PLS 103: Missouri Government and Politics
Fall 2008, Section 751, Second Block 1-hr Course
October 21st - December 16th
Tuesday 6:00-6:50 Strong Hall Room 004
Instructor: Dr. George E. Connor
Office: 307 Strong Hall
Office Hours: MTWRF by appointment
Tel: 417-836-5630 E-mail: georgeconnor@missouristate.edu
Required Text:
Althaus, Rickert.
Lectures:
Available on CDs from
Course Policies:
1. Exams: There will be 2 multiple choice exams for a total of 100 points. There will be 50 questions on each exam. A Photo ID will be required
2. Grading: Final grades will be based on total 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/Promptness: As a blended TV course, regular classroom attendance is not required. However, exam attendance is required. Pre-arranged absences may be tolerated with prior (24 hour) notice, University sanction, and documentation. Students arriving late for exams may not be allowed to take the exam
4. Academic Dishonesty: All members of the
University share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known
acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student detected participating
in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions
as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. It
is the student's responsibility to read and fully understand
5. Students with Disabilities: 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. To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Services, PSU 405 (417-836-4192 or TTY 417-836-6792).
6. Nondiscrimination: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructors Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
7. Dropping: It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520. It should be noted that withdrawing from the University does not insure a "drop while passing" grade.
Statement of Purpose
The course is designed to familiarize students with the institutions and constitutional framework of Missouri. The course emphasis is on the state-level values, rights, and responsibilities that shape the public decision-making of active and informed citizens and influence contemporary public affairs in a democratic society.
October 21st - Initial Class Meeting
Strong 004, 6:00 pm Introduction, Syllabi, and Handouts
I. Philosophical, Constitutional and Institutional Heritage:
Lecture 1 Ideology and Political Culture p. 1
Conservatism and Individualism
Lecture 2 Missouri Constitutional Framework pp. 1-3
Five Purposes of Constitutions
Lecture 3 Missouri Legislature pp. 8-11
Terms, Qualifications, and Procedures
Lecture 4 Missouri Executive pp. 4-8
Powers and Duties
Lecture 5 Missouri Judiciary pp. 11-2
Structure and Missouri Plan
Lecture 6 Missouri Political Parties pp. 13-15 (including Interest Groups)
Ideology and Alignments
Exam I - November 11th (Must bring Missouri State ID)
II. Citizenship and Opportunities Participation:
Lecture 7 Resurgence of States
Lecture 8 Initiatives and Referenda pp. 15-16
III. Prejudice, Difference, Inequality and Citizenship:
Lecture 9 States as Laboratories of Democracy pp. 16-17
Temporary Assistance and Parents as Teachers
Lecture 10 Right to Privacy pp. 3-4
Cruzan v. Director
Lecture 11 Right to Privacy pp. 3-4
Webster v. Reproductive Health Services
IV. Challenges of Democracy:
Lecture 12 Missouri's Political Future pp. 4-10
Term Limits, Initiatives, Budgets and Divided Government
Exam II - December 16th (Must bring Missouri State ID)
Dates to Remember: No Penalty Drop, Nov 18th
Last Day to Drop, Dec 5th
Airtimes Schedule on Springfield Cable 24 Sundays 1-3 PM
For Exam I For Exam II
Oct 26th Lectures 1-2 Nov 16th Lectures 7-8
Nov 2nd Lectures 3-4 Nov 23rd Lectures 9-10
Nov 9th Lectures 5-6 Dec 7th Lectures 11-12
Website for Tape Transcripts: http://ce.missouristate.edu/telecourses/transcriptsPLS103.htm
Tips for Telecourse Students: http://ce.missouristate.edu/telecourses/tips.htm