harris-Lacewell, Melissa Victoria. 2004. Barbershops, Bibles and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
2. Lien, Pei-te, Margaret Conway, and Janelle Wong. 2004. The Politics of Asian Americans: Diversity and Community. New York: Routledge.
3. Philpot, Tasha S. 2007. Race, Republicans, and the Return of the Party of Lincoln. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
4. Sears, David O., Jim Sidanius, and Lawrence Bobo, eds. 2000. Racialized Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
5. Walton, Hanes, Jr. 1985. Invisible Politics: Black Political Behavior. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Grading Criteria

1. Class Participation
2. Group Discussion Leadership
3. Discussion Papers
4. Original Research Paper

Prerequisites: 6 hours of coursework

Course Description

This course is an introduction to American government and politics. While our main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. In some instances, the American case is placed in a comparative context derived from the experience of other western democratic nations. In other instances, we focus on changes over time within the American political system to demonstrate how principles often change with context. At all times we are interested in a better understanding of how this particular system has developed and what it means for citizens of the United States.

There are three primary objectives in this course. The first is to provide basic descriptive information about the American and Texas political systems by examining important political processes, institutions, and actors. The second is to develop analytical skills by which to understand complex relationships and phenomena. The third is to introduce the work of the political scientist by concentrating on the paradigms and techniques of the discipline.

ONLINE COURSE FORMAT

This is the digital version of the American Government course—unlike almost all other courses offered at the University of Texas, you will be viewing this class online (from the comfort of your own home, library, or coffee joint) rather than in-person. You are expected to “attend” class by logging into the course to watch recorded lectures that have already been posted to Canvas. You will also complete a series of associated activities that accompany each lecture module.

There will be two types of lecture segments. The first are the segments that are detailed in this syllabus from Modules 1 through 15. The second are a set of lecture segments that will be uploaded to our Canvas page once a week during the fall semester. These are our “In the News” segments that utilize concepts introduced in class to examine current stories about some aspect of policies or events being discussed by prominent media outlets.

Grading Policy

The final grade will the outcome of quizzes, short writing assignments and exams.

Texts

1. Texas Politics online text, ISBN 978-0-9911355-9-2, Soomo Publishing. Available for purchase through Canvas at https://utexas.instructure.com/courses/1166691/modules/items/7960435 or by Passkey via the University Co-Op.
2. Kenneth Kollman. 2014. “The American Political System” (second full edition, with policy chapters). Norton Publishing. Hard copies are available at the University of Texas Coop.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

GOV 381J Political Institutions

Eric McDaniel

 Course Description

This seminar introduces graduate students to the study of American political institutions. The course reviews both classic and recent scholarship on issues in related to political institutions. The readings address a range of topics regarding the definition and study of institutions along with an in depth analysis of specific institutions in American politics.  

Classes will be devoted to intensive reading and critical discussion of the literature (and related scholarship) of that week’s topic. Discussion will be of the works read for that day as well as other approaches and scholarship on related issues. 

Required Texts

1.      Shepsle, Kenneth A. 2010. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions. New York: W.W. Norton. ISBN-10:0393935078

2.      Baumgartner, Frank R., and Bryan D. Jones. 1993. Agendas and Instability in American Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226039498

3.      Elkins, Zachary, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton. 2009. The endurance of national constitutions. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521731321

4.      Gibson, Edward L. 2012. Boundary control: subnational authoritarianism in federal democracies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521127335

5.      Cox, Gary W., and Mathew D. McCubbins. 2007. Legislative Leviathan: Party Government in the House. Cambridge. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521694094

6.      Beckmann, Matthew N. 2010. Pushing the Agenda: Presidential Leadership in U.S. Lawmaking, 1953-2004. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521162912

7.      Minta, Michael D. 2011. Oversight: representing the interests of Blacks and Latinos in Congress. Princeton N.J.: Princeton University Press. ISBN-10: 0691149259

8.      Krehbiel, Keith. 1998. Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. Lawmaking. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226452727

9.      Aldrich, John Herbert. 2011. Why Parties? : A Second Look. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226012743

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Social Policy

This seminar introduces graduate students to the study of American Social Policy. The course reviews scholarship on issues in related to the development and structure of American Social Policies. The readings address a range of topics regarding development of American Social Policy along with an in depth analysis of specific policy areas, such as health, social welfare and housing.  

Classes will be devoted to intensive reading and critical discussion of the literature (and related scholarship) of that week’s topic. Discussion will be of the works read for that day as well as other approaches and scholarship on related issues.

Grading:

Discussion Leader Assignments

Final Paper.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Course Description

Health care is currently one of the most hotly debated topics in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the issues and controversies that surround healthcare policy and the American healthcare system. The course will facilitate this by first establishing a theoretical and substantive framework regarding various aspects of policymaking and the American healthcare system. Upon the establishment of this framework, the course will then delve into the examination of a number of specific health problems and the controversies surrounding them. Students should leave this class with a working knowledge of the American policy making process, substantial knowledge of the American healthcare system and an understanding of the roots of current debates in American healthcare policy. 

Required Texts and Items

1.            Teitelbaum, Joel Bern, and Sara E. Wilensky. 2013. Essentials of health policy and law. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

2.            Additional readings and videos will be made available through links on the syllabus or will be posted on Canvas.

a.            The symbol {C} denotes that the material is on Canvas

3.            Students are expected to be aware of current events and regularly read either the New York Times or Washington Post. Further, students should make themselves familiar with the following organizations: Kaiser Family Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Commonwealth Fund.

Coursework

Assessments in this class will be performed through quizzes and exams. Both the quizzes and exams are cumulative. Knowledge developed in the beginning of the class will be very pertinent to subsequent sections of the class. If you fall behind at the beginning of the class, you will not be able to catch up.

Quizzes: worth 150 points

Exams: worth 400 points

The 2-Part Policy Memo: worth 50 points

Quizzes                                           150 points

Exam One                                        200 points

Exam Two                                        200 points

Policy Memo Part I                            25 points

Policy Memo Part II                           25 points             

Total                                                600 points

GOV 310L AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - WB

Eric McDaniel & Bethany Albertson 

Prerequisites

6 hours of college course-work.  This course fulfills the first half of the legislative requirement for Government.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government.  The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

Mandatory course meetings take place online during scheduled class times, via live-streaming video. Students will be responsible for using their own devices and using an appropriate Internet connection, or for accessing the course from a campus computer lab.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit the following page http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tower/gov310l/ to test their computer and network connection.

Topics:

I.             Introduction to the Study of Politics

II.            Pre-constitutional America

III.           The Constitution

IV.          Federalism

V.            Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

VI.          Interest Groups

VII.         Political Parties

VIII.        The Congress

IX.           The President (and Bureaucracy)

X.            The Courts

XI.           Texas Government

XII.         The News Media

XIII.        Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

XIV.        Campaigns and Elections

XV.         Economic policy

XVI.        Social Welfare Policy

XVII.      Foreign Policy

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following breakdown:

Weekly Quizzes                (Thirteen in all; each worth 10 points; drop the three low scores)              100 points

Take-home Essays           (Three in all; each worth 50 points)          150 points

Participation/Simulations                             50 points

TOTAL                   300 points

Texts

Ken Kollman, 2013. “The American Political System,”. New York: Norton.

The Texas portion of the course will be covered through free material provided on the Texas Politics website (http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/index.html)

Course Description

This seminar introduces graduate students to the study of American political institutions. The course reviews both classic and recent scholarship on issues in related to political institutions. The readings address a range of topics regarding the definition and study of institutions along with an in depth analysis of specific institutions in American politics.  

Classes will be devoted to intensive reading and critical discussion of the literature (and related scholarship) of that week’s topic. Discussion will be of the works read for that day as well as other approaches and scholarship on related issues. 

Short Papers (30% of grade)

Participation (35% of grade)

Take-Home Final (40% of grade)

Preliminary Texts Required Texts

1.       Shepsle, Kenneth A. 2010. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions. New York: W.W. Norton. ISBN-10:0393935078

2.       Baumgartner, Frank R., and Bryan D. Jones. 1993. Agendas and Instability in American Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226039498

3.       Elkins, Zachary, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton. 2009. The endurance of national constitutions. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521731321

4.       Cox, Gary W., and Mathew D. McCubbins. 2007. Legislative Leviathan: Party Government in the House. Cambridge. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521694094

5.       Beckmann, Matthew N. 2010. Pushing the Agenda: Presidential Leadership in U.S. Lawmaking, 1953-2004. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521162912

6.       Krehbiel, Keith. 1998. Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. Lawmaking. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226452727

7.       Aldrich, John Herbert. 2011. Why Parties? : A Second Look. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN-10: 0226012743

8.       Philpot, Tasha S. 2007. Race, Republicans, and the Return to the Party of Lincoln. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. ISBN-10: 0472069675

Prerequisites

 12 hours of college course-work.  This course fulfills the first half of the legislative requirement for Government.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government.  The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

Mandatory course meetings take place online during scheduled class times, via live-streaming video. Students will be responsible for using their own devices and using an appropriate Internet connection, or for accessing the course from a campus computer lab.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit the following page (http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tower/gov310L/) to test their computer and network connection.

Topics:

I.                 Introduction to the Study of Politics

II.                Pre-constitutional America

III.              The Constitution

IV.               Federalism

V.                Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

VI.              Interest Groups

VII.             Political Parties

VIII.           The Congress

IX.              The President (and Bureaucracy)

X.               The Courts

XI.              Texas Government

XII.            The News Media

XIII.          Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

XIV.           Campaigns and Elections

XV.            Economic policy

XVI.           Social Welfare Policy

XVII.          Foreign Policy

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following breakdown:

Weekly Quizzes

(Thirteen in all; each worth 10 points; drop the three low scores)   

100 points

Take-home Essays

(Three in all; each worth 50 points)

150 points

Participation/Simulations

50 points

TOTAL

300 points

Texts

Ken Kollman, 2013. “The American Political System,” 2012 Election Update. New York: Norton.

The Texas portion of the course will be covered through free material provided on the Texas Politics website (http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/index.html)

Prerequisites

6 hours of college course-work.  This course fulfills the first half of the legislative requirement for Government.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of          United States and Texas government.  The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government. 

Course meets online during scheduled class times and includes a live-streaming video component. Arrangements to meet in groups in the broadcast studio (MEZ 2.206) may be made by the instructors at the beginning of class.  Students will be required to access the course online during meeting times, and will be responsible for using their own devices and using an appropriate Internet connection, or for accessing the course from a campus computer lab.  Students are strongly encouraged to visit the following page (http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tower/gov310L/) to test their computer and network connection.

Topics:

I.                 Introduction to the Study of Politics

II.                Pre-constitutional America

III.              The Constitution

IV.               Federalism

V.                Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

VI.              Interest Groups

VII.             Political Parties

VIII.           The Congress

IX.              The President (and Bureaucracy)

X.               The Courts

XI.              Texas Government

XII.            The News Media

XIII.          Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

XIV.           Campaigns and Elections

XV.            Economic policy

XVI.           Social Welfare Policy

XVII.          Foreign Policy

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following breakdown:

Weekly quizzes                                                        

(Twelve in all; each worth 10 points; drop the two low scores)   

100 points

Take-home Essays

(Three in all; each worth 50 points)

150 points 

Participation/Attendance 

50 points

TOTAL

300 points

Texts

Ken Kollman, 2013. “The American Political System,” 2012 Election Update. New York: Norton.

The Texas portion of the course will be covered through free material provided on the Texas Politics website (http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/index.html

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

See syllabus

See syllabus

Prerequisites

At least six college level credit hours.

Course Description 

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government. The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

Grading Policy 

Quizzes: 25%

Exams: 75%

Texts 

Kollman, Ken. 2012. The American Political System. New York: W. W. Norton and Company.

Course Description

 This seminar introduces graduate students to the study of American politics and government.   The course reviews both classic and recent scholarship on issues in American political science.  The readings address a range of topics, from questions of democracy, the political system, and political culture, to ones of particular aspects of American politics, such as public opinion, partisanship, Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary.  Students read what political scientists have written (and argued) about the different topics related to political science on the United States.  What are the implications of how political scientists have worked as professionals?  Of special concern are the controversies within the discipline: where do political scientists disagree, and why? 

Texts 

Aldrich, John, Why Parties?  Chicago. 

Other books to be announce later.

Course DescriptionThis course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and issues of United States and Texas government. The course will cover the relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

 Required Texts1 Kollman, Ken. (2011). The American Poltical System. New York, Norton.2. Additional readings will be posted on Blackboard {BB}.3. Bluebooks and #2 pencils for exams

 Films (Preliminary List)

1.Belton, David. 2010. "A New Eden." In God In America, ed. David Belton. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation.

The purpose of this film is to establish an understanding of how religion was approached in the early years of the nation. My showing of this film is not an attempt to indoctrinate any thinking about how religion should operate in America. When watching this film pay particular attention to the discussion of separation of church and state as well as the discussion of religious freedom.

2.Espinosa, Paul. 1985. The Lemon Grove Incident. Espinosa Productions.The purpose of this film is to provide a vivid example of how the nation has come to define civil rights. When watching this film pay special attention to the cause of the conflict, how the decision was contested, the final outcome and the logic behind the final outcome.

 Coursework

Quizzes 25%Throughout the semester there will be numerous quizzes given, which will pertain to the readings as well as class lectures.  The quizzes will not be announced and there will be no make-ups for missed quizzes. The quizzes will be given at any time during the lecture. Multiple quizzes may be given in class. If you miss more than four quizzes, you will receive a zero for your quiz grade for the semester. The quizzes are worth 25% of the final grade.

Surveys

In order to enhance research and teaching at the University of Texas you will be asked to participate in a series of surveys throughout the semester. Because the surveys will be used as tools for educational purposes, students will be required to participate, however if students object to participating in the survey, they may complete an alternative assignment. The alternative assignments will include activities, such as attending a campus lecture or writing a movie review. You must inform your teaching assistant that you choose to participate in the alternative assignment at least one week before the survey deadline and turn in the alternative assignment within a week after the survey deadline. For instance, if the deadline to complete a survey is October 8, you must inform your teaching assistant that you want to participate in the alternative assignment by October 1 and turn in that alternative assignment by October 15. Participation in the survey or alternative assignment will count as a quiz grade. Failure to participate in a survey or the alternative will count as a missed quiz.

Exams:

worth 75%There will be three exams in this course.  The exams will address all of the topics addressed in the course and center on how they relate to each other. The format of the exams will be essay and multiple choice. Each exam is worth 25% of your final grade.

Quizzes                                   25%

Exam One                               25%

Exam Two                               25%

Exam Three                             25%

Total                                        100%

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to examine the political role of the Black church in the African American experience. Through the examination of the historical and contemporary scholarship on the Black church, this course will critically analyze how the church, its leaders, and members have used it to achieve the political goals of African Americans.

Prerequisite

The prerequisites for this course are upper division standing and six hours of lower division coursework in Government.

 Required Texts

1. McDaniel, Eric L. 2008. Politics in the Pews: The Political Mobilization of Black Churches. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

2. Schmidt, Diane E. 2010. Writing in Political Science: A Practical Guide. Fourth ed. Boston: Longman.

3. Sernett, Milton C., ed. 1999. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. Durham: Duke University Press.

4. Thurman, Howard. 1976. Jesus and the Disinherited. Boston: Beacon Press.

5. Course Pack available at Paradigm Copies 407 West 24th Street

 Recommended Books

1. Leedy, Paul D., and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. 2004. Practical Research: Planning and Design. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.   

Video References

1. Cross, June. 2003. God is a Negro. In This Far by Faith. USA: PBS Video.

2. Markowitz, Alice. 2003. Freedom Faith. In This Far by Faith. USA: PBS Video.

3.Bagwell, Orlando, and Susan Bellows. 1998. Africans in America : America's Journey Through Slavery. USA: PBS Video.

 Coursework  

Discussion Papers 60%

The discussion papers are 4-5 page typed papers that provide points for class conversation. The purpose of the discussion papers is to establish issues and concerns in response to the class readings. This is an opportunity for students to voice questions and concerns related to the readings. Students are required to discuss the readings and course materials of the week to address a question raised. You are required to provide proper citation and a bibliography in the preparation of the discussion papers. These papers are due at the beginning of class. There will be five discussion papers. The discussion papers are worth 60% of the final grade.

Research Paper 40%

A major aspect of the course will be the development of a research paper. The topic of the research paper will be the choosing of the student and must relate to religion and politics in regards to a racial and/or ethnic minority group in the United States. The paper is to be 12-15 pages in length and will be completed in three stages (prospectus, outline, and final draft). 

Please check back for updates.

see syllabus

See syllabus

The purpose of this course is to examine the political role of the Black church in the African American experience. Through the examination of the historical and contemporary scholarship on the Black church, this course will critically analyze how the church, its leaders, and members have used it to achieve the political goals of African Americans. 

Description: This course is designed to provide an introduction to the processes and
issues of United States and Texas government. The course will cover the
relevant institutions in the development of the governmental process as
well as discuss the role of the citizens in shaping our government.

Grading Policy:

TBD

Required Texts
TBD

Description: The purpose of this course is to examine the political role of the Black
church in the African American experience. Through the examination of
the historical and contemporary scholarship on the Black church, this
course will critically analyze how the church, its leaders, and members
have used it to achieve the political goals of African Americans. This
class will be reading and writing intensive.

Grading Policy:

TBD

Required Texts:

   1. Pinn, Anne H., and Anthony B. Pinn. 2002. /Fortress Introduction
      to Black Church History/. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
   2. Sernett, Milton C., ed. 1999. /African American Religious History:
      A Documentary Witness/. Durham: Duke University Press.
   3. Course Pack available at Paradigm Copies 407 West 24^th Street
   4. Other texts may be added

*Recommended Books*

   1. Faigley, Lester. 2006. /The Brief Penguin Handbook/. Second ed.
      New York: Pearson Longman.//
   2. Leedy, Paul D., and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. 2004. /Practical
      Research: Planning and Design/. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
      Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Please check back for updates.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Seminar in American Government and Politics.

Please check back for updates.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Please check back for updates.

Seminar in American Government and Politics.

Please check back for updates.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.