University of North Texas—Department of Political Science—American Government

PSCI 2305.003 (8 am) & 2305.004 (9am)—Fall 2017

Professor: Dr. Kimi Lynn King email: kking@unt.edu Office: 148 Wooten Hall
Office Hours: MW 10 am -1 pm (will also set up any time you need for phone or office appointment)
Phone: 940.565.4984 (office) / 940.565.2276 (Political Science) / 940.597.4802 (cell)
2305.003 M/W/F – 8:00-8:50 am – 255 ESSC / 2305.004 Class: M/W/F – 9:00–9:50 am – 255 ESSC
Please always include your section number on all correspondence because there are 2 sections of same course!

Personnel: You have a plethora of UNT personnel to help you succeed in this course. Take advantage of it! The TAs and
the SIs are your first line of defense in this course! They help with everything! KNOW WHO THEY ARE.

Teaching Assistants (TA): You are assigned a TA depending on your section (where you sit in the class). TAs are critical
for your success and help you with grade issues, class policies and procedures, and substantive material about the course.
If you have a question, comment, or concern regarding the course and any course material, CONTACT YOUR
ASSIGNED TA FIRST. If you do not hear back within 48 hours, send a second message and include me so I can
follow-up. Listed below are the office hours and information for TAs.

2305.003-Tyler Burggren - Students last name A-K

tylerburggren@my.unt.edu 2305.004-Seyma Akyol- Students last name A-G
Office Hours: Tu 9am-12pm / Th 10am-12pm seymaakyol@my.unt.edu

Office Phone: 565-4803 Office Hours: Th: 9 am-11 am & F: 10 am- 1 pm

Office: Wooten 132 Office phone: 565-2325

Office: 173A
2305.003-Adil Ceylan - Students last name L-Z
adilceylan@my.unt.edu 2305.004-Kim Taekbin- Students last name H-M

Office Hours: Tu 12-2pm / W 10am -1 pm taekbinkim@my.unt.edu

Office Phone: 369 -8733 Office Hours: M: 1pm-4pm W: 1pm-3pm

Office: Wooten 111 Office Phone: 369 -8733

Office: Wooten 111

2305.004-Kyle Allen- Students last name N-Z

kyleallen@my.unt.edu
Office Hours: W: 3-5pm Th: 12-2pm
Office Phone: 565-2276 (PSCI Office/no direct) Office: Wooten 161

Supplemental Instructor (SI): The Supplemental Instructor (SI) holds review sessions to assist students with
synthesizing course material. Review sessions are held during times when most students can meet. SIs help
with curriculum related issues, but s/he cannot help you with your class grades or policies. Please note there are
different SIs because we have 2 sections of government. You probably will want to attend the SI review
sessions for your section, but you can attend any of the sessions scheduled by either SI.

SI 2305.003 - Wyatt Covarrubias: wyattcovarrubias@my.unt.edu

Donovan Street: donovanstreet@my.unt.edu
SI 2305.004 - Jane Thomas: janethomas@my.unt.edu
Donovan Street: donovanstreet@my.unt.edu

Required Reading Materials:

1) REVEL Government in America 17e+ Gibson, Texas Politics, 10e by George C. Edwards, III, Martin P. Wattenberg,
and William G. Howell (hereinafter CTB-Custom Textbook). Please be aware there are two textbooks packed
into one in REVEL online text only (it keeps costs lower). You will be assigned chapters in BOTH (American
Government Edwards et al. and Texas Government-Gibson et al.). When you purchase REVEL you will be
buying the electronic version and not the printed one. Note: Should you decide to take my 2306 class Spring 2018,
this will be the same book & your eBook purchase will be good for 12 months. Access code available through
Blackboard or the bookstore. THERE IS ONLY AN ONLINE VERSION. The second day in class (Weds. Aug.
30, 1st week of classes) we will go over how to purchase the book and how to place it directly in Blackboard if
you want to wait to do it that day. Bring your credit card to class along with a laptop or tablet to purchase it (I
will have 2 of my laptops in class for those that do not have theirs. You can also check out laptops (see below).

2) (Soomo) PSCI 2305 Workbook: Process and Policies, Matthew Eshbaugh-Soha (editor) (hereinafter WB—
Workbook). Available only in eBook (electronic format) through Blackboard or the bookstore.

3) Texas Tribune-free and available through the UNT Libraries www.unt.edu/library. Links about current events will be
sent to your my.unt.edu address Monday-Friday during regular school session (except school holidays, Reading Day,
and finals week). All quizzes and dates for material are included on the

If you are a student awaiting financial aid, you may obtain a free trial to access the Pearson Custom Textbook and
workbook for the first 2 weeks. The Soomo Workbook has a three week trial period. Please see the instructions on
Blackboard the first day of class. Note: ALL students must complete the assignments due as assigned on the syllabus even
if you are awaiting financial aid. If your financial aid is going to take more than 2 weeks, see your T.A. with
documentation saying it is delayed and s/he will make arrangements for assignments that will continue to be due.
If you are a military veteran, please speak with Dr. King about the cost of the required course material & supplemental
support before you purchase ANY books.

4) On the Web: Blackboard. All materials for the class are online in three units that “appear” as we move through the
semester. You must call the Student Help Desk FIRST if you are having computer or technology issues (e.g.
having trouble with email, taking quizzes, etc.). The desk contacts me if multiple students are having the same
problem. Always have the desk fill out a “remedy ticket” so we can trace your call in the system. We must have a
remedy ticket number!

UIT Helpdesk—Phone: (940) 565-2324--Mon.-Th. 8am-12 am; Fri. 8am-8am; Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 1pm-12 am
In person: Sage Hall (Rm. 130)–Mon.-Fri. 8 am-8 pm (closed weekends); Email: helpdesk@unt.edu or go to
www.unt.edu/helpdesk/. Remember that ALL emails from http://learn.unt.edu now GO DIRECTLY TO your
my.unt.edu email (Eagle Connect http://eagleconnect.unt.edu).

5) Required Hardware: To encourage engagement with the material, I require students to answer questions throughout
class and use iClicker REEF Polling to obtain student responses (free to UNT students). This responseware allows you to
select answers from your device as I ask them in class (we refer to this as “clicking in”).

Because iCLICKER REEF is flexible across devices, you may participate by choosing one of the two options below:
1. iCLICKER REEF app: You may use your own smartphone or tablet by downloading the app available for iOS
and Android
2. iClicker REEF website – iclicker.com – for browser-based use

How to create an account and join a class polling session:

1. Download “iClicker REEF Polling by i>clicker” or now known as “iClicker Reef (formerly REEF Polling)” in the
app store. If you do not have a device compatible with the app, you may also use a laptop computer and participate
in class polling sessions online at https://app.reef-education.com/#/login.
2. You must create a new account. Click the “Don’t have an account? Sign up!” You will first be prompted to select
an institution. Search and select “University of North Texas.” Then fill out your account information.
3. Once you’ve signed in with your new account information, you will need to add this course to your list of courses
by clicking the “+” (plus sign). Once again, search and select “University of North Texas.” Then search “King.”
Add your course and section. Make sure you choose the correct session!

What to do if you don’t have a phone, tablet, laptop or other device to login to iClicker REEF Polling:
1. You can rent laptops at the following locations:
a. Willis Library: 24 Commons, First Floor (MacBook or Dell)
b. Discovery Park: Library Service Desk, Room B112 (Dell only)
c. Eagle Commons Library: Library Service Desk, First Floor (Dell only)
Connecting via WiFi in UNT classrooms is highly recommended. Note: sometimes students get better responsiveness if
they: 1) put their phone in “Airplane Mode”; and then 2) turn WiFi back on leaving it in airplane mode. You can find a
visual display illustrating how to create an account and join on session on Blackboard. For any questions regarding
iClicker REEF, please see your TA first.

Your responses are graded based on a combination of attempting a grade and getting at least half or more of the questions
correct. To receive credit for participating and additional credit for answering correctly you must be present in the room.
There are “fake” answers that may appear to trick “trolls” (those that try to log in from a remote locations). YOU MUST
BE IN CLASS TO GET CREDIT. Do not troll the class or you will be subject to having your grade lowered. Better to just
miss credit for the iClicker REEF questions than to try to “troll” where your entire iClicker REEF grade may be lowered
to a “0”!

Even if you miss some questions you can still receive credit, and likewise being late or missing classes occasionally will
not impair your grade substantially. It is systematically missing that will ultimately cause your grade to drop. If you come
late or do not have your device (tablet, laptop, cellphone) to click in, you may sign in after class. There is no makeup for
missed questions (do more extra credit), but I will cut you slack if you have regular attendance. If you have extenuating
circumstances, please notify your T.A. as soon as possible so that we may work together to ensure your success.

Academic Integrity: *Please note that the misuse of iClicker REEF will be considered a violation of student conduct and
will be treated as cheating. For this class, iClicker REEF is to be used as a learning tool by you in the classroom. Misuse
would include submitting answers for a friend who is not in attendance in class, submitting answers when you are absent,
having someone else submit answers for you when you are absent, or any other use of iClicker REEF by which you are
not submitting your own work in class.

Course evaluation: Scale & Percentages A=90+; B=8089.9; C=7079.9; D=60.969 F=0-59.9
1) 3 closed book computerized multiple choice exams = 60% (20% each exam) exams are not cumulative
Due: (Week 5, Week 10, Week 16).

2) Workbook Assignments = 10% (8 chapters, all assignments in every chapter)

Due: At 11:59 pm on the Friday for the week it is assigned

3) Policy perspectives: Sanctuary Cities: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em = 5%

Due at 11:59 pm on the Friday for the week it is assigned.

4) Texas Tribune quizzes = 10% (5 quizzes @ 2% each-all open book & online-always)
Due: At 11:59 pm on the Friday for the week it is assigned

5) Completion of In-Class iClicker REEF Exercises = 15% (15 weeks @ 1% each week, during class only)
Due: Daily from class lecture
Too often students wait until the end of the semester to speak to someone about their grades and how poorly they are
doing in class. THE FIRST TIME YOU RECEIVE AN UNSATISFACTORY OR INCORRECT GRADE, SEEK
HELP! Waiting until the end of the term is TOO LATE! It becomes difficult to improve your class average once 75%+
of the work has done. No matter what is going on in your life, get help. Under no circumstances is it ever appropriate to
beg a professor at the end of the semester to just “change your grade”—it is unfair to other students similarly situated.

Objectives: This class examines the behavior of political actors and organizations, and examines the impact of political
behavior on American democracy. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
( Identify and analyze data about political behavior and different political phenomena.
( Provide critiques about non-scientific and scientific methods of public opinion measurement.
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about the role of interest groups in American political behavior
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about the role of political parties in American political behavior
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about linkages between American political participation and voting behavior
( Understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.
( Describe the role of the three branches of government in the development of foreign policy.
( Identify the responsibilities of the President and Congress in the development of foreign policy.
( Identify and explain the functions of national and international institutions dealing with development of foreign policy.
( Identify and explain the role of government and nongovernment international organizations on foreign policy.
( Identify positions and critique current U.S. foreign and economic policy.
( Analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems.
( Recognize the stages of the policy making process.
( Examine various domestic policy issues and discuss their various strengths and weaknesses.
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about the role and effects of media on political behavior.
( Identify and differentiate between the range of media available, and the impact it has on society.
( To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse perspectives.
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about the effects of public opinion on political behavior.
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about political socialization.
( Understand and demonstrate knowledge about political ideology.
( Identify and differentiate between various ideological beliefs.

Course Policies:
First, the teaching philosophy of this class relies on a “taxpayer theory” of education. You should take full advantage of
the democracy you paid for with your tuition dollars. As a member of the community, you have rights and responsibilities,
and there are policies in place to help with the smooth functioning of government (this class). You have the right of
redress and of assistance if you have issues with the course. You should learn to help yourself, recognizing that you are
part of the community and culture of the course. All materials are designed to encourage student engagement and to
develop an “active citizenry”. Materials (including all my notes) are copyrighted and available on-line. No one is
authorized to sell, distribute, or otherwise make available any course products for economic benefit. Besides I have found
that the notes they sell you on-line suck, and students pay lots of money for materials which are inaccurate and cause
students to do poorly on exams. DO NOT PAY FOR THOSE! They are like burning money.

Second, if you have unique learning needs or are physically challenged, every attempt is made to provide reasonable
accommodations. You should see me by the end of the first week of class so we can make appropriate arrangements. This
class operates in accordance with the Office of Disability requirements at the University of North Texas and pursuant to
the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). All our textbooks are ODA accessible, and see your T.A. if you would like us
to work with you on getting things set up.

Third, please consult and sign the policy regarding academic honesty (last page). Having other students do your work,
collaborating on quizzes, clicking in for others, are grounds for punitive actions. Please consult UNT’s policy. Watch the
following this video if you are unsure about constitutes plagiarism.

Fourth, the schedule below outlines the topics, readings, and assignments. All material must be completed by the date
assigned. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT MATERIALS BECAUSE TECHNOLOGY
WILL MESS WITH YOU!! You must read for iClicker REEF questions over class material. Even if there is no
assigned reading or assignments on a given day, you are expected to attend class MWF unless directed otherwise.

Fifth, class size necessitates several "do not disturb policies". If you bring food or drink to class with you, dispose of it
properly—do not make a mess for your classmates. If you are late or leave early, please do not disturb others. You cannot
make up missed iClicker REEF questions, but missing a few tends not to matter—there are so many. It is systematically
missing that harms your grade. You must silence and remove all devices – including headphones. Students who have
complaints about others' disruptive behavior should first talk to the classmate who is disruptive and then see a TA or
myself. The potential sanctions for disruption include moving you to a different seat, asking you to leave for the day,
dropping you from the class, or giving you an "F" for the course for repeat disruptions. Any student creating a material
and substantial disruption will be asked to leave the class.

Sixth, students are encouraged to use laptop computers during lectures, and notes are posted online for each chapter (be
sure the sound is muted). We also use “Panopto” lecture capture so lectures are taped and linked to notes. I do NOT
guarantee that it will work all the time-your best defense is to be in class for lectures. Audio lectures are online under the
Panopto folder—so if you miss class, be sure to hear what you missed.

Seventh, I offer opportunities for extra credit. Lectures on campus, television programs, films, debates, and presidential
or legislative addresses are all possibilities and vary by semester. Extra credit is announced in class or on email, and may
be posted on Blackboard. There are "expiration dates" for the extra credit, so turn it in by the due date and according to
instructions. I reserve the right to refuse extra credit if you miss the class when it was assigned. There is an extra credit
calculator on blackboard, and all points are added to your Final Exam grade. Please make a copy of ALL extra credit
assignments before sending it on Blackboard.

Eighth, this course relies heavily on technology using it every day in class and assignments/readings/exams on
Blackboard (you need your EUID and password). Messages are only sent to your my.unt.edu account, so be sure you can
access the online materials at least every two days. I cannot send confidential materials to outside emails for privacy
reasons. If you are having troubles with computer access, you must contact the UNT Helpdesk. If you are having
problems with a personal computer, you may have to go to a lab or university computer facility and someone there can
assist you. I endeavor to keep you posted online about technology issues so check email and the Blackboard discussion
forum “Help with class”. I reserve the authority to change assignments if there are technological glitches.

Ninth, the University may cancel classes for emergency reasons. If classes are canceled, and there is something scheduled
for that class day, the work will be due on the next regular class day we are scheduled to meet.
Tenth, while I do not have an attendance policy, I keep track of attendance as a back up to iClicker REEF in case
technology fails us. The first week of class scope out where you would like to sit and stake out your claim. We will send
around a sign-up sheet and that will be your assigned seat for the semester. Persons at the end of the semester who are
“borderline” in their grades will get the benefit of the doubt if they have extra credit and good attendance. You must sign
in by the time the attendance sheet is sent. It is only if clickers fail that we will let you sign in late.

Eleventh (will these never end?) You can only take one make up exam (2-3 essay questions) if you have the absence
approved by contacting your TA. Early exams are not available until 3 pm the day before the exam (dates listed below).
All approved makeups are during the last week of classes in room 125 Wooten (see below). Bring photo identification,
approval to take the makeup, documentation for the absence, and a pencil/pen.

Finally, this syllabus is not a contract, and I reserve the authority to change requirements by providing you with sufficient
notice of changes in class and on Blackboard.

Exams: There are 3, closed book exams that are 100% multiple choice with 50 questions (using the entire class period).
Exams are non-cumulative focusing on specific topics and reading assignments for each unit. I do not do review sessions,
pay attention to the “I care you know” in class lectures. Exam questions are approximately 75%-80% class lecture/power
point slides & iClicker REEF materials; 5-10% workbook; 5-10% exclusively from textbook (I may not have covered the
topic in class), and 5-10% Texas Tribune questions for the dates covered in each of the three units. Your exams will be
taken in both the classroom and in C330 Sage Hall Testing Center. We will go over the procedures for exams in class.
Importantly, if you do NOT have a device (tablet or laptop) to take the exams, see your T.A. the first day of class. We
will need to arrange for you to have a device for the exam. You need your student ID to gain access into all UNT
computer labs.

There are different versions of the exams and questions are randomized online to protect exam integrity. At the
completion of your exam, your grade is sent immediately through Blackboard and uploaded to gradebook. You are
required to bring and show identification upon request. Failure to do so can result in a failing grade. You get a receipt
after each exam to “prove” you were there. You must save those until your final grade is entered for the course.

iClicker REEF Daily in-class questions and polls (“Clicking In”): This course relies on student response ware through
iClicker REEF to encourage dynamic interaction during class. The first clicker question is within the first 5 minutes of
class and the last one during the closing segment. Your grade is a percentage of times you “click” in, and if you get the
questions right. If you snooze, you lose. There is a margin of error of about 10 percent on the number of clicks (we
assume you will miss no more than 20 percent of the questions on any given day). After that your grade begins to suffer.
If you have set up the iClicker REEF the first week of school, I will give extra credit points. I begin counting clicker
points the second week.

The Texas Tribune: Our political system is intertwined with domestic and international events, and you must read The
Texas Tribune (free online) to provide you with a Texas perspective on state and national politics. Exam and quiz
questions are drawn from links which will be sent to your my.unt.edu email address which the TAs and I will send to you
every morning (Monday-Friday). There are no links sent on weekends or school breaks (Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, spring break, Reading Day, or finals week). Links will ONLY be sent to your
my.unt.edu address and you are responsible for checking that email address every day Monday-Friday. That is the ONLY
email address I will send to, and if you forward your email on to some other server, and that server fails you are still
responsible for the material.

The links you receive will have a list of questions (hints) about the material that you will read. If you can answer all of
the questions for the link, you will be in GREAT shape for the Texas Tribune questions on all quizzes and exams. These
“hints” are questions to help you think about the most important components of the material. Do not send me answers to
the questions (hints), just use them to study. If you can answer the questions you should do well on exams and quizzes.
Approximately 4-7 Texas Tribune questions appear on each exam, along with 5 online quizzes (10 multiple choice
questions per quiz). Quizzes appear on Blackboard under the ‘Quizzes & Exams” tab the Friday for quiz dates listed
below. You complete 10 questions with two attempts per quiz in 15 minutes (8 am-11:59 pm).

Important dates to remember:

Monday, August 28: Classes begin; Monday, Sept. 4 – Labor Day – no classes
Monday, November 6: Last day to drop a class with either a W or WF
Wednesday, November 23-Friday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Break (no classes; university closed)
Friday, December 8: Reading Day (no classes)
Saturday, December 9-Friday, December 15: Finals week
Friday, December 15: Term ends
CTB=Custom Textbook (either Edwards et al. American Government or Gibson et al. Texas Government)
WB=Soomo Workbook
M/Tu/W/Th/F refer to days of the week
XC refers to Extra Credit Opportunity

All readings should be read by the Monday of the week for which it is assigned. That way you can answer
questions all week. We may fall behind occasionally, but if you have read in advance you will be all caught up.

Week 1 Aug. 28 - Sept. 1

Lecture: All Politics All the Time: Course Requirements, Expectations, & Policies
Reading:
Syllabus & Blackboard requirements
Assignment:
Access course materials-http://learn.unt.edu (Blackboard Tutorial if needed)
Create an account with iClicker REEF (XC if you participate 1st week!)
W- XC: Fill out information sheet (end of syllabus) – submit online through Blackboard
F-Access Texas Tribune on-line. I begin sending links today!

Week 2 Sept. 4 – Sept. 8 [Labor Day Monday, Sept. 4: No classes!]

Lecture: Whatcha thinking?
Reading:

CTB American Government Chp. 1 Introducing Government in America

CTB Texas Government Chp. 1 The Social and Economic Environment of Texas Politics
Assignment:
W - Seating assignments made-sit where you are the most comfortable because it is your assigned seat for the semester!!!
W- XC: PSCI Pre-Exam assessment-under “Exams” folder.
F – Texas Tribune quiz # 1 (on-line 10 questions) covers Fri Sept. 1 – Thur Sept. 7. Due online by 11:59 pm on
Blackboard.
F-XC : PSCI Pre-Exam assessment due online by 11:59 pm on Blackboard.

Week 3 Sept. 11 - 15
Lecture: Mobilization of the Masses
Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 6 Public Opinion and Political Action
CTB Texas Government Chp. 9 Political Socialization, Political Behavior, and Public Opinion
WB Chp. 1, Public Opinion
Assignment:
Th - Sept. 14 Constitution Day! 11am-12:15pm-Lyceum – Lecture also available library.unt.edu.
Constitution Day Perspective-Sanctuary Cities-Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em
Texas House Representative Lynn Stucky (R-Denton) and Texas House Representative Ramon Romero (D-Ft. Worth)
Debate SB 4. Lecture will be taped and put online for your assignments. Space is limited in the Lyceum! First come, first
served.
F - WB Chp. 1-WB assignment #1 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.

Week 4 Sept. 18 - 22

Lecture: The Fourth Estate

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 7 The Mass Media and the Political Agenda &
CTB Texas Government Chp. 12 The Mass Media in Texas
WB Chp. 3, The Mass Media
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 3-WB assignment #2 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.
F – Texas Tribune quiz #2 (on-line 10 questions) covers Fri Sept. 8 – Thur Sept. 21. Due online by 11:59 pm on
Blackboard.
Week 5 Sept. 25 – 29

Lecture: Remember the Alamo (almost)!!!

Review for exam! Class still meets MW!
F- UNIT I EXAM-YOU can only take your exam from 7:45 am – 10:00 am in 255 ESSC. Both sections can come in
as early as they want.
You will need a laptop (fully charged, I cannot guarantee access to an outlet). If you do not have a laptop, sign up to check
out a laptop.
What to do if you don’t have a tablet or laptop, you can check out laptops at the following locations:
a. Willis Library: 24 Commons, First Floor (MacBook or Dell)
b. Discovery Park: Library Service Desk, Room B112 (Dell only)
c. Eagle Commons Library: Library Service Desk, First Floor (Dell only)
d. See your TA the 1st week of class to request a laptop. See your TA & plan accordingly.
e. You can take the “old school” paper & pencil exam, but you cannot get your grade back for 5-7 business days.
Covers all American and Texas Government Chapters in Unit I
Also includes questions from Texas Tribune Fri. Sept. 22 – Thur. Sept. 28

Week 6 Oct. 2 - 6

Lecture: Don’t stop the party (all apologies Pitbull)

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 8 Political Parties
CTB Texas Government Chp. 10 The Party System in Texas
WB Chp. 5, Political Parties
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 5-WB assignment #3 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.
F- Policy perspectives: Sanctuary Cities: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em - Assignment #1 due by 11:59pm on Blackboard.

Week 7 Oct. 9 - 13

Lecture: The Paradox of Faction

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 10 Interest Groups
CTB Texas Government Chp. 13 Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas
WB, Chp. 4, Interest Groups
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 4-WB assignment #4 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.
F –Watch videos in class
F – Texas Tribune quiz #3 (on-line 10 questions) covers Fri. Sept. 29-Thurs. Oct. 12. Due online by 11:59 pm on
Blackboard.

Week 8 Oct. 16 - 20

Lecture: The system is rigged!

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 9 Campaigns & Voting Behavior
CTB Texas Government Chp. 11 Elections, Campaigns and Political Behavior in Texas
WB Chp. 6 Campaigns and Elections
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 6-WB assignment #5 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.

Week 9 Oct. 23 - 27
Lecture: Voting the rascals out?
Reading:
WB Chp. 2-Political Participation
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 2-WB assignment #6 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.

Week 10 Oct. 30 – Nov. 3

Lecture: Getting elected: Getting’ er dun!

Review for exam! Class still meets MW!
F-UNIT II EXAM-All chapters Unit II - YOU MUST TAKE YOUR EXAM IN C330 SAGE TESTING
CENTER 7:45 am – 10:30 am. PSCI 2305.003 has priority from 7:45-8:50 & 2305.005 has priority 8:50-
10:30.
Covers all American and Texas Government Chapters in Unit II
Also includes questions from Texas Tribune Fri. Oct. 13 – Thur. Nov. 2

Week 11 Nov. 6 - 10

Lecture: Beyond the Great Society

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 16 Economic and Social Welfare Policymaking
CTB Texas Government Chp. 14 Contemporary Public Policy Issues in Texas
WB Chp. 7, Domestic Policy
Assignment:
F - WB Chp. 7-WB assignment #7 due online by 11:59 pm. Do all questions in the chapter.
F – Texas Tribune quiz #4 (on-line 10 questions) covers Fri. Nov. 3 - Thurs. Nov. 9. Due online by 11:59 pm on
Blackboard.

Week 12 Nov. 13 - 17

Lecture: Money talks

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 17 Policymaking for Health Care, the Environment, and Energy

Week 13 Nov. 20 -24 [Nov. 24 – 27 Thanksgiving Break – No Class on Wednesday or Friday

Lecture: We don’t want you any more

Reading:
CTB American Government Chp. 18, National Security Policymaking
Assignment:
NONE !!! Go eat Turkey & hang with your family !

Week 14 Nov. 27 – Dec. 1

Lecture: USA out of everywhere?

Reading:
WB Chp 8, Foreign Policy
Assignment :
F - WB Chp. 8-WB assignment #8 due online by 11:59 pm on Blackboard. Do all questions in the chapter.
F – Texas Tribune quiz #5 (on-line 10 questions) covers Fri. Nov. 10-Thurs. Nov. 30. Due online by 11:59 pm on
Blackboard.
F - All XC Due! NOT ACCEPTED DEAD WEEK!!!

Week 15 Dec. 4 – 8 [Friday, Dec. 8 is Reading Day –Dead Week]

Lecture: The Texas Way: Low Services, Low Taxes

Assignment:
W-Student Evaluations
Class meets MW, not F (Friday is Reading Day & no Texas Tribune articles assigned !)

Week 16 Dec. 11 - 14 FINALS!!

UNIT III EXAM-YOU can only take your exam from 7:45 am – 10:00 am in 255 ESSC on your assigned days.
2305.003-Mon. Dec. 11 8-10am – 255 ESSC
2305.004-Weds. Dec. 13 8-10am – 255 ESSC
You will need a laptop (fully charged, I cannot guarantee access to an outlet). If you do not have a laptop, sign up to check
out a laptop.
What to do if you don’t have a tablet or laptop, you can check out laptops at the following locations:
a. Willis Library: 24 Commons, First Floor (MacBook or Dell)
b. Discovery Park: Library Service Desk, Room B112 (Dell only)
c. Eagle Commons Library: Library Service Desk, First Floor (Dell only)
d. See your TA the 1st week of class to request a laptop. See your TA & plan accordingly.
e. You can take the “old school” paper & pencil exam, but you cannot get your grade back for 5-7
business days.
Covers all American and Texas Government Chapters in Unit III.
Also includes questions from Texas Tribune Fri. Dec. 1 – Thur. Dec. 7

Finals scheduled in accordance with University Policy. You must have Dean’s permission to take exams early (deadline
Dec. 2 for approval)

http://registrar.unt.edu/exams/final-exam-schedule/fall
 University of North Texas-ADA, Plagiarism Compliance (Fall 2017)

Name:Matthew Perez email account: matthew.perez.omicron@iblamar.org

College Phone: ( 956)-225-3889 Home Phone: ( 956)-343-8058
Gender: __X_Male ___ Female Date of Birth ____
Year in school: Freshman Transfer? NO (if so, which school):
Major: Mechanical Engineering Technology Minor: Music
Have you ever taken a class from Dr. King before? NO
1) What is the first political experience you remember?

2) Why do you think some people are “turned off” by politics?

Please circle answers to the following questions.

3) How interested are YOU in politics?

Not at all interested Indifferent Somewhat interested Very interested

4) How frequently were political issues & politics discussed when you were growing up?

Never Sometimes Frequently

This certifies that I have read the syllabus and understand the requirements for the course. I also understand the Policy on
Cheating and Plagiarism. I agree to abide by academic honesty outlined by the Center for Student Rights &
Responsibilities www.unt.edu/csrr/ and have read the material about my rights and the sanctions that can be imposed if I
violate the student code of conduct. I verify that all work done in this class will be my own, that I will cite or quote
sources when I draw from other authors' material, and that I will present only accurate and truthful information to the
professor and the teaching assistants. Furthermore I understand that violating the policy will result in an automatic "F" for
the course and referral to the Dean of Students for disciplinary proceedings and dismissal.

Signature: Matthew Perez_________ Date:_8/28/17________________

Printed Name: ______________________________________ EUID:________________

Scan & submit on Blackboard under “Extra Credit” folder first week of class
 Department Statement of ADA compliance
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students
seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility.
If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a
private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however,
ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in
implementation.

Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty
member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation
You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.

University of North Texas -- Department of Political Science

POLICY ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
The UNT Code of Student Conduct and Discipline defines cheating and plagiarism as the use of unauthorized books,
notes, or otherwise securing help in a exam; copying others' exams, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the
work of another as one's own; collaborating without authority with another student during an examination or in preparing
academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty.

Normally, the minimum penalty for cheating or plagiarism is a grade of "F" in the course. In the case of graduate
departmental exams, the minimum penalty shall be failure of all fields of the exam. Determination of cheating or
plagiarism shall be made by the instructor in the course, or by the field faculty in the case of departmental exams.

The misuse of iClicker REEF will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will be treated as
cheating. For this class, iClicker REEF is to be used as a learning tool by you in the classroom. Misuse would
include submitting answers for a friend who is not in attendance in class, submitting answers when you are
absent, having someone else submit answers for you when you are absent, or any other use of iClicker REEF by
which you are not submitting your own work in class.

Cases of cheating or plagiarism on graduate departmental exams, theses, or dissertations shall automatically be referred to
the departmental Graduate Studies Committee. Cases of cheating or plagiarism in ordinary coursework may, at the
discretion of the instructor, be referred to the Undergraduate Studies Committee in the case of undergraduate students, or
the Graduate Studies Committee in the case of graduate students. These committees, acting as agents of the department
Chair, shall impose further penalties, or recommend further penalties to the Dean of Students, if they determine that the
case warrants it. In all cases, the Dean of Students shall be informed in writing of the case.

Students may appeal any decision under this policy by following the procedures laid down in the Code of Student
Conduct.

University of North Texas -- Department of Political Science

POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The Political Science Department adheres to and enforces UNT’s policy on academic integrity (cheating, plagiarism,
forgery, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and sabotage). Students in this class should review the policy (UNT
Policy Manual Section 18.1.16), which may be located at Violations of academic integrity in this course will addressed in
compliance with the penalties and procedures laid out in this policy. Students may appeal any decision under this policy
by following the procedures laid down in the UNT “Student Standards of Academic Integrity

Acceptable Student Behavior:

Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is
unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in
unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for
Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The
university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic
classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc.
Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, & Assault:
UNT is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including
sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or
experiences any of these acts of aggression, please know that you are not alone. The federal Title IX law makes it clear
that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses. UNT has staff members trained to
support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing
accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.

UNT’s Dean of Students’ website offers a range of on-campus and off-campus resources to help support survivors,
depending on their unique needs: http://deanofstudents.unt.edu/resources_0. Renee LeClaire McNamara is UNT’s
Student Advocate and she can be reached through e-mail at SurvivorAdvocate@unt.edu or by calling the Dean of
Students’ office at 940-565-2648. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Incomplete (I) Information for Federal/State Laws:

Instructors may receive requests for Incompletes (I) at any time during the semester from the Dean of Students office,
Title IX Coordinator, or Survivor Advocate due to circumstances regarding Title IX (Including Pregnancy & Parenting),
the Americans with Disabilities Act or Active Duty Military, in order to comply with interim measures as required by
federal and state laws. When the instructor is contacted by one of these departmental officials, all efforts should be made
to grant the incomplete to the student, and the appropriate documents should be completed by instructor for grading. The
instructor will determine how the course will be completed within the one year allotment (i.e. complete remaining course
work or retake the course). It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor and meet the expectations as
outlined by the instructor to ensure completion of the course within the one year allotment. If the student does not
complete the required work by the stipulated deadline (not to exceed one year), then the grade of I will default to an F (or
other grade as specified by the instructor).