Political Science 110

Introduction to American Politics

Chapman University
Interterm 2016
Instructor: Dr. Lori Cox Han
Office: Smith Hall 4
(714) 744-7614
E-mail: lhan@chapman.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description: This course will introduce you to the institutions and political processes of
American government and politics. Topics will include: the cultural and ideological background
of the American system of government; the Constitution and federalism; civil rights and civil
liberties; voting and public opinion; political parties and interest groups; the mass media;
campaigns and elections; institutions of government; and the policymaking process.
Course Learning Outcomes: As an introductory-level Political Science course, this course will
help you to develop critical thinking skills about American government and politics, as well as
learn how to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge about the political process in
becoming a more informed citizen. As a General Education elective, this course will help you to
develop an understanding of the range and complexity of political, social, and policy issues in
American society by analyzing the social, political, cultural, and economic institutions and
structures in American government (7SI: Social Inquiry). In addition, you will develop critical
thinking skills related to the rights and responsibilities of citizens and/or leaders as embodied in
political and civic organizations (7CC: Citizenship, Community, Service).
Program Learning Outcomes: (Democratic Citizen) 1. Demonstrate an appreciation for the
possibilities and responsibilities of national and global citizenship, including understanding
opportunities for political participation and an ability to use critically the many sources of
information about politics to make political choices and solve political problems. 2. Identify
political principles and theories connected with democratic citizenship.
Required Texts:
Thomas R. Dye and Ronald Keith Gaddie, Politics in America, 10th ed./2014
Elections and Updates Edition (Revel Online Edition: ISBN
9780134174082)
You are also required to keep up with current events. Regular reading of the New York
Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and/or the Wall Street Journal is
required, and reading other publications focusing on national news with substantive
analysis of political issues is strongly encouraged (The Economist, Politico, etc.).
Grades and Assignments:

Exam #1:
Exam #2:
Chapter Quizzes:
Final Exam:

25%
25%
20%
30%

Attendance and Participation: Student attendance and participation are important aspects of
this course. You are expected to come to class having completed the assigned readings and
prepared to participate in class discussions on each daily topic. While in class, I also expect you
to observe a few simple rules:
1) No use of laptop computers and/or tablets is allowed;
2) No use of cell phones, text messaging, or MP3 players (all devices should be silenced);
3) No reading of newspapers, magazines, or any other materials;
4) No sleeping, napping, or resting;
5) Treat every member of the class with respect, even if you disagree with their opinion; and
6) Class begins promptly at 4 p.m. Showing up late to class is both disruptive and
disrespectful, so please be on time.
Chapman Universitys Students with Disabilities Policy: In compliance with ADA guidelines,
students who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that might affect their ability to
perform in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services. If you will need
to utilize your approved accommodations in this class, please follow the proper notification
procedure for informing your professor(s). This notification process must occur more than a
week before any accommodation can be utilized. Please contact Disability Services at (714) 5164520 or (www.chapman.edu/students/student-health-services/disability-services) if you have
questions regarding this procedure, or for information and to make an appointment to discuss
and/or request potential accommodations based on documentation of your disability. Once
formal approval of your need for an accommodation has been granted, you are encouraged to
talk with your professor(s) about your accommodation options. The granting of any
accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity
of the course.
Chapman Universitys Academic Integrity Policy
Chapman University is a community of scholars that emphasizes the mutual responsibility of all
members to seek knowledge honestly and in good faith. Students are responsible for doing their
own work, and academic dishonesty of any kind will be subject to sanction by the instructor and
referral to the University's Academic Integrity Committee, which may impose additional
sanctions including expulsion. Please see the full description of Chapman University's Policy
on Academic Integrity Policy online at: http://www.chapman.edu/academics/academicintegrity/.
Chapman University Equity and Diversity Policy
Chapman University is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity. Students
and professors are reminded to show respect at all times as outlined in Chapmans
Harassment and Discrimination Policy: http://tinyurl.com/CUHarassment-Discrimination.

Any violations of this policy should be discussed with the professor, the Dean of Students
and/or otherwise reported in accordance with this policy.
The Syllabus: Finally, I view this syllabus as a contract between you and me. If you decide to
remain in the class, you accept the course requirements and thereby agree to abide by them.
Please read the syllabus carefully and make sure you understand it, and do not forget to look at
the weekly schedule for reading assignments and topics. Make sure that you will be able to
attend the classes, read all of the required materials, and complete all assignments. It is important
that you know what this class entails, that you acknowledge its requirements and evaluation
criteria, and that you make a commitment to finishing the work in a timely and responsible
fashion.

Reading Assignments and Topics:

Week 1:

January 4 American Political Culture and Ideology

Required reading: Chapters 1 and 2
January 5 The U.S. Constitution
Required reading: Chapter 3

Week 2:

January 6 Federalism
Required reading:

Chapter 4

January 7 Civil Liberties

Required reading:

Chapter 14

January 11 Civil Rights

Required reading:

Chapter 15

January 12 Exam #1
January 13 Public Opinion and Voting; The Mass Media
Required reading: Chapters 5 and 6
January 14 Political Parties and Interest Groups
Required reading: Chapters 7 and 9
Week 3:

January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/University Closed

January 19 Campaigns and Elections
Required reading: Chapter 8
January 20 Exam #2
January 21 The Legislative Branch
Required reading: Chapter 10

Week 4:

January 25 The Executive Branch

Required reading: Chapters 11 and 12
January 26 The Judicial Branch
Required reading: Chapter 13
January 27 Public Policy
Required reading:
January 28 Final Exam

Chapters 16, 17, and 18