Political Science 610 Office hours: TR 9:30-11:15

Professor Dowdle W 9:30-11:30

Taylor Science 207B TR 12:30-2

adowdle@chi1.uncfsu.edu MWR 5:30-6

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the controversies, paradigms, and methods in the field of political behavior. Students should have leave the class with knowledge of (1) political parties, interests groups, and social movements; (2) the techniques by which public opinion is molded; (3) the distribution of public opinion that exists in the American public; and (4) the effects that mass political behavior has on public policy. Students will be given the chance to demonstrate their knowledge of the material and their ability to synthesize it through a variety of methods. The instructor will evaluate the student's ability to perform these tasks by using a combination of examinations, papers, and class discussion/presentations.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The professor expects all students to conduct themselves in a responsible manner as adults who understand that they are accountable for the choices they make as students. Students are expected to attend all class meetings scheduled for the courses in which they are registered. Instructors are expected to maintain an accurate written record of student attendance in order to meet veterans' benefits and other requirements. Absence from class for whatever reason does not does not excuse students from full responsibility for class work or assignment missed. Students will be allowed to make up work only if the instructor excuses the absence. Illness needs to be documented by a note from the infirmary or family doctor. Funerals require a copy of the obituary or funeral program. School activities need to be -preapproved by the class instructor. If you miss a test because of illness, you must have (1) a written excuse from a doctor or (2) phone me by 4 p.m. of the test day. If you are sick enough to miss a test, you are sick enough to require medical attention. While occasional absences are often unavoidable, class participation is an important part of the academic experience. If the time period this class meets conflicts with other activities, the student should consider taking another section. If your family situation is unstable or someone is ill, try not to miss class for other reasons. Any punitive decisions because of excessive absences will be based on university policy.

GRADING

The final grade for this course consists of two tests, various presentations, and a term paper. Since active learning lies at the heart of graduate education, students will be required to orally present their research and lead class discussions on the assigned readings. The paper will be fifteen-twenty pages in length, typed, and double-spaced. You are required to keep an additional copy of the paper in your possession. This assignment is due no later than November 25. The midterm exam is scheduled for October 14, and the final exam is scheduled at the time set by the registrar.

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE

Midterm Test - 20%

Final Test - 20%

Research Paper - 30%

Discussion sessions - 30%

Grading Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

Below 60 F

CLASS TEXTS

Carmines, Edward and James Stimson. Issue Evolution: Race and the Transformation of American Politics. Princteon University Press: Princeton, NJ, 1989.

Delli Carpini, Michael and Scott Keeter. What Americans Know About Politics and Why It Matters. Yale University Press: New Haven, CN, 1996.

Keefe, William. Parties, Politics, Public Policy in America, eight edition. Congressional Quarterly Press: Washington, DC, 1997.

West, Darrell. Air Wars, second edition. Congressional Quarterly Press: Washington, DC, 1997.

Other handouts may be assigned by the instructor.

CLASS SCHEDULE (tentative)

WEEK I - Introduction

WEEKS II and III- Institutional Actors and Their Effects on Political Behavior - (Keefe)

WEEKS IV and V- Shaping and Molding Public Opinion - (West)

WEEKS VI and VII - Public Opinion (Delli Carpini and Keeter)

WEEKS VIII and IX - Issue Evolution (Carmines and Stimson)

WEEK X - Midterms

WEEK XI - no class/ Southern Politcal Science Association

WEEK XII - Discuss General Election

WEEK XIII, XIV and XVI - Possible additional readings/Project Presentations

WEEK XV - Thanskgiving break