COURSE SYLLABUS

LIBERAL ARTS DEPARTMENT

A globally competitive institution, faithful to the teachings and tradition of the Catholic Church working
VISION towards the development of the person following the examples of St. Arnold Janssen and St. Joseph
Freinademetz.
To develop and enhance the capabilities of the person to become responsive to the demands of the
MISSION
society with respect for cultural preservation.
 To intensify quality education, that produces globally competitive professionals who will become
catalysts of change.
 To promote the preservation of cultural diversity and heritage.
 To develop versatile individuals in the areas of instruction, research and community extension
GOALS
services.
 To promote morally upright individuals who respond and adopt to the fast changing demands of
society, guided by Catholic values, inspired by the example of Sts. Arnold Janssen and Joseph
Freinademetz.
CORE
Integrity, Social Responsibility, Excellence, Evangelization
VALUES
Course
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Title
Course
POL SC
Code
School
Year and 2016 – 2017: Second Semester
Semester

DON ZIAN P. ENCARNACION

Instructor, Political Science
Faculty
E-mail: donzian@yahoo.com
288-8686 loc. 232

Course
Pre- POLSCI1 – Politics and Governance
Requisites
This course provides a basic introduction to American politics and government. We will examine the
institutions and processes of American government and the political factors that influence them through
Course the use of concepts and frameworks provided by the text. Thus the student should begin to understand
Descriptio both the structures and functions of key concepts in American political life. Moreover, the student
n should acquire a greater understanding of the sources of political conflict in contemporary American
society and consequently should be better prepared to assess attempts by society to address these
concerns from both a practical and theoretical perspective.
Course  Understand the basic concepts of democratic thought
Objectives  Analyze the formation, concepts, and components of the United States Constitution
 Investigate the idea of federalism and explain the role of states and the national government in
America’s political environment
 Explore America’s political culture and examine the traits and beliefs of the American voter.
 Identify America’s major political parties, the core beliefs, and the impact special interest
groups can have on their actions
 Understand the electoral process in the United States
  Examine the concepts of civil rights and civil liberties and their impact on American society
 Describe the nature of government, its theoretical foundations and functions.
 Relate American and global political thought, the Constitution, and governing institutions to
one another.
 Identify and explain the structures and functions of government prescribed by the Constitution.
Course
 Compare and contrast the federal, state and local governments with respect to their political
Learning
Outcomes foundations, functions, and contemporary problems.
 Assess the relationship between individuals and the state with emphasis on political
objectives, rights and liberties.
 Analyze the American political process, including the development of ideologies, voting
behavior and other forms of political participation
Session
Course Learning Instructional Delivery/Strategies/
Number Topic/Content Assessment
Outcomes Activities
(by week)
What is the
purpose of
government? Research on Write a Critique Paper
Week 1- 2 What was the on the reading given to
founders’ view of Woll, Chapter 1: “Second Treatise be evaluated using a set
the purpose of on Civil Government,” “Founding of rubrics.
government and Fathers: Reform
the role of the Caucus in Action”
citizen in the
American
Republic?
The course (Foundations of
provides American
instruction Government)
in constitutional Why did the Anti-
1. Academic Presentations on
underpinnings of Federalists fear
Woll, Chapter 2: “Federalist 39,” 1. Academic
United this new system?
“Merits of the Federal System” Presentations will be
States What are the
based on a uniform
Week 2-3 Government. powers of state
format to be evaluated
and local
using certain criteria
governments in
an era of “new
2. Lecture and discussion
federalism” and
2. Quiz
devolution?
(Federalism)
How do we come 1. Academic
1. Academic Presentations on
by our political Presentations will be
Woll, Chapter 4: “Voting Behavior
beliefs? What are based on a uniform
Democratic Practice and
the sources of format to be evaluated
The course Democratic Theory”
public opinion? using certain criteria
Week 3-4 provides What is “political
instruction in culture,” and is
Political 2. Class viewing of video clip
there a unique 2. Submission of
Beliefs, Political https://www.youtube.com/watch?
American reaction paper
Behaviors and v=4gseOeyS0NQ and
political culture? regarding the 2 videos
Elections. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
What is the seen from the class
v=OUS9mM8Xbbw
“political viewing
spectrum”?
(Political
3. Research on
Socialization and 3. Submission of
 Critique Paper to be
evaluated using a set of
rubrics
Putnam, Robert. “Bowling Alone:
Identity)
America’s Declining Social Capital”

What is the
difference
between a
Democrat and a
Republican? Are 1. Academic
1. Academic Presentations on
there other Presentations will be
Woll, Chapter 4: “Perspectives on
options beyond based on a uniform
American Political Parties,”
these two format to be evaluated
“Divided We Govern”
choices? How do using certain criteria
Week 4-5 interest groups
influence
2. Lecture and discussion
government 2. Quiz
decisions and
The course policy making?
provides (Mass Movement
instruction in Politics)
political parties,
interest groups
and elections. Is this the best 1. Academic Presentations on
system to Thomas Christiansen, Anna-Lena
develop and Hogenauer and Christine Neuhold
1. Academic
select leaders? “National Parliaments in the
Presentations will be
Are citizens well Post-Lisbon European Union:
based on a uniform
served by the bureaucratization rather than
format to be evaluated
Week 5-6 current process? democratization?”
using certain criteria
Should the
present
campaign system 2. Lecture and discussion
be overhauled
2. Quiz
and reformed?
(Campaign and
Elections)

What role do the 1. Academic Presentations on 1. Academic

media play in Woll, Chapter 8: “Media Power and Presentations will be
elections and Congressional Power” based on a uniform
The course shaping public format to be evaluated
Week 6-7 provides opinion? Is the 2. Lecture and discussion using certain criteria
instruction in media an
Mass Media impartial 2. Quiz
observer or an
active participant 3. Debate on whether
in political the media is an impartial
 observer or an active
elections and in
participant in political
the formation of
elections and in the
public policy?
formation of public
(Mass Media)
policy
How is public
1. Academic Presentations on
policy made?
Compare and contrast the makeup
How does 1. Academic
and operations of the House and
Congress Presentations will be
Senate
The course represent and based on a uniform
provides reflect the format to be evaluated
instruction in interest and using certain criteria
Institutions 2. Evaluation and analysis on how
desires of the
does the Congress represent and
Week 7-8 of National nation? Is
Government, in reflect the interest and desires of
Congress 2. Quiz
the nation.
particular the representative of
Congress the nation as a
whole? (Public 3. Submission of
3. Class viewing of video clip
Policy and the Critique Paper to be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Institutions of evaluated using a set of
v=n9defOwVWS8 and
National rubrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Governance:
v=qxiD9AEX4Hc
Congress)
What are the
formal and
informal powers
of the
presidency? How
The course 1. Academic Presentations on
does the
provides Woll, Chapter 6: “Presidential 1. Academic
president use
instruction in Power,” “Presidential Paradoxes,” Presentations will be
these powers to
Institutions “Presidential Character based on a uniform
Week 8-9 influence policy?
of National format to be evaluated
Is the president
Government, in using certain criteria
too powerful or
particular the not powerful
Presidency 2. Lecture and discussion
enough vis-à-vis 2. Quiz
the legislative
and judicial
branches? 3. Submission of
(Public Policy 3. Class viewing of video clip Critique Paper to be
and the https://www.youtube.com/watch? evaluated using a set of
Institutions of v=5l02sK5LovI and rubrics
National https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Governance: v=MjVJpMdc1cM
Presidency)

What role do the 1. Academic Presentations on 1. Academic

courts play in whether the courts are “guilty,” as Presentations will be
The course interpreting the some critics charge, of supplanting based on a uniform
provides Constitution and the legislative and executive format to be evaluated
Week 9-10 instruction in implementing branches by legislating from the using certain criteria
 Institutions public policy?
of National What is the
Government, in proper role for
particular the the judicial
bench
Judiciary branch in the
public policy
process? What is
2. Lecture and discussion
the evolving 2. Quiz
relationship
3. Class viewing of video clip
between the 3. Submission of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
courts and civil Critique Paper to be
v=UG0ZaAVF_i4 and
rights? (Public evaluated using a set of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Policy and the rubrics
v=IGyx5UEwgtA
Institutions of
National
Governance:
Judiciary)
What are the
specific issues
addressed in
public policy 1. Academic
making? Does a Presentations will be
1. Academic Presentations on the
The course largely based on a uniform
idea of an iron triangle. Does it
provides permanent format to be evaluated
exist, and if so, how does it
Week 10- instruction in professional using certain criteria
influence policy implementation?
11 Public Policy bureaucracy
and Public Policy serve
2. Lecture and discussion
Areas democracy?
(Public Policy 2. Quiz
and the
Institutions of
National
Governance:
Bureaucracy
Who sets policy Students will research each policy Submission of Research
agendas for our area and give presentations on the Output/Critique Paper to
nation? How following policy be evaluated using a set
does federalism areas: of rubrics
affect public
The course policy? 1. The Economy: How is the
provides (Case Studies in federal budget made?
students with Public Policy) How is monetary policy
Week 11- practice different from fiscal
13 analyzing policy? What is the “global
information economy”? How does the
relevant to US global economy influence
government U.S. policy generally and
and politics you specifically?

2. Social Policy: What are

subsidies and
entitlements? What is the
proper role for
government in social
 issues such as education,
welfare, and crime?

3. U.S. Foreign Policy: What

role should the United
States play in the world?
What is, and what should
be, our relationship with
the United Nations?
1. Academic Presentations on 1. Academic
Freedom of Speech, the Press, Presentations will be
What constitutes
Religion and Assembly based on a uniform
free speech?
format to be evaluated
How does the
The course using certain criteria
national Bill of
Week 13- provides
Rights apply to
15 instruction in Civil 2. Lecture and discussion
states? Do the
Rights and Civil 2. Quiz
courts “legislate
Liberties.
from the bench”?
3. Submission of
(Civil Liberties
3. Research on Woll, Chapter 3: Critique Paper to be
and Civil Rights)
“The Need to Maintain a Free evaluated using a set of
Marketplace of Ideas” rubrics
What is “equal 1. Academic
1. Academic Presentations on Life,
protection” under Presentations will be
Liberty, and Property / Equal
the law? What is based on a uniform
Protection and the Fourteenth
The course procedural due format to be evaluated
Amendment
Week 15- provides process? How using certain criteria
18 instruction in Civil has the
Rights and Civil interpretation of
2. Lecture and discussion
Liberties. the equal 2. Quiz
protection clause
changed over 3. Submission of
3. Research on Civil Rights
time? (Civil Critique Paper to be
Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act
Liberties and evaluated using a set of
of 1965
Civil Rights) rubrics
Course References:
Peter Woll. American Government: Readings and Cases. 19th Ed. Pearson (2011)

James Q. Wilson, John J. DiIulio and Leslie Ed. Wilson. American Government: The Essentials. 10th Edition.
Houghton Mifflin (2005)

Robert Dahl. How Democratic is the American Constitution? 2nd Edition. Yale University Press. (2003)

Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, CarolineJ. Tolbert, Robert J. Spitzer. We the People: An
Introduction to American Politics. 10th Edition.

Additional Supplementary Materials: Students can use other resources with higher priority on printed materials and
published books and researches. Online resources may be used extensively.
Course Requirements: None
Course Policies:
1. Students are allowed 11 absences for MWF classes and 7 for TTh classes inclusive of
tardiness. Excessive absences shall result to a grade of FA (Failure due to absences).
2. Cellular or mobile phones are not allowed during class hours. They should be in silent mode.
 3. Honesty is the rule during examination. Cheating is not allowed at all times. It will merit a grade
of zero (0).
4. Any complaints regarding teaching, grades, etc. against the teacher or classmates related to
the course should be properly addressed to the professor.
Students are expected to observe the Institution’s Academic Policies and Code of Conduct and Discipline. In
addition, the following guidelines shall be observed:

For Critical Thinking Writing Exercise: Students must always submit on time and must avoid plagiarism. Format to
be provided should be strictly followed. There will be 10 critical thinking writing exercises. These assignments will be
three pages in length. They will be done in Microsoft Word with a Font size 12 and double spaced. Students will turn
in a hard copy of the essay on the day the essays are due, and must also submit an electronic copy to the
donzian@yahoo.com or receive a 0 on the activity for failing to do so.

Your essays also must demonstrate reading beyond what is required for class assignments and must reflect
knowledge of current political events. Late papers will lose points.

For Printed Blog:

Students will work as a group in publishing a printed material or blog consisting of their opinions and analysis of
issues using the discussed theories covered by the term before the submission of the printed blog.

General Guidelines
1. Students shall form among themselves a body to organize the said publication.
2. Each student shall have at least 1 article in the “Printed Blog”
3. Contributions will be graded individually.

For Battle of the Theorist: At the end of the semester, a battle will be held as a final culminating activity. Each will be
assigned a Modern Political Theorist. A single issue will be given. Each theorist will formulate stand paper guided by
the ideology and principles of the theories they represent. They will be given time to defend their paper from the
questions of other theorists.
Grading System
Class Standing:
Prelim 12.5 %
Midterm 25% a. Recitation 25%
Pre-Final 12.5% b. Quizzes 25%
Final 25% c. Project 25%
Class Standing 25% d. Behavior 25%
100% 100%
Consultation MWF 9:00-10:00 MW 4:00-5:00 TTH 5:00-6:30 (AB Faculty)
Period
ASSESSMENT
COURSE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
EVIDENCES OF PERFORMANCE
OUTCOMES INDICATORS STANDARD
Demonstrate a Write scholarly and Following a set of rubrics, students are
familiarity with analytical papers; expected to accomplish and/or present
main ideas of the organize Battle of the following: Critical Thinking
thinkers discussed the Theorist and be Writing Exercises; academic
in the subject 75% compliance on all the
able to defend their presentations on topics assigned;
guide performance indicators
stand paper; Modern Political Theories Notes ,
publish Printed records of personal sharing (lectures,
Blog; share discussions and debates); Battle of the
personal reflections Theorist
 Provide an
account of the
main concepts
used by the
thinkers covered
on the course

Evaluate the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
arguments
employed in the
on topics
theories studied
discussed;
compare and
Use public
contrast the
speaking and
different political
writing as a means
theories; pass all
of self-expression,
examinations
critical inquiry,
(formative and
creative
summative)
expression,
argumentation,
communication,
and exploration.

Prepared by:

Mr. Don Zian Encarnacion

Faculty Member, Liberal Arts Department

Noted by:

Mr. Richard Victor P. Saturay

Program Coordinator

Mr. Dennis S. Alcaraz

Dean, Liberal Arts Department

Approved by:

DR. ALELI C. DUGAN, CPA

Vice President for Academic Affairs