INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (Honors)
Political Science 3 (3 units)
Section 52794
T/Th 9:20-10:45 am, Room AJ 1

WELCOME!!!!!

What is politics?  Who really "rules?"  What is political culture and why may it be important as to why some countries take on democratic forms while others do not?  Don't know much about the political world you live in?  Political Science 3 is an introduction to political theory.  This course provides basic concepts of political science and contemporary political analysis.  The course analyzes the ideological origins of nation-states from direct democracy to totalitarian forms of government.  Political Science 3 may be used to meet Social Science Series I or II requirements in the General Education pattern of transfer to the California State University System.  

Required Texts - Please purchase the following items at the bookstore:

Online Readings - The following materials are online at http://timmer.org: 
    William Galston, "The Internet Fosters More Divisiveness in Politics"
    Kevin Hall, "Why the U.S. Fiscal Ship Is Sinking"
    Samuel Huntington, "The Clash of Civilizations"
    Machiavelli, The Prince (Chs 15-19)
    W. Phillips Shively, Ch 5, "Political Economy of the State" from Power and Choice
    Tak, Kaid, and Lee, "A Cross Cultural Study of Political Advertising in the United States and Korea"

For a better understanding of the topics covered in this class, you should read the S.J. Mercury News, the S.F. Chronicle, the New York Times, or the Washington Post daily, in addition to Time or Newsweek. Current History is also an excellent source. You can also learn a lot by watching news programs such as the Jim Lehrer News Hour (KQED) and Network evening news programs, especially CNN. Listen also to National Public Radio (Morning Edition or All Things Considered) on FM 88.5 and 89.3.  Your success in this class depends on the initiative you put into it!

Course Objectives

Additional reading materials are online at http://timmer.org.  Click on POLI SCI 3 from the Home Page and the "Readings" icon on the Poli Sci 3 page.  It is highly recommended that you print these articles/documents/short passages out ASAP in case of periodic and unforeseen downtime of the web page.  You are responsible to have each of these readings completed by their assigned day on the syllabus.

General Class Policies

1. Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in the classroom.
2. Save this syllabus as evidence for transfer to a four-year institution.
3. Class participation and COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING by the beginning of each topic are essential to passing this course.
4. Late work is marked down 1/3 of a grade for each day that it is handed in late after the end of class when it is due.
5. Tutoring is available at no charge at Tutorial Services.  It is provided by qualified, trained, students who have been recommended by the faculty.  Contact Tutorial Services in the Library Building or call 741-2038.
6. Quizzes may be administered by the Instructor without warning if he feels students are not keeping up with the readings.  Incorrect answers will be deducted from a student's overall participation grade.
7. Plagiarism/cheating will result in automatic failures for the course and offenders will be referred to the CSSO for disciplinary action.  Familiarize yourself with the campus policy on cheating detailed in the College Catalog under Student Conduct Code, 5.8.19 Policy on Cheating.  (You will find examples of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html)
8. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request.  Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

Credit/No Credit Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor in writing no later than the end of the SIXTH WEEK.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after that time.  See the WVC Catalog under "Academic Regulations and Standards" for more information about this option.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and punctuality is required and roll will be taken at the beginning of the class.  Tardy students will receive a 1 point reduction from their total grade for each tardy.  More than one absence will constitute a reduction of 2 points for each additional absence.

Web Page

A class web page can be found for Political Science 3 at http://timmer.org.  This page contains the syllabus, lecture outlines, PowerPoint lectures, online readings, and an extensive collection of links covering the topics we discuss in class.  This web page serves as a supplement to the lectures and in-class discussions, not as a substitute.  NOTE:  As a budget saving measure, lecture outlines will NOT be passed out in class.  STUDENTS SHOULD PRINT OUT THE OUTLINES BEFORE LECTURE.

Dates to Remember

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:  Thursday, May 24, 9:40 - 11:40

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:  Thursday, May 24, 9:40 - 11:40

Suggested Reading List