PLS 103: Missouri Government and Politics
Fall 2011, Section 751
October 19th December 14th
Wednesday 7:00-8:00 Strong Hall Room 001
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. Missouri
Government and Politics (2nd edition)
Lectures: Available on CDs from Missouri State Bookstore or
in Meyer Library. Lectures are also
available on University I-Tunes at
http://itunesu.missouristate.edu/. Call Help
Desk at 417-836-6111 or 888-767-8444.
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
the following scale: 93 A, 90 A-, 87 B+, 83 B, 80 B-, 77 C+, 73 C, 70 C-, 67 D+,
60 D (Please note that there are no A+s or D-s). 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 Missouri States Student
Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures.
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. Emergency Response: Students who require assistance during an
emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and
Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me,
or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated,
please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. For additional
information students should contact the Office of Disability Services, 836-4192
(PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and
Transportation at 836-6576. For further information on Missouri State
University's Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site:
http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.
7. 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 19th - Initial
Class Meeting
Strong
001, 7:00 pm
Introduction and Syllabi
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 16th,
7:00 PM (Must bring Missouri State ID)
Strong 001
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 14th, 8:00 PM (Must bring
Missouri State ID) Strong 001
Lecture Transcripts:
http://ec.missouristate.edu/icourses/transcriptpls103.html
Tips for I-course students:
http://ec.missouristate.edu/icourses/icoursestips.html