Political Science 2310 – Fall 2022 CRN 16387

TR 10:30 am – 11:50 am UGLC 116

R. Gutierrez
Benedict Hall 210
Use blackboard messages to contact me
Office Hours: M 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
TTH 9:30 am – 10:00 am/1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
W by appointment

Learning objectives:

Students will cite examples of how culture affects politics.

Students will compare and contrast the political ideas political theorists.

Students will identify, compare and contrast different political and economic systems of the
modern world.

Students will explain why governments are necessary – why good politics is essential to good
government.

Students will explain position on a current public issue in the light of their political philosophy.

Political Science 2310 is a survey course that serves as an introduction to the study of politics in
the United States. The emphasis of this class is on the development of a personal political
philosophy. This will involve a careful analysis of the ideas of some significant philosophers
who made major contributions to American political thought. In a representative democracy such
as the United States, politics should be the concern of all the people, citizens and non-citizens,
children and adults. Politics is not an activity confined only to policy makers. Good politics is
essential to the very survival of the American democracy. An individual’s attitude toward
government and public policy should be rooted in the person’s political philosophy. It is essential
for the individual to develop and understand their political thinking.
The first step in identifying one’s political philosophy is to ask hard questions about his/her
belief system and to ask how these beliefs fit within the norms of American society and the
actions of the government. An examination of some of the great thinkers of the past will help to
shed some light on these often confusing issues. To not ask WHY is to be less than human!
Avoiding questions because we may be afraid of the answers is not an excuse.
Culture is area rarely if ever, taken into account as an explanation of how it influences politics.
The focus of the class will be to frame current American politics in the light of different aspects
of culture. How do some of the characteristics of American culture such as the arts, religion,
shared expectations and values affect an individual’s political philosophy?
Every class will start with a song, or movie excerpt or some other example of culture provided
by the students to initiate a discussion of politics. Class lectures will cover the theoretical
political concepts in the light of the examples provided by students.
Also included in the class material is a review of public opinion and its importance in our
political system, the function and significance of interest groups, political parties, elections and
the role of the media.
As mentioned above, the class is often divided into small groups to allow time and opportunity
for discussion in small groups. Timely questions and comments are always valued and
encouraged. While the basic format of the class is lecture, group work is a major part of the
class. Taking accurate and complete notes is essential because the text is a supplement not the
core of the material.
Students are required to abide by all University policies and regulations concerning student
behavior on campus. Professor reserves right to drop students for failure to comply with
University and classroom rules.

Students are encouraged to come by the professor’s office sometime during the semester,
preferably within the first few weeks. You can come by during posted office hours or make an
appointment. It is always useful to connect a number with a face. The easiest way to contact me
is through course messages on blackboard. If you are an incoming freshman or if you need a
particular grade in this class, it is of special significance for you to come by the office. Also
please note the drop date on the schedule of activities. Students who drop after that day will not
receive a W, with the exception of those individuals in the military who may be deployed.

Students are to immerse themselves in current events. The two exams will include questions on
current events. Students are encouraged to ask questions about articles they read or are asked to
read. Every class will begin with a discussion of current events.
In the study of politics it is essential for students to learn that every person in a democracy has a
voice and that public policy can be affected by individuals or groups of individuals. To this end
the group project will demonstrate that this is government of, by, and for the people at all levels
of government.
Community service/project will be required
Point scale:
Community Service/Project 100 points

Quizzes – 200 points (4 – 50 points each)

Class participation 25 points

Final Exam 125 points

400+ = A 350+= B 200+ = C Failure is not an option

Follow all University rules and procedures.

If your cell phone rings in class it will cost you 20 points. If you answer your cell phone in class
it will cost you another 20 points. This also applies to text messaging. Students are welcome to
use their laptops in class but checking your email or improper use of the internet will result in a
20 point penalty for each infraction.
Please also note: LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND THERE IS NO EXTRA
CREDIT! THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES
Students who expect to miss class because of official University business or military service
must make arrangements with the TA to make up work before the absence. These are the only
excused absences.

#Note: Students will select a class “partner.” This will give students the opportunity to check the
accuracy and completeness of their notes. The two students will also take the quizzes and final
together.

The tests will be in class and will require the use of scantrons. Leaving class early will nullify
grade. Caps or any kind of headgear during the tests is prohibited and test score will not count. If
the headgear is part of a religious practice then it is allowed.

Schedule:

Tuesday: August 23 First day of class: review syllabus and class requirements

Thursday: August 25 Why Politics

TR:August 30-Sept. 1 Political Culture

TR: September 6& 8 Media,Politics and Government

Tuesday: September 13 Quiz 1

TR: September 13 & 15 The Ideal v the Real

TR: September 20 & 22 Why Government

TR: September 27 & 29 Governing Society

Tuesday: October 4 Quiz 2

TR: October 4 & 6 Government Role in the Economy

Tuesday: October 11 Election 2022

Thursday: October 13 Election 2022

TR: October 18 & 20 Structures and Institutions

Tuesday: October 25 Quiz 3

TR: October 25 & 27 El Grande Loco Casa Blanca

Friday: October 28 Last Day for Student Withdrawal

TR: November 1 & 3 The Confederacy of Dunces

Tuesday: November 8 Election Day

Thursday: November 10 Documentation community service/projects due

TR: November 8 & 10 The Bureaucracy

Tuesday: November 15 Quiz 4

TR November 15 & 17 Courts and Law

Tuesday: November 22 Counting the Votes

Tues: 11/29 Th: 12/01 International Politics

Thursday: December 8 Final Exam: Class Lectures: Current Events

 10:00 am – 12:45 pm

COVID-19 PRECAUTION STATEMENT

Please stay home if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
If you are feeling unwell, please let me know as soon as possible, so that we can work on
appropriate accommodations. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you are encouraged to
report your results to covidaction@utep.edu, so that the Dean of Students Office can provide
you with support and help with communication with your professors. The Student Health
Center is equipped to provide COVID-19 testing.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people in areas of substantial
or high COVID-19 transmission wear facemasks when indoors in groups of people. The best way
that Miners can take care of Miners is to get the vaccine. If you still need the vaccine, it is
widely available in the El Paso area, and will be available at no charge on campus during the
first week of classes. For more information about the current rates, testing, and vaccinations,
please visit epstrong.org.