POSC 100 American Government

Fall 2015
MW 5:30-6:45PM, SGMH 1502
Professor Yuan Ting
Phone: (657) 278-3270
Email: yting@fullerton.edu

Office: UH 523
Hours: MW 4-5:15PM

Learning Objectives
This course will help you understand the major principles, institutions, and policymaking process
of the Federal and California governments, and
understand the development of political institutions and values, and their impacts on our lives
assess the Constitution of the United States and Californias Constitution and how our
society is shaped by constitutional government
comprehend the political culture of citizen participation including public opinion, political
parties, interest groups, and electoral process
explain the processes and interactions between local, state, and national governments with
particular reference to California
Texts
1. Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, Tolbert & Spitzer, 2015. We the People, 10th Essentials Ed.
2. Ting, Arsneault & Stambough, 2015. California Government in National Perspective, 8th Ed.
Tests
There are three tests and each test is worth 300 points. All the tests are in-class, closed book, and
include multiple-choice and 1-2 essay questions. If a topic is in the reading, even the instructor doesnt
cover it in class, that topic can appear on the test. The instructor will review exam materials before each
test. Bring a scantron (#882-E) to each test and notify the instructor in advance if you have any
disability-related needs that may require special arrangements for test taking.
To study for a test, there are practice quizzes at the end of each chapter in We the People and
additional quizzes at http://books.wwnorton.com/studyspace/disciplines/discipline.aspx?DiscId=14.
Attendance and Participation
You are required to attend every class and the instructor will take attendance. Each absence will
lower your attendance grade by 5 points. You are expected to complete the assigned readings before
each class and participate in class. The instructor may call on you to express your opinion on the
readings. Please inform the instructor in advance if you must leave class early, otherwise you should
stay for the entire session.

Grading Criteria
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Attendance
Total

300
300
300
100
1,000 points

You must take all three tests to receive a passing grade. Course grades will not be curved and the
instructor will not give any plus or minus grade. Attendance will be used to determine a borderline
grade, which is defined as within 5 points from the cut off. For example, if you received 796 points,
your course grade may be bumped to a B if you had good attendance. The course grade is calculated
based on the following scale: 900 points and higher = A; 800 899 = B; 700 799 = C; 600 699 = D;
below 600 = F.
No Make-up Exam
You must take all the tests at the scheduled time. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the
missed exam.
Penalties for Academic Dishonesty
Any indication of cheating will result in a zero on your test and be reported to the judicial officer
on campus.

Daily Schedule
8/24 & 8/26

Introduction
The Founding and the Constitution
Californias Constitution
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapters 1-2; Ting, Chapter 1

8/31 & 9/2

Federalism
California: Political Culture in the Migrant State
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 3; Ting, Chapter 2

9/7

Labor Day, camps closed

9/9

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Race and Ethnicity in California Politics
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 4; Ting, Chapter 5

9/14&9/16

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Women in California Politics
Readings: Ting, Chapter 6

9/21

Review for Test #1

9/23

Test #1

9/28 & 9/30

Public Opinion and the Media

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapters 5-6

10/5 & 10/7

Political Parties, Participation, and Elections

Californias Voters
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 7; Ting, Chapter 3

10/12&10/14 Political Parties, Participation, and Elections

Interest Groups
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 8
10/19&10/21 Political Parties and Interest Groups in California
Readings: Ting, Chapter 4
10/26

Review for Test $2

10/28

Test #2

11/2 & 11/4

Congress
California Legislature

Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 9; Ting, Chapter 8

11/9

The Presidency
The Governor of California and the American President
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 10; Ting, Chapter 7

11/11

Veterans Day, campus closed

11/16&11/18 Bureaucracy
California Local Governments
Budgetary Politics in California
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 11; Ting, Chapters 10-11
11/23&11/25 Fall recess, no classes

11/30 & 12/2 The Federal Courts

The Courts of California
Readings: Ginsberg, Chapter 12; Ting, Chapter 9
12/7

Teaching evaluation
Review for Test #3

12/9

Test #3