Fall 2009

GOV 310L • American Government

Course Description

Fulfills first half of legislative requirement for Government. This course is an introduction to United States and Texas government and politics. The course includes a framework for understanding the constitutional basis, processes, institutions, actors, politics, and policies of the United States and Texas governments. Besides fulfilling the legislative requirement, you will join the ranks of the more informed citizenry after the successful completion of this class. The course's essential theme is to understand broadly democracy’s ostensible promise: the conversion of public opinion into public policy through governance.

Grading Policy

There will be three exams, each worth 30%. The examinations are not cumulative, and feature multiple choice questions and short answer questions. The exams draw roughly equally from lecture and the readings. Attendance is required and attendance quizzes may happen on any day at any point during that particular lecture. Quizzes and attendance will be worth 10% of the total points.

Texts

Fiorina, et al, The New American Democracy, Alternate Ed., Longman, 6th ed.

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