POLS 1100: U.S.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

CRN # 40067
Section 353/853
Fall 2019
Salt Lake Community College

Professor: Perparim Gutaj, Ph.D. E-mail: Perparim.Gutaj@slcc.edu

Office: TB 018-G (Taylorsville Campus) Class Day &Time: M/W 1:00 – 2:20 pm
Office Hours: Tuesday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Classroom: SCM 2-164

COURSE DESCRIPTION & LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course surveys American government and politics: how U.S. government and politics evolved,
how they operate, and the actors involved in the political process. The course is divided into five
parts. In part one, we look at the foundations of the American political system, federalism and the
separation of powers, and constitutional guarantees. In part two, we examine American public
opinion, political parties, the media, and interest groups. In part three, our analysis shifts toward
institutions – looking at Congress, Presidency, and the Federal Courts. In the last part of the course,
we explore the politics of governance with a special focus on social, economic, and foreign policy.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

o Describe and discuss the origins and powers of American government and institutions
o Critically assess political actions and events using a political science framework
o Identify and describe the main actors operating in the political system
o Develop own argument on important issues in American politics
o Critically assess key social, economic, and foreign policies or programs.

REQUIRED READINGS

The following textbook is required for the course. A PDF is available for free on the Canvas page:

American Government, OpenStax edition

You are required to do the assigned readings before coming to class, so you are able to participate in
class discussions and activities.
Throughout the semester, we will also watch a number of documentaries and short-video clips that
will help us better comprehend the material and major ideas and concepts explored in class.

Moreover, you are encouraged to read news sources such as the New York Times, the Financial
Times in order to connect with the themes and concepts you learn from the readings and class
discussions.

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 GRADING AND ASSIGNMENTS

Your final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

Attendance and Participation 15%

Quiz One 12%
Quiz Two 12%
Quiz Three 12%
Quiz Four 12%
Quiz Five 12%
Term Essay 20%
E Portfolio 5%

A 100-93 A- 92-90 B+ 89-87 B 86-83 B- 82-80 C+ 79-77

C 76-73 C- 72-70 D+ 69-67 D 66-63 D- 62-60 E Below 60

Attendance and Participation (15%)

To get the full points for this part of your grade, you must: come to class regularly (5%); and do the
readings and actively participate in class discussions and debates by sharing what you are learning,
ideas, and opinions (10%). However, some students might come from an educational background
(defined by culture, discipline, etc.) in which classroom discussions and debates were not the norm,
but still want to earn as much participation points as possible. In that case, participation points can
be earned through writing: for each chapter covered during the semester you will need to write at
least a two-paragraph “chapter summary” and turn it in to me during that week. No submissions
after the due date will be accepted. In these summaries you will provide a synopsis of the main
points and articulate your learning through making connections to previous chapters, class
discussion, or current political events. I will elaborate this point more in the first week of class. I
will use the grading rubric at the end of this syllabus to evaluate your attendance and participation.

Quizzes (5X12% = 60%)

Throughout the semester you will complete five quizzes that closely track professor lectures, the
textbook, and class discussions. Each quiz is structured as follows: 20 multiple-choice questions
(each question is worth 3 points) and 10 definitions or shorts answers (each worth 6 points) for a
total of 120 points. Quizzes are NOT accumulative. I will provide more details about the quiz
structure and expectations during the first week of the semester. For quiz schedule, see the course
schedule below. There is NO FINAL EXAM in this course.

Term Essay (20%)

For this assignment you will complete an essay (3-5 pages long - double space) on a topic you
believe is the most pressing issue in contemporary American politics. Issues can vary from
economic issues such as tax rates, unemployment, and government spending to social and political
issues such as abortion, gun rights, healthcare, environment, and so on. Write the essay on an issue
you care about the most. The essay should contain at least the following three parts. First, it needs
to introduce and describe the issue. What is the issue? Tell us about it. Why is this an important
issue? Why should others care about this issue? Etc. Second, the essay needs to make a clear
argument, from a political science perspective, about the issue and support it with clear examples,
evidence, or facts. Third, it needs to propose a solution to the issue. What do (or can) we need to do
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as a community/country about it? How do we do that? Etc. I will provide more information about
this assignment and expectations during the first week of the semester. If you are unsure about
whether your topic aligns with the assignment expectations you should talk to me as early as
possible. The essay needs to be submitted on Canvas page. Check the schedule below for the due
date. NO LATE submissions are accepted.

E Portfolio (5%)
For this assignment, you need to do the following. First, create your own e-portfolio page if you do
not have one already. Visit www.eportresource.weebly.com if you need help with create
one. Second, you must upload your term essay on your E-Portfolio. In addition, you must also write
a two-paragraph long reflection piece --- reflecting on the course work completed in this
class. Third, you must submit your E Portfolio link (website URL) as assignment submission in the
course canvas page. The E-Portfolio is due on April 30th and to be submitted in canvas page. NO
LATE submissions are accepted. I will e-mail you the reflection prompts later in the semester. For
any help with E-Portfolio you MUST contact the SLCC e-portfolio staff using the link above.

Extra Credit (Up to 5%)

There may be some opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester. I will announce those
opportunities as they come up. Extra Credit assignments must relate to the course content and
should be in the form of a short 1-2 page (typed and double spaced) review of the event, issue, or
lecture. To receive credit, students must draw at least one clear connection with a concept, topic, or
theme presented in course lectures or readings.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

The Disability Resource Center

SLCC values inclusive learning environments and strives to make all aspects of the College
accessible to our students. If you have a disability and believe you need accommodations to
improve access to learning materials or the learning environment, please contact the Disability
Resource Center: (phone) 801-957-4659; (email) drc@slcc.edu; (website) www.slcc.edu/drc.

The Student Code of Conduct

All students are expected to follow the SLCC Student Code of Conduct.

Title IX Statement
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in any
educational institution that receives federal funding. Salt Lake Community College does not tolerate
sex discrimination of any kind including: sexual misconduct; sexual harassment; relationship/sexual
violence and stalking. These incidents may interfere with or limit an individual’s ability to benefit
from or participate in the College’s educational programs or activities. If you have questions or
concerns regarding your rights or responsibilities, or if you would like to file a Title IX complaint
please contact:

Kenneth Stonebrook, J.D.

Title IX Coordinator
Salt Lake Community College
Taylorsville Redwood Campus – STC 276A

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(801) 957-5027
ken.stonebrook@slcc.edu

Online Reporting Form: http://www.slcc.edu/title-ix/complaint.aspx

Students may also report incidents to an SLCC faculty or staff member, who are required by law to
notify the Title IX Coordinator. If a student wishes to keep the information confidential, the student
may speak with staff members of the Center for Health and Counseling, (801) 957-4268. For more
information about Title IX, go to: http://www.slcc.edu/title-ix/index.aspx

General Education
Regardless of your major, General Education courses build a foundation of broad knowledge and
skills that help you in your further career and life.

Learning Support and Tutoring Services

General Learning Support & Tutoring Services provide support for SLCC students enrolled in any
class at the College. All resources are provided free-of-charge. Ask your instructor about discipline-
specific learning support and tutoring services.
 Tutoring: index of all tutoring resources.
 STEM Learning Centers: provide free assistance in Math, Science, Accounting, CSIS and
Allied Health Classes at 6 campus locations.
 Student Writing Center: provides in-person and online feedback on all writing
assignments.
 Academic Literacy Center: provides tutoring in reading and conversation.
 Library Services: provides research help, print and online resources, computers and study
space.
 ePortfolio Lab: provides drop-in assistance for all ePortfolio questions.
 eLearning Support: provides support for navigating online and hybrid classes.
 Business Resource and Innovation Center: provides tutors and a study space for students
in Business and CSIS courses. Located in BB 226 on Taylorsville-Redwood Campus.

Advising and Counseling Support Services

Advising and Counseling Support Services provide support for students enrolled in any class as the
college.
 Center for Health and Counseling: provides health care, mental health counseling,
massage therapy services and healthy lifestyle programs.
 Veterans’ Services: assists hundreds of students in using their VA education benefits each
semester.
 Academic and Career Advising: helps students plan, explore, make decisions, access
resources and evaluate their academic and career goals.
 Academic Achievement Center: helps students achieve GPA requirements for graduation.

Student Responsibilities
All students are expected to maintain professional behavior in the classroom. While diverse
opinions are encouraged, verbal harassment and acts of egotism are not. Out of respect for
classmates, treat each other with respect and dignity.
Laptops and smart devices will be allowed for note taking and other class related functions.
However, please be considerate of students around you by not creating opportunities or moments of
distraction. Cell phones must be turned off or silenced, and kept out of sight.
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 COURSE SCHEDULE & READING ASSIGNMENTS

Aug 21 Introduction

PART ONE: THE SYSTEM AND ITS FOUNDATIONS

Aug 26 Chapter 1: Government & Civic Engagement, pp. 7 - 19

Aug 28 Chapter 1: Government & Civic Engagement, pp. 20 – 34

Sep 2 ***Labor Day – No Class***

Sep 4 Chapter 2: The Constitution & Its Origins, pp. 35 – 45

Sep 9 Chapter 2: The Constitution & Its Origins, pp. 45 – 68

Sep 11 Chapter 3: American Federalism, pp. 69 – 87

Sep 16 Chapter 3: American Federalism, pp. 88 – 105

Sep 18 *** Quiz # 1 ***

PART TWO: INDIVIDUAL AGENCY AND ACTION

Sep 23 Chapter 4: Civil Liberties, pp. 107 – 130

Sep 25 Chapter 4: Civil Liberties, pp. 131 - 152

Sep 30 Chapter 5: Civil Rights, pp. 153 - 169

Oct 2 Chapter 5: Civil Rights, pp. 170 - 197

Oct 7 ***Quiz # 2 ***

PART THREE: DEMOCRATIC POLITICS

Oct 9 Chapter 8: The Media, pp. 287 - 312

Oct 14 Chapter 8: The Media, pp. 313 - 324

Oct 16 Chapter 9: Political Parties, pp. 327 - 341

Oct 21 Chapter 9: Political Parties, pp. 342 – 364

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Oct 23 ***Quiz # 3 ***

PART FOUR: INSTITUTIONS

Oct 28 Chapter 11: Congress, pp. 403 - 420

Oct 30 Chapter 11: Congress, pp. 421 - 443

Nov 4 Chapter 12: The Presidency, pp. 445 - 463

Nov 6 Chapter 12: The Presidency, pp. 464 - 482

Nov 11 Chapter 13: The Courts, pp. 485 - 518

Nov 13 ***Quiz # 4 ***

PART FIVE: GOVERNANCE

Nov 18 Chapter 16: Domestic Policy, pp. 589-605

Nov 20 Chapter 16: Domestic Policy, pp. 605-624

Nov 25 Chapter 17: Foreign Policy, pp. 627-642

Nov 27 Chapter 17: Foreign Policy, pp. 643-658

Dec 2 ***Quiz # 5 ***

Dec 4 *** Term Essay Due – by 11:59 pm, submit on Canvas ***

Dec 9 ***E Portfolio Link Due - submit on Canvas***

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GRADING RUBRICS

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