1. American Government: A Historical Introduction POLSC 110(W)
Prof. Sanford Schram
1721HW,
Discussion Sections
Sec1D01
M12:10-1
HW1729
Logan
Sec1D06
TH12:10-1
HW706
Makhene
Sec1D2
W12:10-1
Sec1D07
HW208
Ibur
Sec1D3
Fuerderer
Sec1D08
Sec1D4
Sec1D09
Sec1D5

2. Syllabus

3. Contact Office Hours: Schram: M/TH 9-10am & by appt
Teaching Assistants:
Drake Logan
Mr. Aaron Ibur
Max Fuerderer
Ms. Mammotsa Makhene
Office: 1742W
Phone:
Office: 1730A
Phone:
Office: 1741W
Phone:
Hours: W11 am-12:00pm & by appt.
Hours: TH 1:30-2:30 & by appt.
Hours: M 1:15-2:15 pm & by appt.
Hours: M1:10-2:10pm & by appt.

4. Textbook
American Government by Glen Krutz, University of Oklahoma, PDF version ISBN OpenStax. Download for free at
This is an open source textbook, which means there is no cost to you for reading it online or downloading it.

5. Top Hat
I will use Top Hat to take attendance and encourage your participation & engagement.
Visit Student Quick Start Guide. 
Once you have registered and entered in your subscription code, your course can be directly accessed via the following: 
Top Hat course name: Fall 2017 American Government Direct URL: 6-digit course code:

6. The New York Times Read the New York Times every day.
Come to class in command of current events, especially those relating to American politics.
Discounted home delivery for students is available, which includes access to NYTimes.com and the apps for tablets and smartphones. Go to nytimes.com/collegerate to subscribe.

7. Blackboard & online readings
( The syllabus, announcements, and any handouts will all be posted on Blackboard. Check your Blackboard page frequently.
All readings including those that supplement the textbook are available by clicking the links on the syllabus. Discussion sections will focus on the readings.
Reaction paper in response to the readings have due dates in the syllabus.

8. Grading Policy 1) Midterm Exam (March 8th) 20%
2) Final Exam (May 21st, 11:30am-1:30pm) 25%
3) Weekly writing assignments critiquing assigned readings (5 will be graded) 20%
4) Short historical paper, class presentation (due November 13th) %, 5%
5) Attendance & Participation (using Top Hat in lecture) % & 5%

9. Course Goals Why do we have governments? What is politics?
Substantive Goals
Why do we have governments?
What is politics?
Understand how government decisions are constrained by Constitution.
Understand how people participate in politics.
Understand how our institutions work.
Make you informed participants in our political system.

10. Course Goals Developmental Goals
Critical thinking (concepts and theories). Raise questions.
Use and evaluate evidence of claims
Public speaking skills
Writing (clear, concise summaries & explanations, make arguments, use evidence to support arguments)

11. Some Basic Questions Why do we institute governments?
How much government should we have? How pervasive should the government be in our lives?
How does the U.S. government work?

12. Key Analytical Perspectives
Historical institutionalism Rational choice Behavioralism