PS 1010, American Government
Course Syllabus
Course Description
In-depth study of American government and politics focusing on a balanced, unbiased, and up-to-date introduction to
constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes.
Course Textbook
Patterson, T. (2013). The American democracy (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Analyze and compare how the U. S. government functions on the federal, state, local, and global levels.
2. Identify and contrast the meanings of civil liberties and civil rights, and explain the impact each has had on U. S.
politics.
3. Evaluate and identify the roles public opinion plays in American politics, from the local level to political parties.
4. Discuss the impact interest groups and the media have on political socialization.
5. Identify the three branches of government and explain their role in the checks and balances system of the U. S.
government.
6. Examine the role bureaucracy plays and how it maintains rules and order in the federal government.
7. Research, analyze, and explain issues that impact the local, state, and federal economy.
8. Identify and discuss the defense and foreign policies followed by the U. S. government.
9. Assess and characterize how politics directly impacts business, safety, or health requirements.
10. Engage in open discussion with perspective from leaders in the field.
11. Describe the evolution of political and party structure from the 1800's to today.
12. Evaluate the difference between intended and actual government.
Credits
Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.
Course Structure
1. Unit Learning Objectives: Each unit contains Unit Learning Objectives that specify the measurable skills and
knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit.
2. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses lesson material.
3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook.
Chapter presentations are provided in each unit study guide as Supplemental Reading to aid students their
course of study. Supplemental Readings are provided in the unit study guides to aid students in their course of
study.
4. Learning Activities (Non-Graded): These non-graded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their
course of study in Units I, III, and VI.
5. Key Terms: Key Terms are intended to guide students in their course of study. Students should pay particular
attention to Key Terms as they represent important concepts within the unit material and reading.
6. Unit Assessments: This course contains seven Unit Assessments, one to be completed at the end of Units I-VI
and Unit VIII. Assessments are composed of multiple-choice questions and/or written response questions.
7. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units II, V, and VII. Specific
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information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below.
8. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or
course content related questions.
9. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates.
CSU Online Library
The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases,
journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library
webpage. To access the library, log into the myCSU Student Portal, and click on “CSU Online Library.” You can also
access the CSU Online Library from the “My Library” button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard.
The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail ([email protected]) and telephone
(1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The
library’s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page.
Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information.
Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other
services.
Unit Assignments
Unit II Research Paper Topic
Writing Stage 1
Writing a research paper is a process that involves time spent developing analysis on a given topic. In this class, the
research will be about an economic issue on the local, state, or federal level. This economic issue will be related to the
functioning of government. Review the research paper requirements located in Unit VII before starting this step on the
writing process.
When picking a topic, it is suggested to pick a level of government to study (local, state, or national/federal) AND an
economic issue relating to this level of government. It can be, but not limited to, taxes, legislation, social programs, and
rights and laws. Multiple levels of government can be used to study this economic/political issue.
Once you have selected your topic, complete the following:

Compose a thesis statement.
o A thesis statement is one sentence that outlines the purpose and argument of your paper. Determining your
thesis now will help you to focus your research when selecting your outside sources.
o Thesis example: The purpose of this paper is to examine how the current federal budget influences the
running of the Veterans Administration on the local/state/federal level.

Explain your topic, including what you plan to research and questions you have.

Include three outside resources you will use in your research paper and an explanation of how you will use them.
Include the APA reference for each source followed by the explanation.
This research paper topic should be a minimum of two pages in length, not including the title and reference pages.
Remember this process is academic, so ensure the use of proper APA standards for formatting and citing/referencing.
Format your research paper topic by using headings for the criteria above (your thesis statement, explanation of topic,
and outside sources should be under separate headings).
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit V Paper Segment
Writing Stage 2
In Unit II, you completed a research paper topic that included a thesis statement, explanation, and outside sources for
your research paper due in Unit VII. Within this unit, we will continue with the research paper by creating a paper segment
including the following:
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
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An introduction: Explain the purpose of your research paper in a brief paragraph.
Economic Issue: Explain the economic issue you selected.
Level of Government: What level of government (local, state, or federal) is affected by this economic issue, and
why?
Analysis: Describe in detail the economic issue relating to the government level you chose for this paper. In this
section, analyze your thesis statement.
Conclusion: Summarize your research paper.
Your paper segment must be a minimum of three pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. You are
required to use at least two outside sources, one of which must be from the CSU Online Library. Remember this process
is academic, so ensure the use of proper APA standards for formatting and citing/referencing.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VII Research Paper
Final Paper
In Units II and V, you worked toward a research paper that you will complete in this unit. For the final research paper, you
will add an evaluation of the changes needed on the local, state, or federal level to address the economic issue you
discussed in your paper segment from Unit V. In your evaluation, include the following:
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
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Explain how the current budget influences the running of the local, state, or federal government, along with how
the budget impacts people on the local level.
Include views/analysis (pros/cons) on a possible amendment to the United States Constitution requiring a
balanced federal budget. If on the state or local levels, what changes to state constitutions or local laws are
needed?
After evaluating the impact of this economic issue, discuss how it applies to your own daily life (work, home, and
recreation).
The evaluation must be a minimum of two pages in length, and your full research paper must be a minimum of five pages
in length, not including the title and reference pages. Additionally, you must use at least one outside source in this section.
Remember this process is academic, so ensure the use of proper APA standards for formatting and citing/referencing.
For an example of a completed research paper on a different topic, click here.
The Success Center can provide you with resources on writing, grammar, and APA. To contact the Success Center, you
may submit a Writing Center Request on the myCSU Student Portal, or you may email writing questions to the Success
Center at [email protected]
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
APA Guidelines
The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the
primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain
papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated
grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU’s Citation Guide in the myCSU Student Portal by clicking on the
“Citation Resources” link in the “Learning Resources” area. This document includes examples and sample papers and
provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center.
Grading Rubrics
This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each
rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each
level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your
efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics
because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities.
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Rubric categories include: (1) Assessment (Written Response) and (2) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of
the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments).
The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit
Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment.
Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics
are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the
Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be
submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting “Tools” and then “My Grades.”
Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your
Assessments and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades.
Communication Forums
These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students.
Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in
the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below.
Once you have completed Unit VIII, you MUST unsubscribe from the forum; otherwise, you will continue to
receive e-mail updates from the forum. You will not be able to unsubscribe after your course end date.
Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums.
Ask the Professor
This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.
Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration,
additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students.
Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal
accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the
professor within 48 hours.
Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus,
assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information.
Student Break Room
This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should
always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to
share assessment answers.
Grading
Unit Assessments (7 @ 7%)
Unit II Research Paper Topic
Unit V Paper Segment
Unit VII Research Paper
Total
Course Schedule/Checklist
= 49%
= 10%
= 10%
= 31%
= 100%
(PLEASE PRINT)
The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule,
you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted.
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PS 1010, American Government
Course Schedule
By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this
schedule for reference as you progress through your course.
Unit I
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Foundations of American Government
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non-Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 1: Political Thinking and Political Culture: Becoming a Responsible Citizen
 Chapter 2: Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government
 Chapter 3: Federalism: Forging a Nation
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Assessment
Unit II
Civil Liberties and Equal Rights
Review:
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
Read:
Submit:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 4: Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights
Chapter 5: Equal Rights: Struggling toward Fairness
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Assessment
Research Paper Topic
Notes/Goals:
Unit III
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Public Opinion and Political Participation
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non-Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping the People’s Voice
 Chapter 7: Political Participation: Activating the Popular Will
 Chapter 8: Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns: Defining the Voter’s Choice
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Assessment
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PS 1010, American Government
Unit IV
Interest Groups and the News Media
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 9: Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence
Chapter 10: The News Media: Communicating Political Images
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Assessment
Unit V
Congress and the President
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Course Schedule
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 11: Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests
Chapter 12: The Presidency: Leading the Nation
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Assessment
Paper Segment
Notes/Goals:
Unit VI
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Bureaucracy and Judiciary
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non-Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 13: The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government
 Chapter 14: The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Assessment
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PS 1010, American Government
Unit VII
Economic, Environmental, and Education Policies
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 15: Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity
Chapter 16: Welfare and Education Policy: Providing for Personal Security and Need
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Research Paper
Unit VIII
Foreign Policy and Local Politics
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Course Schedule
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 17: Foreign Policy: Protecting the American Way
Chapter 18: State and Local Politics: Maintaining Our Differences
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Assessment
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