Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

American National Government (Face-to-Face)

POLS 1100-06

Course: POLS 1100-06
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSCJ
CRN: 32460

Course Description

Source of democratic ideas and principles of the constitutional system. Cultural, group, party, and governmental influences on the process of public policymaking. The administration and impact of public policy. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: American Institutions

Required Texts

The required textbook for this course and section is We The People, An Introduction to American Politics, Essentials, 14th Edition, by Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, Caroline J. Tolbert, Andrea L. Campbell, Megan Ming Francis, and Robert J. Spitzer; Published by W.W. Norton & Company; ISBN 978-0-393-88784-6

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students will possess a firm understanding of the structure and function of the Federal Government in the United States as well as an appreciation for the relationship among the three (3) branches of the Federal Government. Students will also develop significant insights into political, cultural and policy trends throughout U.S. history.

General Education Essential Learning Objectives for this SUU American Institutions core requirement are as follows:

a.
      Civic Engagement: Students demonstrate that they possess the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make a difference in the civic life of their community and to promote the enhancement of the quality of life in a community through both political and non-political processes.

b.
      Ethical Reasoning: Students describe and analyze positions on ethical issues, apply reasoning about right and wrong human conduct, demonstrate ethical decision-making skills, and demonstrate an evolving ethical self-identity.

c.
       Critical Thinking: Students demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.


This course essentially provides an interactive discussion-based approach towards American national government afforded to citizens of the United States.

Course Requirements

In order to achieve course mastery and obtain a passing grade in this course, students are expected to:

1. Complete all required readings during each module prior to class discussions;
2. Complete all homework assignments during each module on or before the due date;
3. Complete all quizzes with a passing score on each module on or before the due date;
4. Complete four (4) exams with a passing score on or before the due date of each exam;
5. Complete a paper/letter addressed to an individual and/or entity regarding a topic chosen by the student to effect change in something important to the student and submitted on or before the due date; and
6. Attend class regularly, especially on required attendance days when students will receive attendance points for class debate/discussions on those specified days

Course Outline


MODULE 1
A.
    Introduce Yourself assignment on Canvas
B.     Syllabus/Course Overview
C.    Read We The People, Chapter 1, Introduction: The Citizen and Government (Pages 2-24) and Chapter 2, The Founding and the Constitution (Pages 30-60)
D.    Review key terms on pages 28-29, and 64-65
E.     Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
F.     Homework Assignments: Explained on Canvas under Module 1

MODULE 2
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 3, Federalism (Pages 66-90)
B.     Review key terms on pages 94-95
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 2

MODULE 3
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 4, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (Pages 96-138)
B.     Review key terms on pages 142-143
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignments: Explained on Canvas under Module 3
E.
     Part I Exam on Canvas

MODULE 4
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 5, Public Opinion (Pages 144-170)
B.     Review key terms on pages 174-175
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignments: Explained on Canvas under Module 4

MODULE 5
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 6, The Media (Pages 176-198)
B.     Review key terms on page 202
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignments: Explained on Canvas under Module 5

MODULE 6
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 7, Political Parties, Participation, and Elections (Pages 204-240)
B.     Review key terms on page 244-245
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 6
E.
     Paper/Letter Discussion: Review Paper/Letter Discussion on Canvas

MODULE 7
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 8, Interest Groups (Pages 246-268)
B.     Review key terms on pages 272-273
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 7
E.     Part II Exam on Canvas

MODULE 8
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 9, Congress (Pages 274-306)
B.     Review key terms on pages 310-312
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 8

MODULE 9
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 10, The Presidency (Pages 314-340)
B.     Review key terms on pages 344-345
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 9

MODULE 10
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 11, Bureaucracy (Pages 346-368)
B.     Review key terms on page 372
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 10

MODULE 11
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 12, The Federal Courts (Pages 374-400)
B.     Review key terms on pages 404-405
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 11
E.
     Part III Exam on Canvas

MODULE 12
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 13, Domestic Policy (Pages 406-438)
B.     Review key terms on page 442
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 12
E.
     Paper/Letter Due


MODULE 13
A.
    Read We The People, Chapter 14, Foreign Policy (Pages 444-468)
B.     Review key terms on page 472
C.    Classroom Discussion: Discuss required reading
D.    Homework Assignment: Explained on Canvas under Module 13

MODULE 14
A.
Finish up remaining discussion
B. Review for Final Exam
C. Part IV/Final Exam on Canvas

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

All assignments, projects and homework, are due on or before the matter’s due date.  Late submissions will not be accepted, without prior approval from the instructor.  In the event of an emergency or exceptional circumstance, an allowance may be made at the instructor’s discretion if requested by the student to the instructor as soon as possible after the emergency. It is preferred that students ask for extensions ahead of any due date, if an extension is necessary/requested. The instructor reserves the right to grant or deny extensions based upon each request made by a student. If an extension is granted, the instructor will determine the extended due date for the late assignment, and the student must meet that deadline to be eligible for credit on the late assignment. 

The instructor is always willing and receptive to discussing a student’s progress in the course at any time in the semester, provided that the student does not wait until the final weeks of the semester to address a failing grade. Any options to address remedial measures for a student are greatly reduced if/when a student waits until the final weeks of the semester to engage in the course and hand in coursework. If a student misses an assignment, or performs poorly on an assignment, and wishes to remedy the issue, the student must contact the instructor immediately, as opposed to waiting until the eleventh hour of the semester.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is crucial to understanding the material and being involved in the regular discussions of this class. It is important for students to arrive in class on time, as late arrival disrupts the class discussion. If a student misses a class when attendance points are given, the student forfeits those points, and those attendance points cannot be made-up. If, however, a student's absence was approved by the instructor beforehand, the student is deemed "excused" for that particular day, and will still receive those attendance points as though they were present on that particular day.

Course Fees

Pursuant to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, course fees are $4.00 per credit hour.

Course Fee Refund Statement: For tuition-bearing courses with course fees below $500, a student will receive a full refund of course fees if they drop the course before the "Last Day to Drop Without a W Deadline." For tuition-bearing courses with course fees that are $500 and above, a student will receive a refund commensurate with the amount of course fees that were expended to support the student's education during the time when the student was enrolled if they drop the course before the "Last Day to Drop Without a W Deadline." The $500 threshold applies to the sum of course fees per CRN.

Paper/Letter to Individual/Entity Regarding Topic Chosen by Student

Students will write a three to four (3-4) page double-spaced paper/letter which would serve as correspondence to a sitting senator, member of the House of Representatives, local civic leader, or any other person/entity previously approved by the instructor about an issue that the student is passionate about, concerned with, or interested in. If a student cannot think of an issue, upcoming federal legislation can be found at https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills. The position the student takes on the issue is up to the student, but the student will be graded on the following factors:

1.      Identifying and explaining the potential short and long-term costs and benefits of the position they are advocating;
2.      Identifying and explaining how the proposal would be to the good of persons other than the student themselves;
3.      Identifying and explaining how the benefits of the student's position would outweigh any associated costs; and
4.      Complying with conventional English grammar, spelling, usage, etc., as well as remembering to double-space the assignment.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.