Fall 2009

GOV 310L • American Government

Course Description

Fulfills first half of legislative requirement for Government. This course provides an introduction to American politics. The course topics include an introduction to America's constitutional foundations, the relationship between the mass public and politics (public opinion and participation), the role of intermediary organizations (interest groups, media, parties), and the function of institutions (Congress, Presidency, Courts). In addition to mastering a set of basic facts about American government, students will learn theories addressing "big questions" in American politics, and will explore critical assessments of the evidence brought to bear on these questions. Some of these topics will also be examined in the context of Texas politics.

Grading Policy

60%: 2 in class midterms (30% each) 10%: 5 in class brief writing exercises (2% each) 30%: 1 final exam (30%)

Texts

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

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