Schedule of Topics, Readings & Exams:
Fall 2005

8/30 Organization; Introduction to the Study of Government and Politics' The Founding and American Political Culture; Wilson: Chapters 1 & 4; LRAP Part One

*The Theory of the American Government*

9/6 Madison's Republic: The Theory of American Government: Wilson: Chapter 2; LRAP Parts 2 & 3; Quiz on Schall’s "A Student’s Guide to " Liberal Learning"

9/13 Critique of Madison: Wilson Chapter 3; LRAP Part 10

9/20 Midterm Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 & and lectures

*Non-authoritative Institutions of American Government*

9/27 Public Opinion; The News Media; Wilson: Chapters 5, 6, & 10; LRAP Part 14

10/4 Interest Groups;  Wilson: Chapter 9; LRAP Part 11  Interest Group Theory

10/11 Political Parties: Voting & Elections: Wilson: Chapters 7 & 8; LRAP Parts 12 & 13

10/18 Responsible Party Theory: Responsible Party Theory; Wilson: Chapters 7 & 8; LRAP Parts 12 & 13

10/25 Midterm Chapters 5-10 and lectures

*Authoritative Institutions of American Government*

11/1 The U. S. Congress: Wilson: Chapter 11; LRAP Part 5  How a Bill Becomes a Law  The Senate

11/8 The American Presidency: Wilson: Chapter 12; LRAP Part 6 Biographies of the Presidents;

11/15  The Executive Branch  (Federal Register)  and The Supreme Court: Wilson: Chapters 13 & 14; LRAP Parts 7 & 8

11/22 No Class Thanksgiving

11/29 Midterm Chapters 11-14 and lectures

12/6 Final Exam 6.00 in Duane G 131. This exam is cumulative in the sense that the essays (there are no multiple choice questions on the final) cover all aspects of the entire course! N.B. the exam is this day and this time; Bring an 8 ½ x 11 “Blue” Book.

Page last updated: 08/24/05