Introduction to American Government and Politics

Course Calendar

August 20 – December 14
American Government and Politics
8:30 – 9:20 MWF in Administration 435
Calendar last updated on September 9
August 17 (Friday)
* Nothing for today.
August 20 (Monday)
* Nothing for today.
August 22 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Introduction to Class
* Note: Classes begin
August 24 (Friday)
* Major assignment due today:
Scavenger Hunt
* Discussion Topic: What is class. And why does Marx use this division?
August 27 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: How close is America to Communism?
August 29 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Final Thoughts on Marx’s Manifesto
August 31 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: What is science? Why does it matter?
September 3 (Monday)
* Note: Labor Day
* Holiday: Labor Day
* Holiday: Labor Day: No Classes
September 5 (Wednesday)
* Major assignment due today:
Write five hypotheses
* Discussion Topic: Discuss/Critique your hypotheses
September 7 (Friday)
* Major assignment due today:
What is the purpose of government?
* Discussion Topic: Introduction to Political Theory
September 10 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Purpose = Support Justice
* Discussion Topic: Purpose = Ensure Equality
September 12 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Purpose = Create Strength
* Discussion Topic: Purpose = Protect
* Discussion Topic: The State of Nature
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 1
* Note: Mass of the Holy Spirit
September 14 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: The Constitutional Tradition
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 2
September 17 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: The Articles of Confederation
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 10
* Read for today: Article II (Constitution)
September 19 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: The Executive: Original Intent
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 11
September 21 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: The Bureaucracy
* Discussion Topic: Electoral College
* Read for today: Article I (Constitution)
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 9
September 24 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: The Congress: Original Intent
September 26 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Lawmaking Process
September 28 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Budgetary Process
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 12
October 1 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: The Judiciary: Original Intent
October 3 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: US Court Structure
* Discussion Topic: Momentous Court Cases
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 4
* Major assignment due today:
US Supreme Court Paper
October 5 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Civil Liberties
October 8 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Civil Liberties
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 5
* Holiday: Columbus Day
* Holiday: Lailat Ul Qadr
October 10 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Civil Rights
October 12 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Civil Rights
* Read for today: Constitution (Entirity)
* Read for today: The Majesty of the Law (O'Connor)
October 15 (Monday)
* Note: Fall Break
* Holiday: Fall Break: No Classes
* Note: Mid-Semester's grade reports due
October 17 (Wednesday)
* Note: Fall Break
* Holiday: Fall Break: No Classes
October 19 (Friday)
* Note: Fall Break
* Holiday: Fall Break: No Classes
October 22 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: The Rest of the Constitution
October 24 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Review
October 26 (Friday)
* Examination: First Examination
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 8
* Note: Last day to withdraw with a 'W'
October 29 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Campaigns, Elections, and Voting Behavior
October 31 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Campaigns, Elections, and Voting Behavior
* Holiday: Samhain
November 2 (Friday)
* Note: No Class: Conference
* Holiday: All Souls Day
November 5 (Monday)
* Note: No Class: Conference
November 7 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Public Policy: Policy Process
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 13
November 9 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Domestic Policy
November 12 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Foreign Policy
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 14
November 14 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Foreign Policy
November 16 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Democracy
November 19 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Direct vs. Representative
* Discussion Topic: Delegate vs. Trustee
November 21 (Wednesday)
* Note: Thanksgiving
* Holiday: Thanksgiving Recess: No Classes
November 23 (Friday)
* Note: Thanksgiving
* Holiday: Thanksgiving Recess: No Classes
November 26 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Structure Functionalism
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 7
November 28 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Political Parties and Interest Groups
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 6
November 30 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Public Opinion and Polls
December 3 (Monday)
* Discussion Topic: Political Ideology
* Major assignment due today:
Political Leanings
December 5 (Wednesday)
* Discussion Topic: Political Socialization
* Read for today: SSB: Chapter 3
December 7 (Friday)
* Discussion Topic: Last Thoughts on Government
December 10 (Monday)
* Note: Semester Exams begin
 One Week Two Weeks Month All
Quizzes and Exams:
*First Examination
*Second Examination (8:00–9:40)