Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

American Presidency: Executive Process (Online)

POLS 3110-30I

Course: POLS 3110-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Political Sci Criminal Justice
CRN: 32714

Course Description

Examination of the American presidency, including historical foundations, constitutional provisions, the various constituencies the president is expected to serve, the different roles the president fills, and comparisons with executives in other government organizations. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Stable Links & PDFs will be provided in Canvas weekly modules

Learning Outcomes

This course explores the presidency and the modern executive in historical context. While the course will primarily focus on the US presidency, we will engage in comparative discussions of other modern executive leaders including prime ministers, governors, and mayors and others. In this course, students will complete written and pre-recorded assigns that require them to consider the following questions: What is the nature and source of executive power?  Who are the great presidents? What is the role of the modern president and what functions does they serve as "chief executive administrator" and "national leader" in the contemporary American republic. How have these roles evolved since the founding of the country? These are some of the compelling questions that we will explore in this course. Drawing on both empirical and conceptual insights from leading scholars in the field, we will analyze the social, political and economic forces that shaped the personal leadership styles and historical legacies of some of most famous and infamous Presidents.

Student Learning Outcomes

1)     Students will gain a conceptual understanding of the presidency as an “executive” institution as outlined in Article II of the US Constitution vs. the personal presidency as shaped by particular "historical figures"
2)     Students will be able to distinguish between formal (positional) vs. informal (personal) sources of power behind the presidency
3)     Students will develop an understanding of the various roles that US president play (i.e. Chief administrator and head of state)  in contemporary American politics
4)     Students will glean an understanding of the formal vs. formal qualifications for becoming president



Course Requirements



OUTSIDE INTENSIVE READING & WRITING EXPECTED IN THIS COURSE

This is a research and writing intensive course! Students who are enrolled are expected to spend a substantial amount of time outside of class time reading and gathering additional information resources in order to both enrich class discussion and prepare their written assignments.

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

 
"MIDTERM" & "LATTER-TERM" GRADED ASSIGNMENTS: 50% of Total Course Grade

For the "MIDTERM" & "LATTER-TERM" GRADED ASSIGNMENTSStudents will complete two pre-recorded 10-minute video presentation (Submitted in a Closed Youtube Format)
:

Video Presentation 1..............................................................................................................................................................25%

Video Presentation 2..............................................................................................................................................................25%


Video Length: Each video presentation must be 8 to 10 minutes in length.

Produced and Submitted BY: Each video may be created and submitted either by an individual (those seeking an individual grade) or by a group, comprised of up to three students (for those seeking an individual grade)
 

In the videos, the student(s) will provide a carefully constructed audio-visual response to a question posed by the professor drawing on course concepts and readings related to the presidency. Again, either individual or group- produced video presentations will be acceptable . However, groups must be comprised of no more than 3 students maximum. Whether the video presentation is submitted by single student or a group of up to three students, the completed product must exhibit careful thought and considerable effort. The completed product must be substantively rigorous and be of very high production quality.

Video Rubric:
a) Video Meets Minimum Time Requirement & Completed By: Due Date
     (20% of video presentation grade)
b) Material Presented: in the video is substantive in that directly addresses the question posed with precision and depth.
    The material presented in the video reflects that the student(s) has/have done the readings as assigned and that he/she/they have gained
     a solid understaffing of what he/she/they have read by providing thoughtful and meaningful commentary.
     (40% of video presentation grade)
d) Video Presentation Reflects High Production Quality: Video Presentations must reflect considerable time and effort on the part of
     of the individual student or group. The material is presented must be engaging and submitted in an accessible format
     (40% of video presentation grade)

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COURSE SEMESTER PROECT: TWO OPTIONS: 50% of Total Course Grade


OPTION 1: COMPLETE A 15- to 20 RESEARCH PAPER (12 to 15 peer-reviewed scholarly sources)

OR

OPTION 2: PARTICIPATE IN IN A FACE- TO-FACE  (ON SUU CAMPUS) SEMINAR



OPTION 1 DETAILS: COMPLETE A 15- to 20 RESEARCH PAPER (12 to 15 peer-reviewed scholarly sources)

  • 15 to 20 pages in total, including title page, abstract page, and bibliography
  • Extensive outside scholarly research will be required
  • You must use 12 to 15 peer-reviewed scholarly sources. Note: If you use any less than 12 to 15 peer-reviewed scholarly sources, your grade on this assignment will automatically drop to a maximum of a B grade.
    • All sources must be presented on a list and receive the written approval of the professor no later than week 5 of the semester
  • All paper formatting will conform to APA standards (Any version of APA will be accepted. 
    • Choose one APA version and use that one consistently throughout the whole paper
  • Extensive In-text citation that matches bibliographical notes at the end will be expected
  • All papers must be written and submitted in MS Word format (any recent version that is machine readable)
  • All text formatting will be New Times Roman in 11pt size font. 
  • All paragraph and sentence line spacing will be 1.5
  • Full and complete sentences will be expected
  • Full and complete sentences will be expected
  • No-AI assistance of any kind will be permitted. This includes but not limited to, language translation, grammar check, or any other assistance. when you use AI in "corrupts" the text coding of your entire MS Word Document
  • All papers will be submitted through the SUU plagiarism check service that identifies the Use of AI assistance


Essay Meets Minimum Page Requirement, Adheres to Required Formatting, & is Completed and Submitted On-Time 
     (20% of research paper grade)
b) Essay is Well-Organized & Addresses The Question Substantively: Essay reflects depth of understanding of course concepts and includes
     a clear introduction that carefully lays out how the essay will proceed logically in a manner that directly addresses the question posed.
    (40% of research paper grade)
d) Essay is well-written, paragraphs are well-structured, sentences are clear and the entire paper is polished. 
    This means that paper reads well and exhibits good grammar, proper spelling and punctuation and includes smooth transitions  between 
    major thoughts and points (40% of research paper grade)


OR



OPTION 2 DETAILS: Participate in a Two-Hour On-Campus Seminar at SUU By Dr. Ryan Yonk, November 16, 2026 from 4:00ppm-6:00pm. In this special face-to-face seminar (Room TBD), students will discuss pre-selected readings that will be assigned from The Hardwood Reader that will be made accessible to students who wish to to participate in this option. Please note that there will be NO way to participate in this experience online. If you would like to participate in this option, you must commit to this by emailing the professor directly no later than October 1, 2026.

This special seminar discussion will be led by Dr. Ryan Yonk from AIER (American Institute for Economic Research). Extensive and deep participation will be expected of all participants if they are to receive full credit for this experience. All students who wish to receive full credit in lieu of the final essay MUST attend the full two-hour special session- NO EXCEPTIONS- PLEASE DON'T EVEN ASK! A dinner will follow immediately at a local Cedar City restaurant hosted by AIER for all class attendees who participate and attend this full two hour special seminar.




.

Course Outline

INTRODUCTION Weeks 1 & 2: Course overview

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)


Week 3 George Washington: Setting The Precedent for The US Presidency

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 4 Thomas Jefferson: Jeffersonanism and The Struggle Between Power vs Principal

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 5 Andrew Jackson: Jacksonianism and The Rise of Populism

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 6 Abraham Lincoln: The Question of Sovereignty and The Birth of a Nation 

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendanc. Will be recorded))
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 7 Woodrow Wilson: The Rise of Progressivism and Internationalism

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 8 FDR The Deal 

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 9 Harry Truman: The Rise of The Cold War

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 10 JFK: Camelot and Calamity 

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 11 LBJ: The Great Society and The Tragedy of American Adventurism

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 12: Ronald Reagan: "Reaganomics" and "The Reagan Revolution"

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Week 13 Bill Clinton: "Clintomics" and "The Third Way"

  • Online Lecture (voluntary attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the two scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


Weeks: 14, 15, 16  The Presidency in The Current Millennium: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, & Donald J. Trump

  • Online Lectures (voluntary live attendance. Will be recorded)
  • Read the 5 scholarly articles that are covered in online lecture for this week: Stable links posted in Canvas weekly modules)


 

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

Employers expect that those they hire arrive on-time and complete all of their work in a timely and professional manner. To prepare students for the real-world and help them hone a strong professional work ethic, all students in enrolled in this course will be held to firm deadlines and high performance standards. N in this class. Very rare exceptions to this policy may be made for students who have first secured support from the SUU Disabilities Resource Center. Also, at the sole discretion of the instructor, exceptions may be made students for reasons of unforeseen personal illness or illness or death of a close relative. In any case, formal documentation from a physician or other pertinent authority will be required to be given consideration for an extension of any deadline for any assignment for any reason.
(Note: SUU's pregnancy policy is outlined clearly elsewhere in this syllabus).

Attendance Policy

All students are expected to attend all scheduled face-to-face classes in person and all scheduled in-class meetings for hybrid classes. All students will be graded according to their level of class participation in all scheduled face-to-face classes.

Group work assignments ware assigned in this class and students must be present to complete them.

At the sole discretion of the instructor, students may receive an excused absence for reasons of unforeseen personal illness or illness or death of a close relative. In any case, formal documentation from a physician or other pertinent authority will be required to be given consideration any excused absence for any reason.

The professor will excuse absences for student athletes only for instances and under conditions that are specifically outlined under SUU Policy 6.30: https://www.suu.edu/policies/06/30.html

Course Fees

There are no course fees other than purchase of the required textbooks

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.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

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.