Dr. George E. Connor

Phone: 836-6956, 5630                                                     E-mail: georgeconnor@missouristate.edu

Strong Hall  328                      Office Hours: MWF 9:00-10:00, TR 2:00-3:00 and by appointment

Texts:

Fiorina, Peterson, Voss, and Johnson. America's New Democracy

Riordon. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall

Missouri State Department of Political Science: American Democracy and Citizenship (3rd edition)

Bookstore Test Packet (scantron forms, pencils)

Policies:

1. Exams: There will be 5 multiple choice exams worth 50 points and a 50-point comprehensive final.  

2. Grading: Final grades will be based on total semester points and a 90/80/70/60 percent scale. No curve will be utilized and no extra-credit will be given, and no "rounding-up" will occur.

3. Attendance/Participation: Both are expected, neither is required. Attendance will be taken for administrative purposes only and will have no direct impact on grades. Pre-arranged absences may be tolerated with prior (24 hour) notice, University sanction, and documentation.

4. Promptness: Students arriving late for class will be glared at. Students arriving late for exams may not be allowed to take the exam.

5. Academic Dishonesty: The University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. All members of the University share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty.  You are responsible for knowing the University's honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. Any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions described in this policy. 

6. Cell phones and other electronic devices: The use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes is prohibited. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances.  Sanctions for violation of this policy are determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from class and/or a charge of academic dishonesty.

7. The University is committed to making reasonable modifications in policies, practices or procedures when such modifications are necessary for services or accommodations to legally protected individuals with disabilities. Applicants requesting academic adjustment are responsible for notifying the University of their disability, requesting academic adjustment, and providing documentation of the disability prior to receiving accommodations.  Disability Services refers some accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic. To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union 405 (417-836-4192 or TTY 417-836-6792).

8. Nondiscrimination: Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the treatment of students and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries and concerns about possible discrimination to the Office of Equal Opportunity, Siceluff 296 (417-836-4252).  Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor's attention, and/or to the attention of your instructor's Department Head.

9. Dropping: It is your responsibility to understand the University's procedure for dropping a class as outlined in the current Missouri State Undergraduate Catalog.  If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedures for dropping a class, you will receive a failing grade and will be financially obligated to pay for the class.  To drop a class anytime after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center.  You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip.  It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor, or a department head.  If you wish to withdraw from the University (drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center, Carrington 320. It should be noted that withdrawing from the University does no insure a "drop while passing" grade.

10. No Food or Drink in Strong/Glass Hall classrooms

Statement of Purpose

The course is designed to familiarize students with the institutions and constitutional framework of the United States and Missouri. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsibilities that shape the public decision making of active and informed citizens and influence contemporary public affairs in a democratic society.

Course Schedule: 

Aug 22 Introduction   FPVJ 1, RDR Introduction, Plunkitt Introduction and Preface

                        Syllabus and Methodology

Part I Philosophical, Constitutional and Institutional Heritage

Aug 24 Philosophical Foundations of Constitutional Democracy FPVJ 2

                        Declaration of Independence

Aug 29 Constitutional Foundations    FPVJ 2

                        Debates, Compromises, and Ratification

Aug 31             Constitutional Purposes

            Missouri Constitution   RDR I:2 (pp. 6-7)

Sep 5  Federalism FPVJ 3

    Judicial Review, Privileges and Immunities, Full Faith and Credit

Sep 7   Plunkitt Set #1 (1, 7, 15, 18)

Sep 12   EXAM

Sep 14   Institutional Foundations

    Legislative Branch FPVJ 9

   Representation

Sep 19             Executive Branch FPVJ 10

   Presidential Personality

Sep 21                      Bureaucracy: Authority and Role  FPVJ 11

  Decision Rules and Finality

Sep 28  Plunkitt Set #2  (2, 8, 11, 12, 19)

Oct 3    EXAM

Oct 5               Missouri Institutions RDR I:2 (pp. 7-11)

Oct 10    Institutional Controversies RDR IV:2,3,4

                        Term Limits, the Electoral College, and Judicial Activism

Part II Prejudice, Difference, Inequality and Citizenship

Oct 12   Cultural Foundations of Democracy

    Civil Liberties  FPVJ 13, RDR II:2

   Context Speech

Oct 17             Civil Rights   FPVJ 14, RDR I:1, II:3, II:1

   Issues of Race

Oct 24  Plunkitt Set #3 (4, 6, 14, 17, 23)

Oct 26  EXAM

Part III Citizenship and Opportunities for Participation

Oct 31  Public Opinion and Media   FPVJ 5, RDR III:3 

Nov 2   Individuals, Organizations, and the Public Good

    Parties  FPVJ 8 (194-210)

Nov 7              Interest Groups FPVJ 8 (210-223); RDR III:1,2

Nov 9              Elections and Campaigns  FPVJ 7; RDR III:4,5

Nov 14   Plunkitt Set # 4  (3, 9, 20, 22)

Nov 16   EXAM

Part IV Challenges of Democracy

Nov 21   Democracy and the Public Good   FPVJ 6; RDR IV:1

Nov 28   Missouri Political Culture    FPVJ 4

Nov 30   Democracy in a Changing World   FPVJ 15

    American Foreign-Policy Making RDR V:1

Dec 5    Ideology, Interdependence, and Leadership  

                        American Hegemony    RDR V:3,2

Dec 7    Plunkitt Set #5  (5, 10, 13, 16, 21)

EXAM SCHEDULE

COMMON FINAL    Dec 9th 3:45-5:45

FINAL EXAM            Dec14th 11:00-1:00

Dates to Remember: