American Government
POLS 1101
1Spring Semester 2014 January 6 – May 5
David Veve, M.P.A
Class Section: 04 4:45pm – 6:00pm TR
Classroom: American Government Liberal Arts 0104
Office Hours: M & W: 10:20-1050, 12:05-1:35 T & TR: 3:15-4:45
Office Location: LIB 255 Telephone: 706-272-2004 E-mail: dveve@daltonstate.edu
COURSE DISCRIPTION: This course surveys the structure and operation of the American
federal government and the state government of Georgia. Topics to be covered include the
following: Constitution, Federalism, Party and Group Politics, the Congress, The Presidency, the
Court, and the Georgia Constitution.
DALTON STATE COLLEGE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Dalton State College shares with the other state colleges of the University System of Georgia in
providing a variety of well-chosen programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate
programs.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
The Department of Social Sciences assists students in developing an ability to acquire data,
understand relationships, process information, draw conclusions, and critically evaluate issues
related to the society and culture of the United States and the world at large. To achieve these
aims, the Department offers courses that support the College’s various associate and
baccalaureate programs. These courses include offerings in anthropology, criminal justice,
geography, history, political science, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Students will articulate the constitutional principles and governmental processes
fundamental to American democracy and political participation. (US Perspectives, Area E)
2. Students will articulate an understanding of major forces and events, influences, or ideas
that have shaped history and society. (US Perspectives, Area E)
3. Students will analyze, evaluate, and provide convincing reasons in support of conclusions
and arguments. (Critical Thinking, Area E)
POLITICAL SCIENCE 1101 INTENDED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will articulate understandings of course materials acquired through listening, reading,
graphics, experiments, computations, and electronic media.
Students will articulate and analyze issues from different perspectives and be opened to
viewpoints other than their own.
Students will analyze political institutions and political behavior using disciplinary frameworks.
Students will have an awareness of American democracy and its competitive strengths.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students are expected to: (1) attend and actively participate in
class and all class discussion; (2) read assigned texts and be prepared to discuss the readings; (3)
complete all assignments; (4) take all four exams; and (5) participate in any group activities.
SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE: A professor I studied under had these tips for having success in
this course. “You will earn a good grade in this course (A or B) by doing the following: 1)
showing up consistently for class; 2) completing all the assignments and readings on time; 3)
actively participating in group projects and class discussions; 4) taking good notes; and 5) having
an open mind. “The key to this class and ultimately the key to succeeding in college is showing
up and paying attention.” I will add that getting with your fellow peers and studying is a great
way to do well. Study groups help your grade and having one is a great way to meet new friends.
At certain times during the semester you may or may not wonder how you can improve your
grade. If you are ever wondering how to improve your grade, think of all these ideas!
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & READINGS: James Q. Wilson. American Government, Brief
Edition, 11th Edition Wadsworth Publishing, 2012, ISBN: 978-113359437-6
I will also allow use of the 10th and 9th edition of this book.
There is a textbook website that will help you study and understand the course a little bit more.
As an incentive for you to use this website, you will see a few of the questions on the exams
taken directly from the textbook website.
http://college.cengage.com/polisci/wilson/am_gov_brief/9e/student_home.html
You will need to read some of the Georgia Constitution. You can find this on the Georgia
Secretary of State Website: http://sos.georgia.gov/ELECTIONS/constitution.htm
Additional reading will be assigned in class.
Remember this is college. You need to read this book, I will not cover the entire book in class,
but you are responsible for knowing what is in the book.
During the class period there will be discussion about current political events. The course is a lot
more interesting and fun if you pay close attention to news coverage via national and
international television stations, radio news
STUDENT EVALUATION: A letter grade “A“ in a course indicates exceptional mastery of
the course objectives in both knowledge and skills. If you want an A, I will give you all the
possible opportunities and help you achieve your goals. Grades will be determined on the
following basis.
EXAMS (80%): There will be four regular examinations during the course. Each exam is
worth 20% of the final grade. The exams will cover material from the textbook assigned
readings, and from class lectures. You MUST take all four examinations to successfully
complete this course. The exams will be at least 50 questions and will include multiple choice,
true-false, and matching. Students who miss the exam will have an opportunity to make up
exams. In order to make up exams, students will have to provide legitimate reasons and
documentation (such as illness or emergency situation) for consideration of a make-up exam.
You will have ONE WEEK after the date of the regular exam to make up the missed exam NO
EXCEPTIONS! If you miss the midterm, then you will make up the exam within the week we
return from spring break. By the way expect essay questions on make-up exams because I will
have assumed that you will have used your extra time to study harder.
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