Political Institutions and Processes

Abstract

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the policy-making institutions and processes in the American political system. It is designed as a survey course, covering a wide range of topics in the study of American political institutions. The course requires a considerable amount of required readings as noted below. Getting the most out of each class session requires that you have completed the reading for that session. Do not fall behind as the steady stream of readings will make it difficult for you to catch up. During the course of the semester, I will be available during office hours. I can also be reached by phone at ext. 3952 or by email at fleisher@fordham.edu. If the need arises, do not hesitate to give me a call or send an email. Feel free to stop by my office (674 Faber Hall) during my office hours. If you are not available during the times posted for my office hours then contact me after class or by email to arrange a time that we can meet. Alternatively, you can stop by my office and if I am available I will try to make time to meet with you. Grades for the course will be based on a paper, a take-home final examination and class participation. The paper and the take-home final examination will each count for 40% of the course grade, with class participation counting for 20%. Your grade on class participation will reflect your contribution to our class discussions as well as your contribution to the panel discussion of which you are a member. All students will be assigned to one of three panels. The number of students assigned to each panel will be limited and decided on a first come first served basis. At the panel discussion, you will have approximately 15 minutes to make an initial presentation. If you wish, you can use PowerPoint to aid in your discussion. As part of your presentation answer the theme question by laying out the argument and evidence that you believe makes the most persuasive case. After everyone on the panel has presented, we will have time for questions and give-and-take among panel members. For the paper, you are to address the question raised in that panel by constructing an argument complete with supporting evidence in which you take a stand on one side or the other of the …