Introduction to American Government and Politics
Political Science 101
3 Credit Hours
Fall 2018
*Instructor name: Mine Tafolar *CRN/Course Number: 42073/42074
*Office location: BSB 1141 *Times and days class meets:
Monday/Wednesday 8:00 – 9:15 am
*Office phone: 708-217-7808 *Classroom location: Lecture Center
Building A 006
*E-mail address: mafol2@uic.edu *Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 09:30 –
10:30 am or by appointment
Course Description, Goals, and Objectives
In this class you will learn about the United States political system. The objectives of this course
are to introduce the student to the systematic study of the structure and function of the United
States government and to provide a framework by which the student might come to develop an
understanding of the historical, economic, political, and social culture this government
represents. Whether you are a political science major or not, understanding the political system,
and how it impacts your daily life, is critical to the success of democratic systems.
You will be expected to do a significant amount of reading and you should be prepared to enter
into classroom discussions. Only by doing the assigned reading and discussing these topics in
class will you fully grasp the complexity of the U.S. political system. It is expected that you will
both listen respectfully to other opinions, but also speak up and share your own perspectives. We
all learn from one another. Learning to engage respectfully in discussions that are often divisive
is an important goal of this course.
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Identify the key political institutions in US government, understand their role in the political
process, and identify key debates on reform.
- Explain both the electoral and non-electoral approaches to policy change. Students should be
able to assess the following questions: How does one make change in the U.S. political
system? What are the benefits and challenges of each approach?
- Understand and evaluate the key debates in American political thought and in contemporary
politics.
COURSE MATERIALS
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Required Text
1. Geer, John G, Schiller, Wendy J., and Segal, Jeffrey A. Gateways to Democracy: An
Introduction to American Government.
Additional readings will be posted on Blackboard that you will be responsible for reading.
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance Policy
Research indicates that students who attend class are more likely to be successful. It is expected
that you attend all classes. If you are unable to attend due to illness or for some other reason,
please let me know. As is outlined below in the course requirements section, attendance is part of
your participation grade and therefore missing class will hurt your participation grade.
Policy for Missed or Late Work
No make-up exams are given unless you have an emergency. If there is an emergency, please
communicate with me as soon as possible.
Electronic Communication
You may contact me via email and I will respond to you as soon as possible. The syllabus, and
any other information you need will always be posted on Blackboard. Please always double
check Blackboard first before emailing me for general information.
Academic Integrity Policy
I take plagiarism and other forms of cheating very seriously. In the UIC Disciplinary Policy it
states that “intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in
any academic exercise” constitutes plagiarism and any paper submitted with signs of plagiarism
will automatically receive a failing grade. Furthermore, it will be referred to the university for
further disciplinary proceedings. As an academic community, UIC is committed to providing an
environment in which research, learning, and scholarship can flourish and in which all endeavors
are guided by academic and professional integrity. Please take a look at this resource to make
sure you understand plagiarism: https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/preventing-
plagiarism/. All members of the campus community–students, staff, faculty, and administrators–
share the responsibility of insuring that these standards are upheld so that such an environment
exists. Instances of academic misconduct by students will be handled pursuant to the Student
Disciplinary Policy:
http://dos.uic.edu/docs/Student%20Disciplinary%20Policy.pdf
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
Students who wish to observe their religious holidays shall notify the faculty member by the
tenth day of the semester of the date when they will be absent unless the religious holiday is
observed on or before the tenth day of the semester. In such cases, the student shall notify the
faculty member at least five days in advance of the date when he/she will be absent. The faculty
member shall make every reasonable effort to honor the request, not penalize the student for
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missing the class, and if an examination or project is due during the absence, give the student an
exam or assignment equivalent to the one completed by those students in attendance. If the
student feels aggrieved, he/she may request remedy through the campus grievance procedure.
http://www.uic.edu/depts/oae/docs/ReligiousHolidaysFY20122014.pdf
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
The University of Illinois at Chicago is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment so
that students with disabilities can fully access programs, courses, services, and activities at UIC.
Students with disabilities who require accommodations for access to and/or participation in this
course are welcome, but must be registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). You
may contact DRC at 312-413-2183 (v) or 312-413-0123 (TTY) and consult the following:
http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/faq/accommodations.html.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, METHODS OF EVALUATION, & GRADING POLICIES
Your grade for the course will be determined in the following manner:
1. Participation grade (10% of grade)
You are expected to attend each class. You are also expected to participate actively in
class discussions. This course is run as a seminar which means that we will learn from
each other. Each student is expected to do the reading BEFORE coming to class so that
you can actively participate in discussion. I want to know that you have read, are
engaged, listening to your fellow students, and willing to participate in the discussion.
2. Weekly News Reports (10% of grade)
Beginning from the second week of classes, you are expected to turn in an online news
story (related with American politics) from a reputable source every Wednesday. You are
expected to print out the news story, and put your name and the date you turn in on it.
Some reputable news sources that you may find useful are The Associated Press, Agence
France-Presse, Reuters, Bloomberg, CNN, and BBC.
3. Two Quizzes (Each 15% of grade)
You will take two quizzes. The first quiz is scheduled for September 26 and the second
quiz is scheduled for November 26. Each quiz is worth 15% of your grade. Each quiz is
made up of True/False, Multiple Choice, and Fill in the Blanks questions.
4. MidTerm (20% of grade)
You will have one MidTerm and it is scheduled for October 24. The MidTerm is made up
of True/False, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, and a short essay.
5. Research Paper (30% of grade) – Due December 5 in class!
Writing is a very important part of the social sciences. You will be asked to write one 10
– 12 page paper which is worth 30% of your grade. A detailed explanation of the paper
will be passed out in class.
The grading scale is as follows: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; and
below 60% = F.
Grades will be posted on Blackboard.
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CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
You are expected to arrive on time. Attendance is taken in the beginning of class. Also, please
turn off cell phones in class. You are welcome to use laptops if that is how you prefer to take
notes although please use devices only for notetaking. This class is discussion-based and all
thoughts and opinions are welcome, although I ask that you share them respectfully and also
listen to other opinions with respect as well. If you are struggling with course content, please
come see me.
CALENDAR OF MAJOR COURSE EVENTS AND DEADLINES
This readings and order of the semester is subject to change depending on how the class
progresses. Updates and changes will ALWAYS be announced in class so please stay abreast of
the changes.
Week/Day/Date Topic/Activity During Readings and Assignments Due
Class
August 27 Introduction to the course
August 29 Discussion on definitions No Reading
of democracy
September 3 Labor Day holiday. No
classes.
September 5 Democracy and the Chapter 1, pages 1 - 20
American Constitutional
System
September 10 The Demands of Chapter 1, pages 20 – 29.
Democratic Citizenship
September 12 The Constitution Chapter 2, pages 30 - 45
September 17 The Constitution Chapter 2, pages 45 – 61.
September 19 Federalism Chapter 3, pages 64 - 80
September 24 Federalism Chapter 3, pages 80 - 99
September 26 Quiz 1
October 1 Civil Liberties Chapter 4, pages 102 – 120
October 3 Civil Liberties Chapter 4, pages 120 – 135
October 8 Civil Rights Chapter 5, pages 136 – 150
October 10 Civil Rights Chapter 5, pages 150 – 171
October 15 Public Opinion Chapter 6, pages 174 – 190
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October 17 Public Opinion Chapter 6, pages 190 – 205
October 22 Midterm Review
October 24 Midterm
October 29 Interest Groups Chapter 8, pages 244 – 261
October 31 Interest Groups Chapter 8, pages 261 – 277
November 5 Political Parties Chapter 9, pages 280 - 300
November 7 Political Parties
Chapter 9, pages 300 – 315
November 12 Elections and Campaigns Chapter 10, pages 318 – 335
November 14 Elections and Campaigns Chapter 10, pages 335 – 351
November 19 Quiz Review
November 21 Quiz 2
November 26 Congress Chapter 12, pages 390- 431
November 28 The Presidency Chapter 13, pages 434 – 477
December 3 The Judiciary Chapter 15, pages 520 – 555
December 5 Research Paper Due in
Class
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
UIC is committed to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of
opportunity, and human dignity involving students and employees. Freedom from discrimination
is a foundation for all decision making at UIC. Students are encouraged to study the University's
“Nondiscrimination Statement”. Students are also urged to read the document “Public Formal
Grievance Procedures”. Information on these policies and procedures is available on the
University web pages of the Office of Access and Equity: www.uic.edu/depts/oae.
UIC RESOURCES
Please come see me if you are struggling in this course. If you find yourself having difficulty
with the course material or any other difficulties in your student life, don’t hesitate to ask for
help! Come to me, or if it is about an issue beyond this class, please contact your college
advisors, or get help from any number of other support services on campus. You can get a
referral to the right place, or help on the spot, from concerned advisor in the Undergraduate
Success Center (USC) at usc@uic.edu.
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The Writing Center
The Writing Center welcomes you to work on writing for this or any course. You can also work
on personal statements, resumes, or job applications. You are welcome to work with a tutor
before you start writing in order to brainstorm, plan, or ask questions about an assignment. To
make an appointment, go to http://writingcenter.uic.edu/. You can meet with a tutor face to face
or online. If you have questions about appointments or tutoring, you can call the WC at 312-413-
2206 during business hours or visit in person. The WC is located in 105 Grant Hall (next to
Lincoln and Douglas.) The Writing Center is open from the second week of the semester through
Wednesday of finals week. Hours: Mondays: 9-5 Tuesdays 9:30-6:30 Wednesdays 9-6
Thursdays 9:30-5:30 Fridays 9-5. Tutors work together with you to provide options for
improving and learning about writing. The final responsibility for revising and completing
writing assignments remains with you.
Public Computer Labs are available throughout campus where you may write and/or print out
your work. For a list of labs and the hours they’re open, go to http://accc.uic.edu/service/printing
NOTE: Do not wait until the last minute to print out papers. Sometimes labs have long lines of
students waiting for access.
The Academic Center for Excellence can help if you feel you need more individualized
instruction in reading and/or writing, study skills, time management, etc. Phone: (312) 413-0031.
Counseling Services are available for all UIC students. You may seek free and confidential
services from the Counseling Center www.counseling.uic.edu
The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Building; you may contact them at
(312) 996-3490. In addition to offering counseling services, the Counseling Center also operates
the InTouch Crisis Hotline from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. They offer support and referrals to callers,
as well as telephone crisis interventions; please call (312) 996-5535.
Campus Security
As a UIC student, you've chosen to live in one of the nation's largest cities. But, as at any
university, crime is a reality. At UIC, we are strongly committed to our public safety programs,
and we encourage students to be proactive in learning what programs and services are available
in case of an emergency. You are DISCOURAGED from staying in university buildings alone,
including lab rooms, after hours and are ENCOURAGED to use the POLICE/STUDENT patrol
escort if you are uncomfortable traveling anywhere on campus. You may request an escort to
accompany you to your campus destination on foot by calling 312-996-2830, and between 11:00
pm and 7:00 am you can dial the Red Car service (312-996-6800) if you are alone and need to
leave the building. Through Red Car, the university has established a safe evening transportation
service for university employees, students, visitors, and other authorized individuals. The car
travels between university facilities within the following general boundaries: Clinton Street on
the east; Western Avenue on the west; Jackson Boulevard on the north; and, 16th on the south.
This service is available only to individuals possessing a valid UIC i-card. The i-card is required
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to ensure the safety of the driver and other passengers. Consult the following for more
information: http://www.uic.edu/uic/studentlife/campus/safety.shtml
Also you can subscribe your cell phone to receive text message alerts. An immediate SMS text
alert will be sent in case of a serious crime in progress, a weather emergency, or other urgent
situation. (http://sms.accc.uic.edu). Finally, by dialing 5-5555 from a campus phone, you can
summon Police or Fire for any on-campus emergency. You may also set up the complete number,
1-312-355-5555, on speed-dial on your cell phone. For more information contact:
http://www.uic.edu/uic/studentlife/campus/emergency-information.shtml
