Spring 2007

GOV 310L • American Government

Course Description

If you love to hate politics, this course is for you-it will give you more ammunition than you've ever dreamed of. Or, if you love politics, then this course is for you-it will give you more insight into the realpolitik world of American and Texas politics than any political junkie could absorb in one semester. For those in the middle-you'll get enough thrown at you that you might end up in one of those other two camps by final exam time. The study of politics and government is incomplete without some knowledge of the society, culture, history, and economy of the nation and state. We will study political economy, constitutionalism, democracy, federalism, legislative politics, executive politics, judicial politics, public policies, public opinion, participation, and parties and elections. Current and recent political events will serve as focal points for the lectures and discussions.

Fulfills first half of legislative requirement for government (three of six credit hours).

Grading Policy

The minimum required for the course is achieving an understanding of the materials covered in the lectures and readings as reflected in the student's scores on examinations plus short writing assignments. The final course grade is based on the exam grades and writing assignments.

Texts

The following books are required and will be available at the University of Texas Co-Op: Gary Wasserman. The Basics of American Politics, 12th ed., 2005. Gary Keith and Stefan Haag, Texas Politics and Government: Continuity and Change, 1st ed., 2006.

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