Summer 2020 - POL 232 D800
US Politics (3)
Class Number: 5505
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Cara Camcastle
ccamcast@sfu.ca
-
Prerequisites:
POL 100 or 101W or permission of the department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of the American political system, including the presidency, the congress, the courts, the bureaucracy and the party system. Students with credit for POL 332 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will facilitate a better understanding of the issues surrounding the Democratic primaries and the presidential election. America’s main governing institutions will be examined in this course: Congress, the presidency, and the courts. The crucial role in the policy process played by political parties, interest groups and news media will be considered. We will explore the peculiar nature of American liberal and conservative ideology and how it is reflected in the two political parties. Has the partisan dynamic displaced the ability to govern? What will be the impact of the growing Hispanic and immigrant population on American politics? What are the weaknesses of this globally influential democracy? Is there a lack of balance between free speech and lobby power? Is the electoral college system of presidential elections still valid? Is the constitutional design of checks and balances still working?
Grading
- Quizzes 50%
- Term paper proposal 10%
- Two five-page papers 30%
- Contributions to the online discussion board 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
James Morone and Rogan Kersh, By the People: Debating American Government (Oxford University Press 2018) fourth edition. eText ISBN: 9780190928629
ISBN: 9780190928629
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020
Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.