POS 110—Government and Politics                                                     Richard Herrera

PS F173; MWF 8:40-9:30                                                                  Coor 6702

                                                                                                            Richard.Herrera@asu.edu

                                                                                                            480-965-6551

 

 

This course is designed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of American government and politics.   We will cover such the institutions of American government such as the Congress, the Presidency, and the courts.  We will also discuss the informal institutions in American politics such as political parties and interest groups.  Because this is a presidential election year, we will emphasize presidential campaigns, political parties and elections. 

 

Classes will begin with a discussion of national politics drawn from national news outlets.  Participation is expected.  In addition, the weekly exams will contain questions about the discussions of politics held during the week.  I do not use the +/- grading format.

 

Periodic Exams                         60%

Final exam:                                           40%

 

There is one required book for the class:  Dynamics of Democracy, version 3e, Squire, et al. It is only available online.  You may purchase an online only version or an online and hard copy (paperback).  The online and hard copy versions are identical.  Information about ordering the book is attached.  In addition, students are required to read a national newspaper daily (e.g., The New York Times, The Washington Post).  Online versions of these papers are available free.  

 

I use Blackboard to communicate announcements, grades, and other information.  Be sure to check this course on Blackboard frequently.

 

Meeting and Reading Schedule:

January 19- 26

Introduction

Chapters 1, 3

 

January 28- 31

Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation

Appendices A & B

 

February 2 - 4

Constitution

Chapter 2

 

February 7– First  exam

 

February  9 – 16

Congress

            Chapter 11

February 18 – 25

Executive Branch

            Chapters 12, 13

 

February 28

Courts

            Chapter 14

 

March 2-  Second exam

 

March 4 - 9

Public Opinion

            Chapter 6

 

March 11 – 23

Political Participation

            Chapter 7

 

March 25—Election Day

 

March 28 - 30

The Media

            Chapter 8

 

April 1 - 6

Political Parties

            Chapter 9

 

April 8 - 11

Interest Groups

            Chapter 10

 

April 13 - Third exam

 

April  30 – May 2

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

            Chapters 4, 5

 

May 10- - Final Exam, 7:40-9:30 am

 


 

To obtain the textbook for the class, go to the following URL: atomicdog.com

 

Look for the course registration ID for POS 110, Government and Politics is:

1217575204080

  Title: Dynamics of Democracy, 2004 Version, 3e
  Authors: Peverill Squire, Ph.D., James M. Lindsay, Ph.D., Cary R. Covington, Ph.D. &

  Eric R. A. N. Smith, Ph.D.
  Online Price: $39.95
  Paperback & Online Price: $54.95

 

The Course Registration ID ensures that each student is registered under the appropriate section for your course and enables them to purchase the required materials directly from our site 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

All books are shipped from our fulfillment center located near Chicago.  Transit time to either coast is approximately 3-5 business days. Students get immediate access to the online text when they purchase, so transit times for books does not affect students’ access to textbook content.

* Note: Purchases of our Paperback Editions automatically include access to the corresponding Online Edition, if available.

If you have any trouble accessing course materials when using this registration information, please contact us at support@atomicdog.com or 800-310-5661 ext. 8. Please include the Course Registration ID and complete description of the problem.

Please note that we personally respond to all email requests. Atomic Dog will make every effort to respond to your inquiry the same business day in which your message is received.