Political Science 3150 Dr. Jay A. DeSart
Spring 2013 E-Mail: jdesart@uvu.edu
T, Th : 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Office: LA 012m (801) 863-6314
Room: LA 124Office Hours:T - Th 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
http://desart.us/courses/3150/              1:00 PM -   2:00 PM




U.S. Presidency


I. Course Objective

        One of the most challenging aspects of studying the American political system is developing a clear understanding of the Presidency. This is because at any given point in time we have just one president, so direct comparison across presidents is difficult; and because the nature of the office is heavily dependent upon the style and character of the incumbent. Over the course of the semester, we will study the presidency from this perspective: That it is not just an institution grounded in the constitution, but is also in a constant state of evolution as its occupant and the context within which it operates changes.

So our focus will be the process of selecting the president, our perceptions and expectations of the office, and how in the end all of this effects the president's ability to govern. Ultimately, we will seek to understand the determinants of effective presidential leadership, and how, if at all, such leadership is possible.



II. Required Textbooks

        Three textbooks have been ordered for the course and are available for purchase at the campus bookstore:

Pika, Joseph, and Anthony Maltese. The Politics of the Presidency, Revised 8th Edition

Nelson, Michael. The Presidency and the Political System. 9th Edition. CQ Press.

Wayne, Stephen. The Road to the White House, 2012.  Wadsworth.




III. Expectations of Students

        Students are expected to keep up with assigned readings and participate in class discussion. Lecture and discussion will be much more meaningful if the students come to class prepared. Reading guides for each of the assigned chapters in the Nelson text will be posted on the course web site. You should use these guides and be prepared to discuss them in class.  It would also be helpful if students pay attention to the national media for political news as I will try to use examples from current events to highlight points in the material.
        With respect to class attendance and participation, I direct you to your academic responsibilities as stated in the Student Code in the College Catalog:
    Each student is expected to take an active role in the learning process by meeting course requirements as specified in the written syllabus.
An "active role" includes regular attendance.  I will regularly take attendance, but whether or not you choose to attend is entirely your choice. However, you should be aware that missing class will hinder you in meeting course requirements.  By failing to attend class, for whatever reason, you assume the responsibility of your choice.  Class attendance and participation will factor into a student's grade when they are on the borderline between two grades.

       The Student Code also states that it is your responsibility to "maintain academic ethics and avoid dishonesty in all its forms". No academic dishonesty will be tolerated in this course. The penalty for a first offense is an "F" for the assignment or exam. A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course and you will be reported to the Department Chair and Student Advising for further action. For more information on the Student Code and for definitions of what constitutes "academic dishonesty" please refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of the College Catalog.


IV. Grading

        The grades for this course will be based upon three examinations. The first two exams will given during approximately the 6th and 12th weeks of the term. The exams will be comprised of objective multiple choice and matching questions as well as an essay question. The dates for these exams are presented below in the course schedule. The final exam will be both objective and essay, and will be partly cumulative but primary emphasis will be on material covering the latter part of the course.  The final exam is scheduled for:

Tuesday April 23, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The weights of each of these items in the calculation of the course grade will be:
First Exam - February 12 30%
Second Exam - March 21 30%
Final Exam - April 23 40%


        There will be absolutely no make-up exams except in situations of dire circumstances of which you should inform me in advance. Official documentation (i.e.. note from a doctor, your own obituary, etc.) for the reason for missing the exam will be required, and such documentation should be very specific indicating your inability to be in class a the time of the exam. In other words, you better be sick enough to warrant a trip to the doctor if you are going to miss an exam.  Make-up exams will be scheduled in the Testing Center, and you should be aware that it is their policy to impose a $3.00 charge for this service.



V. Student Needs

        Students with questions are encouraged to meet with me during scheduled office hours. If you have conflicts with scheduled office hours see me so we can make an attempt to make an appointment at another time convenient to both the both of us. You are also encouraged to contact me via e-mail at: jdesart@uvu.edu.
        Should any student experience a disability which might require special accommodations, the student is encouraged to contact the Accesibility Service Department [ASD], LC -312, (801) 863-8747, so that appropriate arrangements can be coordinated.  Special accomodations cannot be given unless and until the student has coordinated them with ASD.


VII. Course Outline and Readings

Date Topic Readings
Pika
and Maltese		 Nelson Wayne
1/8 The Nature of the Presidency      
1/10 1 2  
1/15 The Selection Process: Overview 2   1
1/17     3
1/22 The Selection Process: Nomination  
6 2
1/24  
  4
1/29  
  5
1/31 The Selection Process: General Election  
7 6,7
2/5  
  8,9
2/7 The Public Presidency
*** First Exam Review ***		 3
8  
***First Exam   Tuesday, February 12***
2/14 Presidential Power  
1  
2/19 Some weird scheduling thing - NO CLASS
2/21 Presidential Power (cont'd)
 
3  
2/26 Presidential Character & Ability 4
4  
2/28  
5  
3/5 Presidents and Intermediaries: The Press  
9  
3/7 Presidents and Intermediaries: Parties  
11  
3/12 Spring Break - NO CLASS
3/14
3/19 Presidents and Intermediaries: Interest Groups
*** Second Exam review ***		  
10  
***Second Exam   Thursday, March 21***
3/25 Presidents & Governing: Congress 5
   
3/27 Western Political Science Association Conference - NO CLASS
4/2 Presidents & Governing: Congress (cont'd)  
14  
4/4 Presidents and Governing: The Executive Branch 6
12  
4/9  
13  
4/11 Presidents & Governing: The Judiciary 7
15  
4/16 Presidents & Policy: Domestic Policy 8, 9
16  
4/18 Presidents & Policy: Foreign Policy
*** Final Exam Review ***		 10
17  
***Final Exam   Tuesday April 23   1:00 PM - 3:00 PM***