PLSC 305: The National Executive

Spring, 2003

Dr. Timothy S. Boylan

Course Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 a.m.

Office: 326 Bancroft; Office Phone: 323-4664; email: boylant@winthrop.edu

Office Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00, 2:00-3:00, and by appointment,

Overview of the Course

This course will survey and evaluate the history, development and present-day position of the American presidency. We will accomplish these tasks by examining the following five themes related to the study of the presidency and the executive branch of government:

· Leadership. The textbook for this course uses leadership as its central, organizing theme. We will note that while the term leadership has become synonymous with the presidency, some presidents have led better than others over time. In fact, some have evolved into great leaders, while others have scarcely led at all.

· Selection. We must recognize that the way in which we go about selecting a president influences the kind of individual that aspires to the office and succeeds in his pursuit of it. Given the outcome of the 2000 elections, our Constitution and our electoral rules will need to be closely examined and evaluated.

· Power and Accountability. We will note than the presidency has gained significant power over the past 200 years, but that power is neither complete nor unfettered. The executive branch must compete with other power centers in the political system, and each of those centers of power hold the others accountable for their actions and decisions.

· Decision-Making. While the presidency is vested with certain powers and presidents are elected to perform a variety of functions, we elect presidents to make decisions. Knowing the dynamics of the decision-making process may help us understand some of the great successes and failures in presidential decision-making.

· Personality. The presidency is not just the office, but also the person who occupies it. We will consider how the personalities of various presidents have shaped the office, and make some guesses about which personality traits (and types) may be best suited for the requirements and demands of the office.

Evaluation

This course is intended to engage your abilities at several different levels. Your evaluation in this course will hopefully reflect your being taught, challenged, and tested at each of these levels.

Three Mid-term Examinations (100 points each) There will be three mid-semester exams in this course. Essay questions will draw on your knowledge and understanding of key persons, concepts and controversies drawn from your readings and class discussion. You should expect questions that ask you to evaluate the thematic issues identified on the first page of the syllabus.

A Combined Take-Home/ In-Class Final Exam (150 points) Rather than assigning a traditional term paper, you will be asked to answer a few comprehensive questions in a take-home format that will be combined with the final exam.

Attendance and Participation (50 points) I hope to make our time together in the classroom a format for study that will enhance your thinking, participation, and exam preparation. This portion of your grade will be based on attendance and participation. Everyone-- especially in a class of this size-- is expected to attend class regularly and involve themselves in the activity of the class. You need to come prepared. This means having the week’s assignment carefully read beforehand. Political science is an area of study where position-taking and controversy are unavoidable. Therefore, a spirit in which the free exercise of thoughts, questions, and opinions is sought after will be welcome in this class. Such an exchange is as important to your intellectual growth as writing essays

Grading. Your final grade will be based on the total points you earn for the semester. If there are no changes in this syllabus, there will be a total of 500 points.

A = 450 - 500 points

B = 400 - 449 points

C = 350 - 399 points

D = 300 - 349 points

Required Reading Material

There is one required text for this course. It is available at the campus bookstore and from Books That Matter:

George C. Edwards III and Stephen J. Wayne. Presidential Leadership. 6^th Edition. Thomson, Wadsworth. 2003.

The “N” Grade Issue

The deadline for drop/add this semester is Tuesday, February 18. Since our first exam is scheduled for February 6, I will allow students to drop the course with a grade of “N” until the designated day. After that date no student who does not have a “C” or better average will be allowed to drop the course with an “N” grade.

Attendance Policy

Attendance and participation are key elements of this course, and constitute a large part of the final grade evaluation. I permit four (4) absences in a Tues/Thurs class format without penalty, and do not permit more than six (6). More than six absences, which would constitute three full weeks of class time, will be grounds for failing the course. I do understand that you have life commitments other than your academic pursuits, but regular attendance and participation are “musts” for doing well in this course.

Academic Dishonesty

Winthrop University takes an extremely serious view of violations of academic integrity. My in-class policy is one of zero tolerance for any form of academic dishonesty. In short, this means that a proven instance of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the course, and not solely for the assignment or exam in question. I will discuss this in detail during the first weeks of classes. However, it is your responsibility to talk with me if you have any questions about research, citations, internet use, or paper composition. Such a discussion must take place before you submit a paper or sit for an exam.

Office Hours and Instructor Availability

Some of you will find this subject rather easy; others of you will find it equally difficult. No matter which of those descriptions fits you, my purpose is to help you learn. If you have a problem or question, please do not hesitate to seek me out. My office is at 326 Bancroft and the campus phone is 323-4664. Regular office hours are posted on the first page of this syllabus, and on the door of my office. Though my posted office hours are limited to Wednesdays, I am here throughout most of the day from Tuesday through Thursday. We can also talk after class. Do not let yourself fall hopelessly behind before talking to me!

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-2233, as soon as possible. Once you have your professor notification letter, please notify me so that I am aware of what specific accommodations need to be provided well before the first exam is given.

Tentative Schedule of Discussion and Assignments:

Part One: Chapters 1, 2, 3 Jan 16 – Feb 6

This section will introduce the course, cover the constitutional and historical development of the American presidency and will examine the nomination and election process.

Tentative date for Exam #1: February 6^th

Part Two: Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 Feb11 – Mar 6

These chapters will explore the scope and limits of presidential power, the structure and staffing of the Executive branch, and the dynamics of the decision-making process.

Tentative date for Exam #2: March 6^th

Part Three: Chapters 8, 10, 11 Mar 18 – Apr 8

This section will examine the somewhat controversial topic of presidential personality and psychology. Then, we will look at the Executive branch and its relationship with the coordinate branches of government: the Courts and Congress.

Tentative date for Exam #3: April 8^th

Part Four: Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15 Apr 10 – May 3

The final section of the course will survey how policy is made in the domestic, economic and foreign spheres. We will discuss the “Two Presidencies” theory and assess presidential power in the fields of military and defense leadership.

Final Exam: Thursday, May 1^st, 8:00 a.m.