Class: American Government and Politics Professor: Dr. Joseph A.

Coll
Class Code: POLS 101 Email: [email protected]
Semester and Year: Spring 2023 Office: 315 Carnegie Hall
Class Time: MWF 9:00-9:50 Office Hours: M&F 9:50-10:50, TH 2:00-3:00,
Class Location: Walsh-Ellett Hall 210 or by Appointment

Course Description
Politics influences nearly every portion of American life, from the things people can and cannot say, to
how much they are paid for a day’s work, and even what is put on the nutritional labels on cereal boxes.
The politics behind these decisions stem from a unique American history that has crafted a complicated
interaction between governing institutions and the American public, as well as the political
intermediaries that separate the two. This course reviews the basics of American politics and how we got
here; the purpose, structure, and influence of American governing institutions; and the influence of the
people, organizations, parties, campaigns, interest groups, and the media on American politics. This is
done from historical, contemporary, and comparative approaches, as students learn the history of
American government and politics, how American government and politics function today, and how they
compare to that of other countries.

Course Objective
The objective of this course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge regarding American
government and politics, while strengthening critical thinking and writing skills along the way. This is
done through course material that emphasizes the historical development, contemporary arrangement,
and comparative context of American government and institutions; class activities that empower students
to think/write critically about American politics and engage in thoughtful discussion over controversial
issues; and evaluative assessments that provide students a chance to demonstrate their knowledge.
Students will come away from this course with an understanding of American government and politics,
the knowledge needed to be civically minded Americans, and the skills necessary for succeeding in
higher education and beyond.

General Education Requirements

Curiosity about society and its institutions is central to the engaged life. In addition, informed
citizens should have an understanding of individual and collective behavior in the past and present.
To address the challenges facing the world today, citizens must understand how these challenges
arise and the roles that individuals, communities, countries, and international organizations play in
addressing them. Learning how to pose appropriate questions, how to read and interpret historical
documents, and how to use methods of analysis to study social interaction prepares students to
comprehend the dynamics within and among societies. These skills enable students to examine the
world around them and to make historically, theoretically, and empirically informed judgments
about social phenomena.

Students will meet the goals of Learning Objective 4 by learning about American government and
politics from historical, contemporary, and comparative perspectives. Faculty will assess if students
successfully meet the general education learning goal through scoring a final exam essay from a sample
of students in the class. The scoring for assessment purposes does not affect students’ grades in the class.

Required Texts
Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, Caroline J. Tolbert, Andrea L. Campbell, and
Robert J. Spitzer. We The People, 13th Essentials Edition. New York City, New York: W.W. Norton &
Company.

Lori Poloni-Staudinger and Michael R. Wolf. 2019. American Difference: American Politics
from a Comparative Perspective. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press/Sage.

The United States Constitution (https://www.senate.gov/civics/resources/pdf/US_Constitution-

Declaration of Independence
(https://uscode.house.gov/download/annualhistoricalarchives/pdf/OrganicLaws2006/decind.pdf, also
online)

Federalist Papers (https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text, also online)

Student Assessments
Exams: There will be three (non-cumulative) exams, one for each section of the course (The Basics of
American Government and Politics, Governing Institutions, and Influences on American Politics). The
exams will be comprised mostly of multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank questions, with an
additional 1-3 short answer/essay questions. Each exam accounts for 20% of the final grade, for a total of
60% accounted for by exams. Dates for the exams are listed in the “Important Dates” section but are
subject to change.

Make-Up Exams: Make-up exams will be given only in extreme circumstances. These include
extreme illness, mandatory religious obligations, University activities, or other family
emergencies. If you need to reschedule an exam, you must contact me within 48 hours of the
scheduled exam. Please contact me ahead of time if you know of any conflict.

Weekly Quizzes: Most weeks there will be a quiz over the material we have learned, which account for a
total of 20% of the final grade. The quizzes will be made available following the last day of class for that
week and must be completed by Sunday at 11:59 pm. The point of these quizzes is to make sure you are
reading, following, and understanding the material, while also providing review and study material for
the exams.

Attendance: Attending class is necessary for engaging in the types of discussions that are integral for
accomplishing the objectives of this course and of General Education Learning Objective 4. Attendance
will be graded based on the frequency at which you attend class, accounting for 10% of the final grade.
You will receive full attendance points if you attend all three class sessions, partial points if you attend
less than all three, and no points if you miss each session in a week. Again, notify me ahead of time if
you will be missing class. If you have scheduled events where you will be gone (e.g., sports events),
please provide me the schedule as soon as possible. Note: You get two (3) unexcused absences per
semester.

Contribution: Contributing in class is necessary for engaging in the types of discussions that are integral
for accomplishing the objectives of this course and of General Education Learning Objective 4. Instead
of participation, students will receive points for contribution. That is, students will be assessed on the
extent to which they positively contribute to class, such as through asking questions, joining into class
discussions, engaging other students in constructive dialogue, working in small groups, and otherwise
adding to their own and the classes learning experience. Contribution accounts for 10% of the final
grade. Note: You get two (3) non-contribution days per semester.

University and Course Policies

Late Work: Late work will have 10% of the total grade immediately deducted, with an additional 10%
deducted for every 24 hours from the due date/time the assignment is late unless arrangements were
made prior to the assignment deadline. If you fail to complete a quiz after 9 days, you will receive a 0 for
that quiz. If extenuating circumstances arise, please notify me as soon as possible.

Grade Appeals: For objective questions (e.g., true/false, multiple choice), if a student thinks I
accidentally marked a question wrong that was correct, please come see me as soon as possible. For
subjective questions (e.g., short answer, essay), I will not discuss changes in grades for 24 hours after the
grade has been handed back. If you feel that I missed an important point that you made or there is some
other problem with your grade, after 24 hours, you may submit a grade appeal. Your appeal should be a
typed argument for why your grade should be changed. It should be no longer than 2 pages double
spaced. You will need to hand the appeal and the original assignment/exam back into me for review. We
will then schedule a time to meet or come in during office hours to discuss the appeal. Appealing the
grade does not mean that I will automatically increase your grade. Appeals will only be accepted up to 1
week after the assignment is returned.

Plagiarism: Defined as presenting someone else's work as your own without full acknowledgement,
plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students who plagiarize run the risk of receiving an F in the course and
potential academic suspension.

Honor Code: All students must sign the honor code upon matriculating to Sewanee. All forms of
academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, are violations of the Honor Code and will be treated as such.
If you ever have a question about an assignment or need additional help, please ask for assistance rather
than jeopardize your academic career.

Technology: Cell phones, smart watches, headphones, and the like are not to be used during class unless
given express permission to do so. I reserve the right to dismiss you from class if disruptions or
continued phone use occur, with the possibility of losing attendance/participation points. Laptops can be
used for note taking purposes only, unless given express permission for other uses. If you wish to use
your laptop for note taking, you must talk with me in advance. I reserve the right to dismiss you from
class if disruptions or inappropriate laptop use occur, with the possibility of losing
attendance/participation points. If you have technology that is need for accommodations, please let me
know so that I know the technology is being used for accommodations and so that I can learn how to best
facilitate the use of that technology.

Collaboration: All assignments, exams, etc. must be done individually unless otherwise instructed.
Though, I encourage students to study in groups for exams.

Civility: As with many political science courses, we will frequently discuss “hot button” or sensitive
topics. In the course of doing so, all students are expected to remain civil in their discussions, approach
topics with an open mind, and be respectful to others. Individual opinions about particular politicians,
parties, etc. should be left at the door. I reserve the right to dismiss you from class if inappropriate
behavior occurs, with the possibility of losing attendance/participation points. With that being said, I
expect students to challenge themselves and other students in discourse, present well thought-out
arguments, and even occasionally take sides they would not normally take. Last, I stress all students to
remember that the views expressed in class are not necessarily the views of the individual expressing
them.

Official ADA Statement :The University of the South is committed to fostering respect for the diversity
of the University community and the individual rights of each member of that community. In this spirit,
and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University seeks to provide students with disabilities with
the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the
University.
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak with
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early in the semester as possible. If approved for
accommodations, the student has the responsibility to present their instructors with a copy of the official
letter of academic accommodations. Please note: Accommodation letters should be dated for the current
term; accommodations will not be provided without a current accommodation letter; and
accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.
SAS is located in the Office of the Dean of Students (931.598.1229). Additional information about
accommodations can be found on the Student Accessibility Services website
(https://new.sewanee.edu/offices/the-college-of-arts-sciences-offices/student-life/dean-of-students-
office/student-accessibility-services/).
Students who have questions about physical accessibility should inform their instructors so that we can
ensure an accessible, safe, and effective environment.
Title IX and Sex Discrimination Policy: Sex Discrimination is a violation of federal Title IX law and
University policy. Disclosure of sex discrimination to University faculty, staff, or specific student leaders
(i.e. proctors, Orientation Leaders, FYP mentors, etc.) is not confidential and these individuals are
required to make reports, including names and circumstances, to the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
One may report confidentially to All Saints’ Clergy and University Health and Wellness/CAPS staff. To
report incidents of sex discrimination, including sexual violence, stalking, and/or sexual harassment,
please file a report at ReportSexualMisconduct.sewanee.edu or contact the Title IX Coordinator (Dr.
Sylvia Gray, [email protected], Woods Lab 138, 931-598-1420). For more information on Title IX,
the Title Policy and Procedure, related policies such as mandatory reporting, or resources for support
and confidential disclosure, please refer to the Title IX website: new.sewanee.edu/titleix.
Helpful Resources
The Writing Center: The Writing Center, located on the main floor of duPont Library, provides objective
peer support to Sewanee students who seek assistance with their writing projects. The student tutors can
help at any stage in the writing process, including topic development, rough drafts, final drafts, and
revisions. You may schedule an appointment in our online platform (https://sewanee.mywconline.com/)
or see our website (https://www.sewanee.edu/writingcenter/) for more information.
The Center for Speaking and Listening: The Center for Speaking & Listening is located in duPont
Library on the main floor in the Learning Commons. Peer tutors are available for appointments to help
you prepare and practice individual and group presentations, poster presentations, interviews, debates,
simulations, dialogues, and other kinds of speaking and listening endeavors and projects. Morning,
afternoon, and evening appointments are available on Sunday‒Thursday. You can register and make an
appointment online here: https://sewanee.mywconline.net/. Learn more about the Center for Speaking &
Listening here: https://new.sewanee.edu/academics/center-for-speaking-listening/.
Research Help Center: The Research Help Center, on the lowest floor of duPont Library, is available for
all of your research paper, project, and presentation needs. Our librarians can help with each stage in the
research process, including developing a research question, finding information, interpreting academic
sources, integrating research into your paper or presentation, and avoiding plagiarism. You can make an
appointment with us online at https://library.sewanee.edu/researchhelp. Walk-ins are also welcome! The
Research Librarian for Politics is Linnea Minich ([email protected]). See also the Politics Course
Research guides at https://library.sewanee.edu/sb.php?subject_id=26727.
Wellness Center resources: As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere
with learning, such as stress, strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance misuse, mood changes,
difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may
diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Free
counseling, psychological, and psychiatric services are available at the University Wellness Center, and
treatment does work. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus
at https://new.sewanee.edu/campus-life/flourishing/wellness-commons/university-wellness-center/.

Weights and Grading

Course grades will be distributed as follows:

97-100: A+ 77-79.9: C+
93-96.9: A 73-76.9: C
90-92.9: A- 70-72.9: C-
87-89.9: B+ 67-69.9: D+
83-86.9: B 63-66.9: D
80-82.9: B- 60-62.9: D-
Below 60: F

Important Dates
Weekly Quizzes: Released weekly following the last day of class, due the following Sunday at 11:59 PM
(one minute before midnight).
Exam 1: February 20th
Exam 2: March 27th
Exam 3: May 5th

Course Schedule
Notes about Course Schedule: Dates reflect the MONDAY of that week. Schedule is subject to change.
The course is split into three sections. The first covers the basics of American government and politics,
the second covers American governing institutions, and the third covers the influence on American
politics. The assigned readings for each week reflect the topics we are going to cover that week, and as
such, all readings should be done prior to class.
SECTION 1: The Basics of American Politics
❖ Week 1 (January 16): What Do Politics and Democracy Mean?
➢ First day of classes, January 17thth, no Class Monday, January 16th
➢ W Syllabus, We the People Chapter 1 pgs. 22-23
➢ F American Difference Chapters 1-2
❖ Week 2 (January 23): How Did We Get Here and What Sets America Apart?
➢ MW We the People Chapter 2, Declaration of Independence
➢ F American Difference Chapter 3
❖ Week 3 (January 30): American Culture and Ideology
➢ MW We the People Chapter 1
➢ F American Difference Chapter 4
❖ Week 4 (February 6): American Rights and Liberties
➢ MWF We the People Chapter 4
❖ Week 5 (February 13): The Fight for American Rights and Liberties
➢ M Bill of Rights Presentations
➢ W We the People Chapter 5
➢ F We the People Chapter 5/Study Day
SECTION 2: American Governing Institutions
❖ Week 6 (February 20): Exam 1, American Federalism and Constitution
➢ M Exam 1
➢ W We the People Chapter 3, Federalist Papers 10 and 51
➢ F American Difference Chapter 6
❖ Week 7 (February 27): American Congress
➢ MW We the People Chapter 10, Article 1 of the Constitution, Federalist Papers 52 and 62
(online)
➢ F American Difference Chapter 7 (The Introduction and Legislative Branch)
❖ Week 8 (March 6): American Presidency and Bureaucracy
➢ MW We the People Chapters 11 and 12, Article 2 of the Constitution American Difference
Chapter 7 (The Executive Branch and Bureaucracy), Federalist Papers 68, 69, and 71
➢ F No Class, Spring Break
❖ Week 9 (March 13): No Class, Spring Break
➢ MWF No Class, Spring Break
❖ Week 10 (March 20): American Judiciary
➢ MW We the People Chapter 13, Article 3 of the Constitution, American Difference Chapter 7
(The Judicial Branch and Conclusion), Federalist Papers 78
 ➢ F Study Day
SECTION 3: Influences on American Government and Politics
❖ Week 11 (March 27): Exam 2 and Public Opinion
➢ M Exam 2
➢ W We the People Chapter 6
➢ F Explore Trends in Public Opinion (GSS)
❖ Week 12 (April 3): Political Parties and Interest Groups
➢ M We the People Chapter 8
➢ W American Difference Chapters 8 and 9
➢ F No Class, WPSA
❖ Week 13 (April 10): Political Participation, Campaigns, and Elections
➢ M We the People Chapter 9
➢ W American Difference Chapters 10 and 11
➢ F No Class, MPSA
❖ Week 14 (April 17): The Media
➢ MWF We the People Chapter 7
❖ Week 15 (April 24): Foreign and Domestic Policy
➢ MW We the People Chapters 14 and 15
➢ F American Difference Chapter 12
❖ Week 16 (May 1): Catch-Up/Review
➢ MW Catch-Up/Review
➢ Last day of classes, Wednesday, May 3rd
FINAL EXAM DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION: May 5th, 9:00 AM, Walsh-Ellet 210