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The Presidency and Politics Syllabus
Fall 2008
Access to the Internet is required for this class.
Text:
No textbook is required. Reading assignments will be web based.
Description:
Topics in American Government is a seminar class. Students will be given weekly reading or research assignments and will be expected to actively participate in class discussions. Topics will change each semester. A student may take one or both semesters. To receive high school credit for American Government students will need to take both The Presidency and Politics & the US Congress and Interest Groups.
This course will examine, through research, analysis, and discussion, the presidency and the constitution, presidential selection process, presidential power, presidential policy-making, the Executive Office of the President, and the role of public opinion.
In addition to studying the fundamentals of the executive branch, the course will examine both past and current presidencies and the current presidential contest. Students will be required to watch either the Republican or Democratic National Conventions, and a Presidential debate. We will examine the political process through current events.
Goals:
- To understand the functions, powers, and selection of the President
- To enable each student to analytically evaluate presidential candidates in order to make a more informed opinion and become actively involved in the presidential process.
Requirements:
- Come to class prepared. You will be expected to have read each week’s assignment before class and be prepared to intelligently discuss the material.
- Class discussion is essential to this course. Student participation will be a determining factor in a student’s final grade. Please feel free to interrupt a lecture to ask questions and to interject personal observations and opinions. If you do not agree with me or other students, say so in a polite way and express your point of contention. Be assured that your viewpoint will not have a negative affect on your grade.
- Assignments are given in advanced and should be turned in on time.
- Attendance is expected at every class. This course covers a lot of material in a short span of time. Some assignments are group projects, which means other students are depending on you to contribute your share of the work. You cannot keep up with consistent absences. If you must miss a class please notify me ahead of time when possible. Missed work is due when you return as well as the assignment due on the day you return.
- This class focuses on discussion, entertaining a variety of viewpoints. It is imperative that all students listen and discuss in a courteous manner. I will not tolerate insulting, rude or otherwise abusive language.
Resources:
- Podium Power Government User Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/governement_topics. Students will need to go to this site and request permission to join. Membership is open only to Podium Power students and parents.
- Students need access to the Internet
Evaluation: Students will be graded on the following:
- Class participation (class discussion & web posts)
- Tests
- Mini debate
- Paper on why you support either the Republican or Democratic Platform and that party’s presidential nominee
- Paper on electoral reform
- Oral presentation
Field Trips:
- Tour the Texas Governor’s Mansion
- Tour the Texas State Capitol
Schedule:
Will be given to students on the first class day.
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