Schedule of Topics, Readings & Exams:
Fall 2005
8/23 Organization; Introduction to the Study of Government and Politics Wilson 1 & 2
8/30 quiz on Schall's Liberal Learning
9/1 The Founding and American Political Culture; Wilson Chapters 3 & 4; LRAP Part 2
*The Theory of the American Government*
9/6 8 & 13 Madison's Republic: The Theory of American Government: Wilson Chapter 2; LRAP Part 3
9/15 & 20 Critique of Madison: Wilson Chapter 1; LRAP Part 10
9/22 Midterm Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and lectures
9/27 No Class
*Non-authoritative Institutions of American Government*
9/29 Public Opinion; The News Media; Wilson: Chapters 5, 6, & 10; Wilson: Chapters 5, 6, & 10; LRAP Part 14
10/4 & 6 Pluralist Theory; Wilson Chapter 9; LRAP Part 11 Interest Group Theory
10/11 Political Parties: Wilson Chapter 7; LRAP Part 12
10/13 No class Fall Break
10/18 & 20 Responsible Party Theory; Voting & Elections: Wilson Chapter 8; LRAP Part 13
10/25 Midterm Chapters 5-10 and lectures
10/27 No Class
*Authoritative Institutions of American Government*
11/1 & 3 The U. S. Congress: Wilson Chapter 11; LRAP Part 5 How a Bill Becomes a Law Senate
11/8 & 10 The American Presidency: Wilson Chapter 12; LRAP Part 6 Biographies of the Presidents
11/15 & 17 Presidency continued; The Executive Branch (Federal Register) and The Supreme Court: Wilson Chapters 13 & 14; LRAP 38, 40, 42, 43, 44
11/22 & 24 No Class
11/29 Midterm Chapters 11-14 and lectures
12/6 Grades; Review
12/8 Last day of University classes
12/10 Final Exam Saturday @ 7.30 PM This exam is cumulative in the sense that the essays cover all aspects of the entire course! Bring an 8 ½ X 11 “Blue Book.”